Here's my input on Zaino -- used it the first time 3 weeks ago. I have a black RX8 so I started witht the Z5 because it alledges to hide swirls. Well, I have 3 coats on and it looks amazing and seems to adhere pretty well (i.e. washing with mild car washes or rain don't seem to remove it). I used ZFX (their "accelerator"), but because i never recoated in the same day, it was unnecessary. By the way, 3 coats took the entire bottle, but I suspect that I was applying it unnecessarily heavy.

I intend to seal it in with their "Z2" product... same size bottle as the Z5, so I expect three coats. I can ony handle 1 coat per weekend day because I do a 1 hour thorough wash, then a very thorough wax (every square millimeter). Whole process steals about 3 hours from my day, but then again I enjoy it and, frankly, I drink while I wax -- music helps as well.

Verdict on Zaino? I do approve. It seems to be great protection and comes off easier than wax. I do the whole car before I buff off. It's more work because it's layerable, but I like the notion of layers...... Another note: don't be concerned if it goes on kinda "greasy" with the first coat, subsequent coats go on easier. Be sure to start with a thoroughly degreased (and de-waxed) car -- use Dawn dish soap.

Go Zaino, but forget the ZFX unless you have incredible endurance and really intend to do multiple coats in the same day. Also, forget the Z5 (go straight to Z2) unless you have a dark car. The Z5 does look great, but it hasn't eliminated the "spider webbing" on my new black car. I look forward to the Z2 application (Z2 is allegedly the most optically true),

Originally posted by notdeafyet
By the way, 3 coats took the entire bottle, but I suspect that I was applying it unnecessarily heavy.

That is WAY too heavy. I have two bottles of Z5 and 2 bottles of Z2 (along with one bottle of Z6), and I have done my wife's Volvo (3 coats of Z5, 2 coats of Z2 - Z6 before every coat), my Miata (3 coats of Z5, 2 coats of Z2 - Z6 before every coat), and now my RX-8 (3 coats of Z2 with Z6 before every coat) and finished the 1st bottle of Z2 yesteday. Have not finished another bottle yet!

The makers of Zaino, and the last Wax test comparison, both say an ounce should do a Chevy Suburban. They got good results using it "regularly", but got OUTSTANDING results using it like "gold" (VERY sparingly).

Check out your reflection on a sunny day (say, of some trees or something with a lot of small details) - you should be able to make out the small details with crystal clarity (you will probably find yours is a bit "hazy").

I have been through all of this myself, it's just relearning how to use the product. Use it MUCH more sparingly, and you will be more pleased with the results.

Just my .02 worth.

this is good information, but none the less, shouldn't it be in the "show and shine" section?

-JiM

Originally posted by notdeafyet
. By the way, 3 coats took the entire bottle, but I suspect that I was applying it unnecessarily heavy.


WAAAAAAAY too heavy. I Just did 2 coats on my RX8 AND my wife's Acura with 2 ounces worth and I had some left over in mixing bottle to throw out.

Also, did you get the Z6 spary? I used it between coats and after the last coat, it adds a nice glossy finish and helps remove any leftover dust from the buffing.

Tpryor -- good advice, thanks. My car does exhibit some haze, however, it's 90 percent clear and any haze regions come off when you revisit them with the polishing cloth. It's NOT a threat to use too much Zaino, just a waste of money. I guess I've been too afraid of letting the applicator run dry...

Kuf -- you're just quoting the bottles, excellent to hear that you can read.

Originally posted by notdeafyet
Kuf -- you're just quoting the bottles, excellent to hear that you can read.

Uhh are you saying I didn't do 2 coats on 2 cars with 2 ounces? Or that I can follow directions?

Chill out. I was helping the guy that spend a crapload on the polish and used the whole bottle on 3 applications.

I also did 3 applications in under 2 ounces. Applying it that thin It's tough to see it on the paint as it's hazing, makes you want to apply it heavier than needed.