I'm all about makin the 8 (Marilyn as I call her :D ) look good, but I want to make sure she's protected from all that grime and salt and crap that comes with winter. Can anyone attest to the protectant value of Zaino? How many coats for good protection? How often?

Zaino will protect as well as a wax as far as I know...
With salt you got to wash your baby constantly (underbody especially) regardless of the wax.
I've been using Zaino on my black cougar for 2 years, and I always get compliments on the paint. It kept it looking new... Never had an issue with protection.
You don't have to apply many coats, plus as far as I am aware you should only apply one coat a day (to let the coat completely dry). Which is still better than any regular wax that should only be applied once every 2 months (mostly for its abrasive properties).

MY .02 cents anyways

What's your suggestion for washing the underbody? I always handwash my baby, but you can't get the underside then. Those damn automatic car washes never offer just an underbody job either.

..whoa automatic car washes..avoid....!

Zaino is a polish, and apparently you car should only need a few coats of Z2 2-4 times a year. That I am still suspicious off, but so far Zaino has been doing a great job

My experience with Zaino is very un-scientific. Prior to the RX-8 I'd been a Meguiars user.

The difference I notice (besides the great shine) is that bugs, bird droppings and other crud comes right off with just a spritz of Z-6.

-Dave

Originally posted by FighterPilot
I'm all about makin the 8 (Marilyn as I call her :D ) look good, but I want to make sure she's protected from all that grime and salt and crap that comes with winter. Can anyone attest to the protectant value of Zaino? How many coats for good protection? How often?

There was a report (from gurureports.com) that was a VERY comprehensive test of all types of waxes. I purchased a copy back when I still had the 10AE, and was a Zaino user.

Zaino won EVERY test it was subjected to (against 48 other waxes and polishes), but the comments centered around how long it protected.

The test went for 7 or 8 weeks, and the metal that was polished or waxed was left outside (in the wintertime). After week 5, the Zaino was the only one still protecting! Week 7 was a loss, due to a huge winter storm, and at the end of the test, the Zaino was STILL protecting. In the story, the sidenote is that they were skeptical of all the "hype" as well, but now are "converts" like the rest of us.

You will not be disappointed..........

Originally posted by FighterPilot
I'm all about makin the 8 (Marilyn as I call her :D ) look good, but I want to make sure she's protected from all that grime and salt and crap that comes with winter. Can anyone attest to the protectant value of Zaino? How many coats for good protection? How often?

There was a report (from gurureports.com) that was a VERY comprehensive test of all types of waxes. I purchased a copy back when I still had the 10AE, and was a Zaino user.

Zaino won EVERY test it was subjected to (against 48 other waxes and polishes), but the comments centered around how long it protected.

The test went for 7 or 8 weeks, and the metal that was polished or waxed was left outside (in the wintertime). After week 5, the Zaino was the only one still protecting! Week 7 was a loss, due to a huge winter storm, and at the end of the test, the Zaino was STILL protecting. In the story, the sidenote is that they were skeptical of all the "hype" as well, but now are "converts" like the rest of us.

You will not be disappointed..........

The one thing Zaino, or any other wax / polish type product will not do, is protect you from getting paint chips.

For that type of protection, get a clear bra.

I think if water still beads you are protected. All else is vanity. Not that there's anything wrong with vanity :)

Originally posted by Nubo
I think if water still beads you are protected. All else is vanity. Not that there's anything wrong with vanity :)

NOT TRUE!!!

Nature has some really nasty chemicals. Water beading doesn't equate to paint protection.

Birds and bats can bomb your car and their droppings can do diabolical things depending of their recent diet. Salt air, acid rain ...

Originally posted by Kev
NOT TRUE!!!

Nature has some really nasty chemicals. Water beading doesn't equate to paint protection.

Birds and bats can bomb your car and their droppings can do diabolical things depending of their recent diet. Salt air, acid rain ...

I figured if water is beading then it's being held off from direct contact with the paint. Perhaps there are degrees of protection, meaning how long can you leave the birds*** before it starts eating through. The only times I've seen any detrimental effects was if I left it sit for weeks. Maybe my birds has a less potent diet since we moved north :)

I ended up with a horrible stain on the bonnet of a silver z3. Bird crap - one day :(

Birds crap... ewwww. I Zaino'd my car today. Very cool stuff. I think it will hold up fine.

BTW, nice icon Kev... Spectrum is Green!

Originally posted by MEGAREDS

BTW, nice icon Kev... Spectrum is Green!

Thanks!

I read that there was going to be a revival of captain scarlet with computer/console games and new series. I must admit I haven't followed up on the initial info.

Anyway, I think he's more a Captain Velocity Red :)

Nothing protects better. Has UV protection too :D
Crap is expensive though. I'm stuck using Z5 until i can order more Z2 LOL

Having Zaino is like having rain x on your windshield -- everything just rolls off. It definitely protects the paint. The fact that it's long lasting means that you only need it every 6-10 months, dep on how often you part out doors.

My '00 Miata has been egged -- twice. Both times the egg was on there long enough to dry on the paint. But the multiple coats of Zaino saved the paint and the egg washed right off. The only damage was from the egg shells impacting the car at high speed -- I have a few target-like concentric circles of tiny gouges in the paint from each egg hit. But the shine is (still) awesome!

Check it out (she's the second pic down): LA Zaino pix (http://www.lazaino.com/pictures.htm)

If you're in California you can order your Zaino right from that link as well.