Zaino

[BrdWAtti2d]

I've seen hundreds of you guys singing the praises of Zaino. I've never used the stuff but from what I'm reading, I should be. Problem is the more I read about it the more confused I am. Use this or that, then this or the other, followed by this or that. I tried a search for Zaino but came up with 20 pages of posts. I think the whole Zaino process would take less time than going through all the posts, and the Zaino website leaves many options up in the air. It seems there are a lot of options when using thier products and I'd rather not waste time or money when a bottle of dawn will work just as well as spending $20.00 for something else. Anyway to get to the point can someone elighten me as to the steps to take? Just a list of what to use in what order would be great, I think I can handle reading the directions on the bottle or a link to a previous post would be great, I just need a little direction. Thanks in advance.

[Mark B]

That depends on what you have to work with...

Does your paint have swirl marks?

[BrdWAtti2d]

The paint is bright and shiny but yes, lots of swirls here and there. The swirls aren’t evident unless you look directly at the reflection of the sun in the paint (hmmm, probably not something you should do, could explain why I’m seeing spots now) but they are there the less.

[BrdWAtti2d]

Anyone please?

[Christopherrr]

Zaino has added a lot of new products ever since I started using Sal's line of products. Believe me, with 240+ miles on the clock and 7 years of sun abuse, people still look at my car and can't believe how amazing the paint is. I can thank Zaino.

Zaino is works it magic best with a clean and pure surface to work on.

Since your car is darker with swirls...

1. I'd wash your car with regular car wash soap, preferably Zaino Car Wash.
2. Clay the crap out of your car until the surface is as smooth as glass.
3. Wash it again with dish washing soap to remove all old wax and contaminates.
4. Dry your car and Z6 your car in prep for your first coat. If you have severe swirls, I'd use ZPC to remove them...but keep in mind ZPC is an abrasive and removes some of your clear coat.
5. If you're okay with your swirls I'd go right to Z5/ZFX mixture. It'll take 5-6 coats in order to fill the swirls...at least for me.
6. Before adding coats you want to spritz some z6 between coats to prep for another coat.
7. After you're satisfied with your result, start using Z2...it's thinner and more optically perfect than Z5...you just wanted Z5 to fill the swirls.
8. Use Z8 for a final wipe down.

I haven't tried any other products expect the ones I mentioned...but that a lone works wonders for me.

Keep in mind the time duration that Sal recommends...give your coats time to cure.

[BrdWAtti2d]

Christopherrr,

Thanks so much for the post. Just one more question, could this whole process be done in one weekend if I stay at it? If not, is there any harm in picking up the process where I left off the next weekend?

The swirls are not severe but I'm sure they are preventing me from having that show car shine. You have to look very close to pick them out.

Again, thanks for your help.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I think the Z2 or Z5 says no more than 2 coats in a 24 hour period.

[BrdWAtti2d]

Ok then it could take several weekends. Any harm in stopping, giving it a good wash and then picking back up again?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

He he. Ken had like 130 coats on the Comp TA. I think he stopped a few times to have a beer or two.

[Christopherrr]

You can get the prepping down and one coat in a day...but I suggest resting. Your arms and body will need a break...and the coats need curing. If your up to it...Jeff is right, no more than 2 coats in a 24 hour period.

You can save your other coats for other weekends..Zaino doesn't wash off, so you can coat it, but I wouldn't wait months at a time for coats...my first 5 coats I did in a weeks time. I think I have 20 something coats...I lost count and well, I try to get a coat on once a month...yeah, I'm getting lazy.

[BrdWAtti2d]

Thanks, sounds like that job could take a 12 pack or two...lol

Zaino degree of difficulty = 12 pack. I can deal with that

[Performin Norman]

IMHO, anything that you put over the top of scratches is just a band aide. The scratches are still there, but the polish is filling in the scratches and making them appear to go away. Any time I've had a car with scratches, I've rotary buffed the paint to remove them and then protected the surface with a good wax/polish.