Thoughts from a Zainohead/Vendor...

[Newport Viper]

Just testing ya......

[RedSoxRacer]

Originally posted by JSM
I used the "Squeak Test" demonstrated by Mike Phillips in this thread...

The Squeak Test

If it has been taught for fifty years, then you know it must be a trustworthy method.

After I polish a car with # 83, it passes the squeek test, and there is no wax on it whatsoever.

[Skuz]

Me, I put a new coat every month on my car because I like to do it.

We're at the end of August, I detailed my parents' car back in April, used Quik Detailer every weekend since and it still looks and feels waxed. Water still sheets nicely.

That's with NXT Tech Wax.

By looking at the helpful videos here, reading a lot in the forums, I learned one of the best tips about wax durability is how the surface is ready before actually waxing.

I'm sure my car would also look nice with Zaino, but I got a very good product right here, no need to mix it, less expensive. And I would still use Meguiar's products to prepare the surface.

As long as it will still be available here at a somewhat decent price, I'll stick to Meg for most of my detailing products.

[JSM]

Originally posted by Newport Viper
Just testing ya......

No problem at all. I just like to backup my claims with the appropriate evidence.

Originally posted by RedSoxRacer
After I polish a car with # 83, it passes the squeek test, and there is no wax on it whatsoever.

While I am not a car care expert by any means, I could only offer the suggestion that it is possibly the polishing oils within the #83 that are giving you a false reading.

[RedSoxRacer]

Originally posted by JSM
No problem at all. I just like to backup my claims with the appropriate evidence.





While I am not a car care expert by any means, I could only offer the suggestion that it is possibly the polishing oils within the #83 that are giving you a false reading.

By no means do I think my finish is protected, I have been at this for years, I just wanted to let people know that the "squeek test" does not always work 100%. I use nothing but Meguiar's and I don't fall for the gimick waxes. I do believe the squeek test works to a point however.

[JSM]

Originally posted by RedSoxRacer
By no means do I think my finish is protected, I have been at this for years, I just wanted to let people know that the "squeek test" does not always work 100%. I use nothing but Meguiar's and I don't fall for the gimick waxes. I do believe the squeek test works to a point however.

Well, to a certain extent there is no conclusive test as to determining what amount of wax is still present on your vehicle's finish. Given the amount of variables out there that affect wax longevity, one can only imagine how to even determine where to begin in assessing such a situation.

However, given the reputation of Meguiar's and their experience that spans a century, I give full confidence in saying that the "Squeak Test" has helped me to a certain degree in determining if the wax protection is still present on my vehicle.

[Gipraw]

Sal even recommended using cotton towels instead of microfiber until only recently.

amazing how his advice changed the minute he started selling MF towels ..

I use a little bit of everything, but have never been a fan of Zaino. I will use it if someone insists I do on their car, but I can usually talk them out of it, by showing the same results using something else.


as we all know .. proper prep is the key, and I have always felt the most comfortable with Meg's products .. probably because I know them best .. but I know them best because they have been working for me for the last 25 years...

I have found something I like .. and I do use it often ..

[Tungsten]

eric96ser and I are both Nashville area residents and both of us have been using Zaino on our respective cars for a couple of years now. I just recently gave NXT another shot and have to say that I am probably more impressed with it now than I had been before.

My Dark Shadow Grey 2003 Mach 1 is more of a sunny-day driver / weekend toy so I don't really worry too much about resistance to the weather and things like that. I'm more concerned about how it looks and how long the "slick" feeling and glossy appearance last. I have to admit that the combination of NXT liquid wax and Last Touch spray detailer are a definite winner on my car's dark metallic paint.

This combination seems to have a much darker, deeper shine to it than the Zaino did but I think I may try the M#21 synthetic polish and see how it stacks up as well.

[hammer55]

I have seen guys here ask if they wash, clean polish, wax with one # wax and then follow with another # wax, ???

[electricgreen]

Originally posted by Mikeyc
Washing your car with dish washing soap was widely considered a bad idea until Zaino came along. Even Dawn recommends you not use their product to wash cars.

this is true, and is on their website under faq's: http://homemadesimple.custhelp.com/c...i=&p_topview=1


Myself, I have never felt the need to try zanio. When I brought my stang home, I fired up the ole 27k connection to the web and searched around Mustang websites to see what most people recommended. I compared pics and product availality and went with Megs-I chose deep crystal step one & two, rich suds wash, GC paste and the claybar. Havent altered much-I did try nxt but never liked it alone on my car-always topped with gc. Then gc got reforumlated and I decided to just use two coats of gc....

[SpoiledMan]

Originally posted by Gipraw
amazing how his advice changed the minute he started selling MF towels ..

He sells MF towels? I don't find them on his site at all.

[Mikeyc]

Re: Thoughts from a Zainohead/Vendor...

He sells MF towels? I don't find them on his site at all.

Sal does not sell MF towels on his site. Let's not try to spread misinformation about a product here . . . OK? I also was surprised when searching Sal's website that I could not find any mention of microfiber. However, when looking at DF Towel's website they say that their towels are recommended by Zaino and their towels are microfiber (but made from 100% cotton) . . . strange!

[JSM]

Re: Thoughts from a Zainohead/Vendor...

It's pretty simple...if I want the best, I'm always going with Meguiar's. What's the point of mail-ordering little vials and playing home chemist when I can buy the products I need locally without the muss and fuss?

Note, this isn't a knock to Zaino. I've tried some of their products and they do have their highlights. I feel that Meguiar's is the best value out there because I get just as good if not better results. The magic lies in the process, not necessarily the products. And let's face it, Meguiar's has the process laid out in easy, clear to use instructions that almost anyone, regardless of skill level, can comprehend.

Oh yeah, and no "zealots" here either at Meguiar's Online!

[msuperbauer]

Re: Thoughts from a Zainohead/Vendor...

I was (WAS) a DIE HARD Zaino fan for about 3 years. I believe the durability of they're product is tough to beat! The reflection is crystal clear, and it sparkles like MAD in places I would never imagine. The problem I had w/zaino is 1) It really only works good for near perfect paint (and those of us who like older cars know that it's tough to find paint up to our standards. I actually LOVE getting a used vehicle and transforming it to perfect from neglected, beside the point, sorry.... I also have noticed that the availability of Meguiars is AWESOME! I can usually find whatever I'm looking for at 1 of the 5 auto stores in my area (vice waiting a week for it to arrive in the mail). The cost really when you look at it isn't bad at all, after you finish the prep products your usually fine getting just the show car shine and spray detailers and they don't cost poop. Now for the real reason I switched to Meguiars products. I easily detail my cars at least 3 times a month, so the ability to last for 6 months is useless to me, I've noticed that NXT & M21 are close in reflectivity to Zaino (not as good imo) But the depth/wet look I get from Meguiars is 100 times better than Zaino and it's way easier to use Plus Zaino doesn't have this huge support site Meguiars has!

[Scottwax]

Re: Thoughts from a Zainohead/Vendor...

What inevitably happens is that you run out of one part before the other. So, you can never use up all parts of the kit at the same time. Essentially, this locks you into the kit if you insist on using up everything you bought.

Sort of like how hot dogs come 10 to a package and buns 8 to a package.

I've tried Zaino, pretty decent product but I wouldn't pay my own money to buy it. With all the hype, I was expecting so much more and in the end, it just isn't better than other products I use that require less work on my part.

I agree with Mike about the whole ZFX/layering stuff. A great marketing gimmick but I have never seen any real benefit with any product going beyond two thin applications (to ensure complete coverage).

The whole beading aspect is also overated. Beading does not automatically mean the paint is actually protected. New, unwaxed paint will bead a good 6 months. In addition, I see many posts that read "I have ___ layers of Zaino on my car and a bird bomb still etched it". Yeah, Zaino beads a long time but I'm not 100% convinced that means the paint is well protected.

To each his own though, I know a lot of satisfied Zaino users who feel they are getting their money's worth and that is what really counts.