"Ultimate Zaino Thread"
06-11-2004, 10:21 AM
#1
Who is this Navy guy?
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Ultimate Zaino Thread"
Alright, let me start by saying I am NOT affiliated with Sal Zaino and the Zaino Bro's business. I am just a long time believer and user of his product. I was part of the big Zaino up-bringing on the F-Body scene back in the 97-98 time frames when I had a White 96Z28. I have talked with Sal Zaino numerous times when I was stationed in CA about rail dust issues. (Those tiny little black and/or brown specs that leave rust rings on your cars finish. That is the clear coat becoming contaminated.) It is most noticeable on white and yellow vehicles. This is partly why Zaino finally decided to come out with a clay bar of his own. He wasn’t so sure that there would be enough of a demand for his own clay bar, but we convinced him otherwise. Maguire’s and Clay Magic bars had been on the market for quite some time prior to Zaino coming out with his. There have been several people make the comment that the Zaino clay bar is superior to the others in the removal of rail dust.
Some of this may be repetitive to what his website says, but the proof is in the pudding that Zaino is the best product on the market. There are pics here on the RX-8 Forum, and Zaino has tons of pics on his website in the Testimonial and Pics section.
ZFX Flash Cure – Not only does it enhance the gloss factor, it also greatly boosts the durability as well as allowing the application of three coats during one polishing session. I have no real comment on it because I have never used it. I know the person that got to try it first before there was ever any mentioning of being produced/available.
Z1 - Be sure to use it prior to your first Zaino application if you do not use the ZFX Flash Cure. It is the agent that bonds the polish to the finish. Re-use it every 10 coats. It does something that really brings out the shine even more.
Z2 - Has the quickest results for the deep, dark, light refracting shine. It will need more coats to build/stack-up coats. It’s favored more for lighter colored vehicles due to light scratches and swirl marks not showing up as easy.
Z5 – Build up/stack-up is a tad quicker. Remember Z5 DOES NOT GET RID of scratches and swirl marks; It fills them in with the buildup of polish. It is more favored on the darker colors due to being able to see the scratches and swirl marks easier.
Z6 – Unbelievable stuff. It’s an easy on/off enhancer that works wonders. Use it with reusable/washable/cotton type baby diapers. Use it between each application of Z2 or Z5. Also can be used on the windows. It's not as good as Rain-x in my opinion, but it definitely takes tons less effort than Rain-X.
Z7 - Great stuff. Don’t switch to anything else once you start using Zaino. It also contains some of his polish in it. When rinsing the vehicle off, remove the nozzle and sheet the water over the car. This greatly reduces drying time.
Z8 - Unbelievable stuff. Sal out did himself with this one. It's plain and simple on when to use this. For everyday usage, just stick with Z6 though. Pop this stuff out for the special occasion.
Z9 – Great cleaner for any surface inside the vehicle, minus cloth. I found that an old washcloth works best.
Z10 – Awesome, to say the least. It smells like real leather, leaves no residue, leaves no greasy feel, and doesn’t make the seats slippery. Works great on ALL surfaces inside the car. Remember, it has SPF 40 in it. If you’re in direct sunlight all the time and high temps, use it weekly. I found that an old washcloth or a synthetic sponge works best.
Z12 – Just what is says. Easy to apply and remove. Best thing I found to apply it with is a shoeshine kit sponge. Kiwi makes a shoe polish applicator that is round, has a plastic part to hold, and a sponge in it. I have got them at Wal-Mart in the past.
Z14 – Works great on taillights, side markers, and front plastic lenses that cover the headlights. Also, watch faces, eyeglasses, and various other plastic on the car.
Z16 - Awesome in so many ways. It’s not just for tires. It doesn’t sling off and it doesn’t look like crap because of it being overly glossy. Use it on any black trim piece on the car. Use it on all of the weather stripping around the doors and trunk. Use a sponge to apply it. It also has a UV rating of 40, keeping all your weather striping brand new.
Z-18 – You get 2 bars of clay. Worked better for me than Clay Magic brand or Maguire’s clay bar. It WILL NOT scratch your clear coat. The only way that it can is if you drop it and get it contaminated. Or start with a dirty surface.
Tips/Hints:
For the love of God, do not use a sponge to wash your vehicle. Use a 100% cotton wash mitt only. I even rinse the mitt every once in a while, while washing.
DIY spray and washes are the worst water you could use to wash your vehicle. Most of these places recycle the water and it gets reused. God only knows what you would be spraying on your car.
Do not use a hard stream of water to rinse the dirt and road grime off the car. You should set the nozzle to stream and then back it off to where it starts to fan out. A hard stream can cause the dirt to slide across the surface and scratch the clear coat. If it is really dirty, mix a spray bottle with water and a cap of car soap. Spray that on and let it soak for a few minutes then rinse.
When final rinsing your vehicle off, remove the nozzle and sheet the water over the car. This greatly reduces drying time. If you use the Mr. Clean washer, do not use the included Mr. Clean soap. It removes the Zaino. Mix Z7 50/50 with Distilled water. Z7 is so concentrated you will just waste it using it straight.
Whatever you use for an applicator for the polish, whether it is the Zaino applicator or a cut up 100% cotton towel, dampen it first with some Z6. It makes the polish go on a lot easier and smoother.
Mix ½ bottle of Z2 with ½ bottle of Z5, it gives you an in-between option.
100% cotton bath towels are important. They are absolutely the best for drying. I didn’t use Zaino’s recommended brands. Just some 100% cotton ones I had and still have and never ran into an issue. So if you’re still worried, use the recommended brands.
For polish removal, THE BEST thing to use is the reusable/washable/cotton type baby diaper. They are the softest 100% cotton item you can find. I got mine at Wal-Mart. Ebay is another place you can find them.
A California Duster is a must have item. Works great and doesn't scratch. When you buy one new, take it out and let it sit overnight on some news paper. It will remove the excess paraffin in it. Don't use any pressure and just glide it over the surface.
Stubborn water spots on your glass? If you don't have a good glass polish, try some white vinegar.
Go to the dollar store and pick up a bag of sponges and cut them up for all of the interior and wheel detailing.
For the dash, faux leather, and plastic inside the vehicle, use the Leather cleaner and protectant. Remember, it has SPF 40 in it.
Z1, Z2 and/or Z5, Z6, and Z7, they all work in unison and compliment each other.
If you know you will be going out on a long road trip where it is inevitable that you will be sacrificing a ton of bugs on the front of your car, put a coat of Z2 or Z5 on before you leave and don’t remove it until you reach your destination. It makes clean up a whole lot easier. If you wish not to do this, at each gas fill up grab your bottle of Z6, spray the bug guts, then wipe them off. Lastly, get a spray bottle and mix 2 caps of Z7 with water. Hose your car down, spray the bug-infested area with the mixed Z7 and water, wait about 5 minutes, and then wash as normal. This way you will have less rubbing trying to get the bugs off.
The more coats you put on, the better and better it will look. Washing and drying times will become a whole lot quicker, and bugs come off tons easier. I know some people who have upwards of 200 coats on their F-Bodies. I have never seen such a brilliant shine as I have on some of their vehicles.
Remember Zaino is a polish, NOT a wax. Calling Zaino wax is a sin. :D
And once again… I am NOT affiliated with Sal Zaino and Zaino products.
Some of this may be repetitive to what his website says, but the proof is in the pudding that Zaino is the best product on the market. There are pics here on the RX-8 Forum, and Zaino has tons of pics on his website in the Testimonial and Pics section.
ZFX Flash Cure – Not only does it enhance the gloss factor, it also greatly boosts the durability as well as allowing the application of three coats during one polishing session. I have no real comment on it because I have never used it. I know the person that got to try it first before there was ever any mentioning of being produced/available.
Z1 - Be sure to use it prior to your first Zaino application if you do not use the ZFX Flash Cure. It is the agent that bonds the polish to the finish. Re-use it every 10 coats. It does something that really brings out the shine even more.
Z2 - Has the quickest results for the deep, dark, light refracting shine. It will need more coats to build/stack-up coats. It’s favored more for lighter colored vehicles due to light scratches and swirl marks not showing up as easy.
Z5 – Build up/stack-up is a tad quicker. Remember Z5 DOES NOT GET RID of scratches and swirl marks; It fills them in with the buildup of polish. It is more favored on the darker colors due to being able to see the scratches and swirl marks easier.
Z6 – Unbelievable stuff. It’s an easy on/off enhancer that works wonders. Use it with reusable/washable/cotton type baby diapers. Use it between each application of Z2 or Z5. Also can be used on the windows. It's not as good as Rain-x in my opinion, but it definitely takes tons less effort than Rain-X.
Z7 - Great stuff. Don’t switch to anything else once you start using Zaino. It also contains some of his polish in it. When rinsing the vehicle off, remove the nozzle and sheet the water over the car. This greatly reduces drying time.
Z8 - Unbelievable stuff. Sal out did himself with this one. It's plain and simple on when to use this. For everyday usage, just stick with Z6 though. Pop this stuff out for the special occasion.
Z9 – Great cleaner for any surface inside the vehicle, minus cloth. I found that an old washcloth works best.
Z10 – Awesome, to say the least. It smells like real leather, leaves no residue, leaves no greasy feel, and doesn’t make the seats slippery. Works great on ALL surfaces inside the car. Remember, it has SPF 40 in it. If you’re in direct sunlight all the time and high temps, use it weekly. I found that an old washcloth or a synthetic sponge works best.
Z12 – Just what is says. Easy to apply and remove. Best thing I found to apply it with is a shoeshine kit sponge. Kiwi makes a shoe polish applicator that is round, has a plastic part to hold, and a sponge in it. I have got them at Wal-Mart in the past.
Z14 – Works great on taillights, side markers, and front plastic lenses that cover the headlights. Also, watch faces, eyeglasses, and various other plastic on the car.
Z16 - Awesome in so many ways. It’s not just for tires. It doesn’t sling off and it doesn’t look like crap because of it being overly glossy. Use it on any black trim piece on the car. Use it on all of the weather stripping around the doors and trunk. Use a sponge to apply it. It also has a UV rating of 40, keeping all your weather striping brand new.
Z-18 – You get 2 bars of clay. Worked better for me than Clay Magic brand or Maguire’s clay bar. It WILL NOT scratch your clear coat. The only way that it can is if you drop it and get it contaminated. Or start with a dirty surface.
Tips/Hints:
For the love of God, do not use a sponge to wash your vehicle. Use a 100% cotton wash mitt only. I even rinse the mitt every once in a while, while washing.
DIY spray and washes are the worst water you could use to wash your vehicle. Most of these places recycle the water and it gets reused. God only knows what you would be spraying on your car.
Do not use a hard stream of water to rinse the dirt and road grime off the car. You should set the nozzle to stream and then back it off to where it starts to fan out. A hard stream can cause the dirt to slide across the surface and scratch the clear coat. If it is really dirty, mix a spray bottle with water and a cap of car soap. Spray that on and let it soak for a few minutes then rinse.
When final rinsing your vehicle off, remove the nozzle and sheet the water over the car. This greatly reduces drying time. If you use the Mr. Clean washer, do not use the included Mr. Clean soap. It removes the Zaino. Mix Z7 50/50 with Distilled water. Z7 is so concentrated you will just waste it using it straight.
Whatever you use for an applicator for the polish, whether it is the Zaino applicator or a cut up 100% cotton towel, dampen it first with some Z6. It makes the polish go on a lot easier and smoother.
Mix ½ bottle of Z2 with ½ bottle of Z5, it gives you an in-between option.
100% cotton bath towels are important. They are absolutely the best for drying. I didn’t use Zaino’s recommended brands. Just some 100% cotton ones I had and still have and never ran into an issue. So if you’re still worried, use the recommended brands.
For polish removal, THE BEST thing to use is the reusable/washable/cotton type baby diaper. They are the softest 100% cotton item you can find. I got mine at Wal-Mart. Ebay is another place you can find them.
A California Duster is a must have item. Works great and doesn't scratch. When you buy one new, take it out and let it sit overnight on some news paper. It will remove the excess paraffin in it. Don't use any pressure and just glide it over the surface.
Stubborn water spots on your glass? If you don't have a good glass polish, try some white vinegar.
Go to the dollar store and pick up a bag of sponges and cut them up for all of the interior and wheel detailing.
For the dash, faux leather, and plastic inside the vehicle, use the Leather cleaner and protectant. Remember, it has SPF 40 in it.
Z1, Z2 and/or Z5, Z6, and Z7, they all work in unison and compliment each other.
If you know you will be going out on a long road trip where it is inevitable that you will be sacrificing a ton of bugs on the front of your car, put a coat of Z2 or Z5 on before you leave and don’t remove it until you reach your destination. It makes clean up a whole lot easier. If you wish not to do this, at each gas fill up grab your bottle of Z6, spray the bug guts, then wipe them off. Lastly, get a spray bottle and mix 2 caps of Z7 with water. Hose your car down, spray the bug-infested area with the mixed Z7 and water, wait about 5 minutes, and then wash as normal. This way you will have less rubbing trying to get the bugs off.
The more coats you put on, the better and better it will look. Washing and drying times will become a whole lot quicker, and bugs come off tons easier. I know some people who have upwards of 200 coats on their F-Bodies. I have never seen such a brilliant shine as I have on some of their vehicles.
Remember Zaino is a polish, NOT a wax. Calling Zaino wax is a sin. :D
And once again… I am NOT affiliated with Sal Zaino and Zaino products.
Last edited by NavyDood; 08-30-2005 at 06:48 PM.
06-11-2004, 04:15 PM
#3
BSG 75
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The one step you are most likely to screw up would be putting on too thick a layer of Z5 or Z2. It works best if you just barely put a very thin layer on the car. So thin that you can barely see it once it dries.
Too thick a layer will be much more difficult to remove. Zaino should buff off very easily with very light pressure.
Too thick a layer will be much more difficult to remove. Zaino should buff off very easily with very light pressure.
06-11-2004, 10:07 PM
#4
I also am a Zaino convert, and have no conections to Sal Zaino. Zaino polish is great but not all products.
For tires I use Meguires, much more shinier and lasts longer in my opinion. For the black plastic, I use 303 aerospace protecterant and Mother's Back to Black. For the tail pipes and exhaust finishers I use eagle one's Never Dull. For all else I use Zaino.
Sal, are you listening, most of your products are the best, but a couple can be improved upon.
This is my first appearance related post since I tried the 303 stuff, so I have to expand on it. This stuff is unbelievable. I asked for a free sample online, and went to my local source immedietly after getting the free sample. This stuff is so amazing. 303 is to plastic what Zaino is to paint!!
For tires I use Meguires, much more shinier and lasts longer in my opinion. For the black plastic, I use 303 aerospace protecterant and Mother's Back to Black. For the tail pipes and exhaust finishers I use eagle one's Never Dull. For all else I use Zaino.
Sal, are you listening, most of your products are the best, but a couple can be improved upon.
This is my first appearance related post since I tried the 303 stuff, so I have to expand on it. This stuff is unbelievable. I asked for a free sample online, and went to my local source immedietly after getting the free sample. This stuff is so amazing. 303 is to plastic what Zaino is to paint!!
06-12-2004, 08:18 AM
#5
Who is this Navy guy?
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll agree that there are other tire protectants that give more shine. I prefer the Zaino Tire protectant due to the fact that it isn't glossy. I prefer the deep dark look without the gloss.
06-22-2004, 04:06 PM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by NavyDood
I'll agree that there are other tire protectants that give more shine. I prefer the Zaino Tire protectant due to the fact that it isn't glossy. I prefer the deep dark look without the gloss.
I'll agree that there are other tire protectants that give more shine. I prefer the Zaino Tire protectant due to the fact that it isn't glossy. I prefer the deep dark look without the gloss.
06-30-2004, 12:49 PM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
anybody in the states interested in shipping this stuff to the UK? zainobros only sell to some crazy german outfit that charge ridiculous prices, so very few people here have had the pleasure of using Zaino.
07-09-2004, 10:38 AM
#8
Registered
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Farmville, NC
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
is zaino safe on custom paint? i ask because my dad has a harley davidson that he has been wanting to use my zaino to wax it. it has flames painted on it and i was just checking to see if zaino would be safe to use
07-09-2004, 11:26 AM
#9
Who is this Navy guy?
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is it all clear coated also? If so.... 100% yes. If there is any doubt, call Sal Zaino and ask him. But still, I am 100% sure the answer is yes. It's safe.
07-19-2004, 10:35 PM
#10
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Bay Area - Central Valley, CA
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had began purchasing Zaino roughly about 5-6 years ago when I first found out about them on a Camaro forum. I used to own a '95 Camaro Z28 and for the longest time, that was my baby. I'd wash it every week or so and used Zaino on it every chance I got. This was prior to the days of the ZFX Flash Cure...when I actually had to wait hours upon hours to put on another coat.
Anyway, just a little story. I had probably a good 20+ coats of Zaino on my Camaro when I threw a rod. From there, I had to get it to a rebuild shop and when my friend put his hands on it to push it into the garage, he was impressed...and said that he has never felt a paint job anything like it. I told him that it was not the paint job but rather it was the many coats of Zaino. He said that his hands felt like it was melting in the paint because it felt so soft, yet it looked like it was a show car paint job. My Camaro was a daily driver.
Once my car was "fixed," other opportunities in my life started to come in. I got busier as each day went by and I literally neglected my Camaro's appearance. I had not washed my Camaro for nearly one year...and at that time, my idea of a car wash was when it rained.
But finally, I decided to clean her up. So I washed her normally...and to my amazement, ONE year later with its first wash, my Camaro looked like it had stepped out of the showroom floor again...and that's just purely washing it!!!
Sadly, my Camaro had to leave me...I miss how it looks, but I hated how it ran. But now, I have an RX8 and the Zaino legacy will live on to my RX8.
Anyway, just a little story. I had probably a good 20+ coats of Zaino on my Camaro when I threw a rod. From there, I had to get it to a rebuild shop and when my friend put his hands on it to push it into the garage, he was impressed...and said that he has never felt a paint job anything like it. I told him that it was not the paint job but rather it was the many coats of Zaino. He said that his hands felt like it was melting in the paint because it felt so soft, yet it looked like it was a show car paint job. My Camaro was a daily driver.
Once my car was "fixed," other opportunities in my life started to come in. I got busier as each day went by and I literally neglected my Camaro's appearance. I had not washed my Camaro for nearly one year...and at that time, my idea of a car wash was when it rained.
But finally, I decided to clean her up. So I washed her normally...and to my amazement, ONE year later with its first wash, my Camaro looked like it had stepped out of the showroom floor again...and that's just purely washing it!!!
Sadly, my Camaro had to leave me...I miss how it looks, but I hated how it ran. But now, I have an RX8 and the Zaino legacy will live on to my RX8.
08-04-2004, 06:28 PM
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
8 year Zaino user here!
I couldn't possibly recommend Zaino products any stronger. It doesn't hurt that Sal is a great guy, either.
When I get my RX-8, you can bet the first thing I will do is give it the Zaino treatment!
I couldn't possibly recommend Zaino products any stronger. It doesn't hurt that Sal is a great guy, either.
When I get my RX-8, you can bet the first thing I will do is give it the Zaino treatment!
08-23-2004, 09:52 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm a huge Zaino fan here!!! I used this stuff on my Cobra and had about 10 coats on it. The car looked amazing and people always asked how I got my car so shiny.
So, that being said I've had my 8 for a week now. I've already claybarred the car and applied 3 coats of Zaino. My wife thinks I'm nuts but the results speak for themself. I'm going to add another coat tomorrow and if it isn't dark then I'll take and post some pics.
I too don't work for Zaino but will go on record saying that if you love your car then you gotta get this stuff!!! It just rules. We've used it on about 5 cars now and it is just awesome. It does work best on dark cars esp. black.
If you want your car having the wet look then what are you waiting for?
Pistol
So, that being said I've had my 8 for a week now. I've already claybarred the car and applied 3 coats of Zaino. My wife thinks I'm nuts but the results speak for themself. I'm going to add another coat tomorrow and if it isn't dark then I'll take and post some pics.
I too don't work for Zaino but will go on record saying that if you love your car then you gotta get this stuff!!! It just rules. We've used it on about 5 cars now and it is just awesome. It does work best on dark cars esp. black.
If you want your car having the wet look then what are you waiting for?
Pistol
08-24-2004, 06:01 AM
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by mdekkers
anybody in the states interested in shipping this stuff to the UK? zainobros only sell to some crazy german outfit that charge ridiculous prices, so very few people here have had the pleasure of using Zaino.
08-26-2004, 09:21 PM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What more can be said? I've only used Zaino in the last year, but the results are as advertised. Hail Zaino and to hats off to all the other Weekend Waxers out there!
08-27-2004, 11:03 AM
#15
Funny story - I decided to purchase Zaino soon after I got my 8 in April '04. I checked to see where to buy it, and heard it was only available online.
So I wemt to the website and tried to order the complete package, but the order form was not working. Damn. I scrolled down to the bottom of the page for some contact information and lo and behold, the only store that carries Zaino is in the town I grew up! Not only that, but it is sold by the performance shop that does all the work on my g/f's dad's '78 vette. So I drove down to the store and picked up the whole shebang.
I don't know if I had a point to this story, but if you can figure out the shipping information to Germany or wherever, I would be happy to ship it to you. PM me.
...and I'm out.
So I wemt to the website and tried to order the complete package, but the order form was not working. Damn. I scrolled down to the bottom of the page for some contact information and lo and behold, the only store that carries Zaino is in the town I grew up! Not only that, but it is sold by the performance shop that does all the work on my g/f's dad's '78 vette. So I drove down to the store and picked up the whole shebang.
I don't know if I had a point to this story, but if you can figure out the shipping information to Germany or wherever, I would be happy to ship it to you. PM me.
...and I'm out.