Well, I know everyone is just on the edge of their seat wanting to know how these two products compare. So, here are a few of my notes (please don't ask me which product is better... I don't want the hate mail!):
For starters, ZFX and
BLACKFIRE are both designed to solve the same problem: More Shine, Less Time. Understanding that goal, it is possible to objectively compare the two products so YOU can come to your own conclusions.
All "pure" polymer based sealants require cure time before you can apply an additional coat with good results. Cure time depends on a number of factors, including the amount of solvent used, the type of polymers, and other ingredients used in the emulsion system suspending the polymers. BLACKFIRE and ZSCP (that's Zaino Show Car Polish) with ZFX go about creating a fast cure time in much different ways.
What does "cure" mean to a polymer? Simple, it means that the polymer molecules have cross-linked to create a strong chain, and that the polymer chain has bonded to your paint's surface. If the polymers are not cured, applying an additional coat will result in one of two problems: 1) you will not achieve optimum depth and gloss results, or 2) the polish will smear and become difficult to use.
BLACKFIRE is a two step system: polish and sealant. In my testing, I could not detect an “abrasive polishing action” from BLACKFIRE Polish. It does make the paint finish very slick, smooth and shiny. It also appeared to significantly reduce the appearance of swirl marks and has a very mild cleaning ability. It was very easy to apply (I used a foam pad, not terry cloth), and amazingly easy to buff off.
BLACKFIRE Protectant is a polymer sealant. It seems to have a single quality that sets it apart from everything else I’ve used: it cures within minutes, not hours. I applied three coats of BLACKFIRE Protectant to the top of my car yesterday (back-to-back) and three more this morning. Minor scuff marks that I could feel with my finger nail are now only slightly visible, and I can no longer feel them. The finish is clear, bright and does not have streaks.
The traditional Zaino polish system is also two steps: a “polish lock” base coat followed by one of three different polishes (polymer sealants). Using the traditional Zaino system you apply a coat of Z-1 Polish LOK, allow it to dry, they go back over the polish lock with a coat of sealant. After the sealant dries for 30 minutes or more, you buff off the remaining residue.
The new Zaino ZFX sealant additive is supposed to eliminate the initial base coat of Z-1, and eliminate the 12+ hour cure time between coats of sealant. I decided to try ZFX with Z-5, Zaino’s show car polish for cars with swirl marks. To use the product, you squirt two ounces of Z-5 (or the other formulas) into a 2 ounce mixing bottle, then add 3-4 drops of ZFX per ounce of sealant. I added 6 drops of ZFX and shook it like a mad man for two minutes or so while I was getting my towels and applicators out.
I applied three coats of Z-5 with ZFX, back-to-back, on the driver’s side of my car. I gave it about 10 minutes of dry time between coats, following each coat with Zaino Z-6, as directed. The following day, I mixed another batch and applied three more coats. The results are quite stunning. No streaks. Very clear. Very bright.
Here’s how I rate the two products:
Ease of application:
BF: 9
ZFX: 9
Sov: 10
Ease of removal:
BF 9
ZFX 8
Sov 10
Dry time before ready to buff:
BF 1 minute
ZFX 10 minutes minimum
Sov No wait
Gloss after first coat:
BF 7
ZFX 8
Sov 7
Gloss after third/sixth coat:
BF 9/10
ZFX 9/9
Sov 8/8
Depth after third/sixth coat
BF 8/9
ZFX 9/10
Sov 7/8
Clairty after third/sixth coat
BF 10/10
ZFX 10/10
Sov 9/8
Brightness after third/sixth coat
BF 9/9
ZFX 9/10
Sov 8/7
Warmth and Glow after third/sixth coat
BF 8/9
ZFX 7/8
Sov 9/10
Surface static after third/sixth coat
BF 9/8
ZFX 9/9
Sov 8/8
Swirl filling ability after third/sixth coat
BF 6/9
ZFX 7/10
Sov 5/6
As a final note, I did try applying more than three coats of both ZFX and BLACKFIRE in one session. Both products had the same problem: the sealant became difficult to apply and remove.
I have not tried applying and buffing the product with a machine. I will do that next.
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