What are the essential Zaino products?
 

There are about 17 or 18 products made by Zaino, all of which are excellent I'm sure.

However, which products do I really NEED to get a good wax and shine?

So far, I gather the essentials are:I'm not sure about:

Z8 is better/newer than Z6 and can be used the same way, if you can afford the higher price. It's a great after-wash QD as well.

You should probably get the Z7 car wash. It's really good stuff, but not absolutely necessary. I wouldn't mess with the Z5. I rarely use mine.

My only big obstacle is that I have no access to a hose in my apt. complex. Thus I have to go to one of those DIY car washes, where I pay 75 cents a go just for the water. :(

That does suck. You could use Protect All's Quick & Easy Wash (QEW). It's a hoseless wash product. I use it on occasion, especially in the winter when it's too cold to use the hose. If you are careful, using it does not mar your paint. And it cleans well. There's a thread on how to use it without messing up your paint here:

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...=QEW+procedure

I don't like to use it if the car is extremely dirty, but it is good for regular, routine washing.

does it all come w/instructions? I'm nervous about getting my zaino and being like, "uh..you want me to do what with this?" lol

I hear ya Morgan. I think on the zainobros website it tells you "application instructions" in some pretty good detail. Then again, I'm still a bit worried that I'll find a way to mess up anyway! I'm awfully...uh...
oh yeah. Forgetful.

I disagree on that! My first Zaino treatment was clay, Z1, Z2 with Z6 in between a couple of coats. Great shine, but after a few months of weekly car washes really taking care with Z7 and soft 100% cotton towels (up and down, no circular motions) , I started to notice faint swirl marks. So, I bought ZFX and Z5, combined the two and applied three coats....no more faint swirls and an awesome shine. Then, after figuring the Z5 had done it's job, another few months later I went back to Z2. Big mistake, not nearly as good as Z5 in the shine dept on my winning blue. Now I only use Z5/ZFX and my 8 looks superb. Haven't tried the Z8 yet, but it's my next purchase :)

Well, then use the Z5 if you get such good results. However, Z5 is merely using fillers to cover up your swirl marks, not getting rid of them completely. If you really want to get rid of them, use a real polish that's made for removing swirls, such as Menzerna Intensive Polish (with a buffer) or something stronger. I don't use Z5 because I use a polish and there's not much point in it.

Also, if you haven't tried Z2Pro yet, you may want to. Most Zaino users think it's a lot better than Z2 was and has more shine/gloss/depth.

Yeah I hear you on the Z5, which is also a polish, but as you said, go with what works. Good point on the Z2Pro...I'll pick some up and try a Z2Pro/ZFX combo with the new Z8 spray seal, post back later! Cheers

Let us know how you like the Z2Pro. I have a bottle of it I'm going to use during my Fall detail, but I haven't used it myself yet. People have been raving about it, though! If it's better than Z2 and Z5, then it must be awesome.

Just got this email from Zaino:

Zaino Show Car Polish Releases Zaino Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover
The wait is over! We wanted to let you know our newest product, Zaino Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover ("Z-PC"), is now available.

• Eliminate common paint defects quickly and easily!
• 100% compatibility with all painted surfaces and Zaino paint products!
• Water-based formula means no mess, no staining, and easy clean up!
• Features the world's first true self-dissolving, fused tri-particulate, diminishing abrasive system
• No fillers or oils, just results that last and last!
• Perfect your paint with Zaino Z-PC Fusion

Zaino Z-PC Fusion is available now at Zaino's online store (www.zainostore.com) or by telephone at 888-999-9870. Technical questions or media inquiries should be directed to: 732-833-8800.

Thank you,
The staff at Zainostore.com

Yep, now you can stay within the Zaino system for all your automotive detailing needs! :)

ummm, so what's the answer to unpocoloco's original question?