Arguments vs. Zaino

[areaseven]

I've personally never used Zaino, and I probably never will. From the pics I've seen, it's a great product, but majority of the Zainonites over at the Mustang forums tend to be extremely smug about it. For example, a fellow Mustang owner won a NXT kit and a Meguiar's gift certificate. And what happened? Instead of congratulating him, someone told him to go buy Zaino.

And that's why I tell every Zainonite out there that they can take away my can of NXT Tech Wax from my cold, dead hands.

[STG]

Originally posted by kpagel


2) Zaino's staunch anti-microfiber stance. Telling people to buy made in the USA 100% cotton towels ......

Darn! Now I'll have to trash my 100% Egyptian combed cotton terrycloth towels.


Hey, I've got an idea. Why not detail your car with Meguiar's products, but tell the Zaino friends you converted. I'll bet they will oooh and ahhh over your Nxt'ed ride thinking they are looking at a Zaino job.

[RDVT4ME]

[/B][/QUOTE]


Nice picture!

[35th Anniversary SS]

I used to use Zaino... and I have done the weekend Zaino application on my old car years ago. I wasnt serious into detailing then like I am now but I do recall the many many many steps involved, I remember I didnt like spending several days to get it done. I also remember trying to find specific Zaino products and it was impossible to get them locally.

As said.. Zaino is a good product.. its their application process and availability that kills them. Their prices are pretty high too.

IMHO... you can acheive the same results, if not better, with the Meguiars goodies in less time, for less $.. and if I run out of #80 on a Saturday I can head down to the local Napa Auto Parts and grab another bottle the same day.

[Newport Viper]

Ammo you say? Then it's ammo you get.

Here is a pic of a vette with 12 coats of Zaino on the left. One coat of NXT on the right. Their claim is 100% clear. Well that don't mean **** if the clear coat is bad. Why do I want to put something on the car that won't IMPROVE the look? Notice the depth of shine on the NXT right side. The plastic look of Zaino on the left side.



original thread

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1879&highlight=12+coats+of+Zaino

[areaseven]

Ugh! I admit that my Mustang has swirls even with at least two coats of NXT, but swirls on 12 coats of Zaino? Definitely not worth the hundreds of bucks.

[soss]

Time would be the biggest argument. I've never used the products, just read about people's reviews and the application processes on their sites. I'm not down with spending 12-24 hours on a detailing process of a car.

[miked2]

I would agree about the time issue. The results shown in an earlier email don't seem to jibe with what I've seen others post with Zaino. Again, I think it's a quality product. But the time and precision required -- as well as the cost -- are the reasons I wouldn't go with it. Further, I like going down to my favorite store and staring at all the Meg's products, reading the bottle labels, etc., before finally picking one to use later that day. Just can't do that with Zaino.

[STG]

Originally posted by soss
I'm not down with spending 12-24 hours on a detailing process of a car.

It took me 20+ to detailmy Mach1 using Meguiar's products. If I used Zaino, it could have been weeks!

[atticdog]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by STG
[B]It took me 20+ to detailmy Mach1 using Meguiar's products. If I used Zaino, it could have been weeks!


I have used zaino and I cant see how it takes any longer than any other product line.

even if you dawn wash, clay, polish,then z5 then z2 the z6 and z8 are like a qd and a sealant booster
where is all the extra time? it applys and removes so easily

[STG]

Fromthe Zaino website:


(After Dawn wash and claying.....)


ZAINO APPLICATION TIP


4. The basic products you will need are Z1 or the new ZFX accelerator additive, Z2, Z5 (optional, but highly recommended), Z6 and Z7.
Note: The New ZFX accelerator additive is our latest innovation and designed as a substitute and/or replacement for Z-1.

5. Start with either Z-1 Polish Lok as per directions OR the preferred New ZFX accelerator additive. If you are using Z-1 it does not need to dry. Remember do not wipe off the Z-1 Polish Lok. Apply Z-5 or Z-2 PRO directly over the Z-1. Z-5 is the Hot ticket for a swirl free, flawless paint finish. Usually one to three coats will accomplish that.

6. Let Z-5 or Z-2 PRO polish dry at least one hour. Please NOTE: Zaino Show Car Polish works best at 60 degrees or higher. However, it can be applied down to temperatures of 45 degrees. It just will take much, much longer to dry. As much as two to three hours drying time is required if the temperature is 50 degrees or below. Also, If the humidity is high. Longer drying time is necessary. Humidity is a killer on the drying time of Z-2 PRO or Z-5. The moisture in the air hinders drying time up to four times longer than normal. Sorry, but I can't help this. When you try to remove Z-2 PRO or Z-5 when it is still wet. All you're accomplishing is moving it around. Kinda like reapplying it. Also you need to use a LARGE White 100% Bath size towel (please refer to my Tips & Tricks sheet on my web site for the proper towels to use) to remove Z-2 PRO or Z-5. Smaller towels will not work efficiently.

To test if Z-2 PRO or Z-5 is dry and ready to be removed. Wipe your finger on a hazed section. It should immediately come off and leave a crytal clear finish. If it smears, it is still wet. You can leave Z-2 PRO or Z-5 on for hours or overnight if you desire. When it is not humid Z-2 PRO will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to dry. Depending on how heavy you applied it. I have applied Z-2 PRO in the Arizona sun and it dried in approx. 3 to 5 minutes. I have also applied it in 38 degree temperature and it took about 2 to 3 hours to dry. Be patient. It's worth it. Different situations affect drying times. Also, remember you have Z-1 and Z-5 both on the car. That is two products that have to dry at one time. Takes longer. Z-2 PRO or Z-5 does not cotain any oils and once it's dry will never ever look smeary or feel greasy. If you remove Z-2 PRO or Z-5 before it is thoroughly dry and get any smears. Just wipe down the car with a damp cotton towel. This will remove any smears. Don't use Z-6 until you wipe the car down. If you'd like call me and I'll help you out with more info!
Note: If you are using the New ZFX accelerator additive drying time is greatly reduced.

7. After removal of Zaino Z-2 PRO or Z-5. You should wait 24 hours if the outside temperature is under 70 degrees and 6 hours if over 70 degrees, before applying the next coat of Z-5 or Z-2 PRO.

8. Use Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray as per directions, between each and every coat of Z-5 or Z-2 PRO. It really helps give a three dimensional look.

It's antistatic properties will reduce dust and dirt pickup by 60%. Z-6 can be used immediately after removing Z-2 PRO or Z-5 or right before applying the next coat of Z-2 PRO or Z-5. Most of my customers prefer to use Z-6 both, before and after Z-2 PRO or Z-5 for that extra gloss boost.

9. You can switch to Z-2 PRO as soon as you are happy with the way the paint finish looks. Example, no more swirls, scratches etc. It's up to you. Z-2 PRO has higher optical properties than Z-5. You can go from Z-2 PRO to Z-5 and then back to Z-2 PRO as often as you want. Z-2 PRO and Z-5 are 100% compatible and interchangeable. You should always end with Z-2 PRO as the last coat because of its higher optics.

10. The number of coats of Z-2 PRO or Z-5 is up to you. When you reach the level of enhancement you like, normal maintenence with Z-7 Car Wash and Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray is all that's necessary. Naturally apply a coat of Z-2 PRO or Z-5 whenever you feel it is required.

NOTE: One application of Zaino Z-2 PRO or Z-5 will outlast anything in the industry and is all you'll ever need for an average vehicle. However, Multiple coats will achieve an even deeper, wetter-looking, ultra high gloss. Plus higher paint protection. It's up to you....You be the judge...

ALWAYS use only 100% Cotton towels. They must be Made in USA. Brand name (Cannon or Fieldcrest) large white bath size towels.




Count up al lthe wait times.....

You have to use a BATH SIZE towel???? That will do you a lot of good! What's the maximum number of square inches of pressure you can apply tith two hands on a towel anyway?

I guess you can let the rest of the towel drag on the ground!

[atticdog]

those wait times are if you dont use zfx
read the next paragraph
z1 is the old way to use zaino
applying zaino is very easy and you can do 3 fully cured coats with the zfx additive one after another
but you dont need 3 coats
im not saying zaino is the best im just saying it isnt harder to use or much more time consuming that any 4 or 5 step process
to pour 1 oz of product and put 2 or 3 drops into it take maybe 1 minute

[atticdog]

The Wait is Over!
Zaino ZFX™ Show Car Polish accelerator solves the wait problem. We worked for several years to engineer a molecular reaction that causes the polymers in Zaino Show Car Polish to set rapidly. Using ZFX™ with your choice of Z-2 PRO, Z-3 or Z-5 Show Car Polish, it is now possible to apply two or three coats of polish in a single day to create beautiful show car special effects. The result is nothing less than stunning.

ZFX™ saves you time and effort. It's no longer necessary to keep your car in the garage for a whole weekend just so you can apply two or three coats of polish. Using ZFX™, you'll apply multiple coats in just a few hours.

Prior to using ZFX™ Enabled Show Car Polish
Before applying ZFX™ enabled Show Car Polish, wash, dry and inspect your car’s finish. It should be very smooth. If the paint has a rough, bumpy feel, you have surface contamination which must be removed using our Z-18 ClayBar.

Prior to using Zaino Show Car Polish for the first time, we recommend using Dawn dishwashing liquid to wash your car. Dawn will dissolve wax and other sealants, and easily removes grease, tar and bug remains. Be sure to rinse your car very well after using Dawn. After your first application of Zaino Show Car Polish, use Z-7 Show Car Wash for regular washing.

Mixing ZFX™ with Show Car Polish
Each ZFX™ kit comes with a 2ml vial of accelerator mix and several 2 ounce mixing bottles. A single ZFX™ kit provides enough mix to accommodate 16 ounces of Zaino Show Car Polish.

Pour one to two ounces of Show Car Polish into a 2 ounce mixing bottle. For each ounce of polish, add 4 to 5 drops of ZFX™ (no more than 10 drops for two full ounces), screw the cap back on, and shake vigorously for 60 to 90 seconds.

While you get your towels and applicators ready, allow the ZFX™ enabled Zaino Show Car Polish to sit for five minutes so the ZFX™ can begin activating the polish. Give the applicator bottle a final shake for 10 seconds before using.

Applying ZFX™ Enabled Show Car Polish
Follow these easy steps:

1. Apply Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ with a 100%, made in the USA, cotton applicator. Use the polish sparingly. A small amount goes a long way, and you will be applying multiple coats.
2. Squirt a dime size dab of polish on your applicator and rub it into your paint using circular hand motions. Then, go over the same area using a straight back and forth motion on top panels and an up and down motion on side panels. Allow the polish to haze over (20 minutes is sufficient).
3. Buff off the Show Car Polish residue with a high quality, 100%, made in the USA, cotton detailing towel.
4. After buffing, spray the car with a light mist of Z-6 Ultra Clean™ detailing spray. Z-6 will help buff away any remaining residue and enhances the brightness of the finish. Using Z-6, the next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish will apply even easier.

You're now ready to apply your next coat of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™. There's no need to wait. Simply follow steps 1-4 above one more time. Use a fresh cotton buffing towel to remove each coat of ZFX™ enabled Show Car Polish.

Note: Apply no more than three coats of Zaino Show Car Polish enabled with ZFX™ in a 24 hour period. For optimum results, use your ZFX™ enabled polish within 6 hours of mixing. Use a fresh cotton buffing towel for removal of each coat.

Note: When you are finished polishing, wash the mixing bottle inside and out with a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergent and thoroughly rinse. The ZFX™ mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish remains in the bottle for more than 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is not possible to completely clean the mixing bottle. Throw the mixing bottle and any unused polish contents away after 12 hours.

[STG]

The instructions for Zaino remind me of Werner Von Braun's rocket program in WWII Germany.

"Sal! Haben ze ZFX akzelerator? Ja, Ja. Ve need 1, 500 liters to mix vit ze T-Stoff!"


A shipment of Zaino ZFX accelerator leaves the Zaino factory in Peenemunde:

[RCBuddha]

Guys,

I just did a detail using Zaino on a 2004 Altima. I did a Z7 wash, clay, ZPC, Z5 w/ZFX (x2), and then Z2Pro w/ZFX (x2). The detail took the SAME amount of time as if I were using Meguiars products (7 hours total). In fact I waited 15mins between each coat, even though it didn't need it. I was taking my time, making sure each coat was thin, and completely covering the panel. I'd be willing to bet if I did it by machine (my usual way of applying products), I could have been even faster.

It doesn't take that long to do Z (even with the dreaded mixing of ZFX)....

I love Meguiars products, but lets be truthful here, Z isn't any harder, nor does it take any more time. I probably could have skipped the Z5, but I wanted to do the whole system.

Here's another way of looking at it:

An example of a Meguiar's detail:
Gold Class wash
#80
#7
#26

A zaino detail:
Z7 wash
ZPC
Z5
Z2Pro

Same amount of steps, with both Z5 and #7 not completely necessary. You could even plug in a heavier polish before 80 or ZPC. Either way, its the same amount of steps.