1st time ZFX/Z5 - review and questions

olivher · 02-17-02, 01:16

I decided to use ZFX/Z5 on our dark green Accord. It was a windy day with the temperature around 60F.

Removing Blackfire
I followed Sal Zaino's recommendation of using Dawn to remove my 3 coats of Blackfire Protectant. While rinsing off the Dawn, I noticed the water still beaded but not as much as when it had Blackfire on it.

Zaino ZFX/Z5
I used 1 oz of Z5 and 4 drops of ZFX.

Syringe Technique
I decided to use the syringe technique, but I don't think I'm going to use the syringe anymore. With the 1oz ZFX/Z5 in the syringe, it was very hard to shake because it was air tight in the syringe. Then under constant pressure, very small amounts of ZFX/Z5 started coming out of the cap on the nose of the syringe. In the end, I did use up all of the ZFX/Z5 because the syringe really pushed it all out.

1. While applying, I noticed a blue dot (which was ZFX) in the syringe. I assumed that I did not really shake the ZFX and Z5 well, so I shook it more. There shouldn't be any blue remnants of the ZFX in the container right?

ZFX/Z5 x3 coats
I used a Viking foam applicator pad and put in a dime size amount of the ZFX/Z5 for every panel of the car. On the hood and roof, I had to use a little more. Application was very easy at first, but when the foam pad got very saturated, it took a little more effort to apply it. I let the Z5 dry for at least 30 minutes on each coat and used the Z6 QD after buffing off each coat.

1. Would spraying a light mist of Z6 on the foam pad made it easier to apply the ZFX/Z5?
2. When spreading the Z5 around, it seemed to disappear because I was using very thin coats. Is this normal?
3. On some parts of the car, the Z5 streaked (instructions said to apply in a back and forth motion). Is this normal? (pictures below of the hood and fender)
4. I did 3 coats with 1oz of Z5 on a mid-size sedan. Did I apply it too thin or should I have used a little more on each coat?

Overall
It was getting dark by the time I was done, so I couldn't really get good pics, but this morning I got to see the results better and I like the look. It is more reflective and definitely slicker. I hope the slickness will stay after numerous washes.

I will post more pics later when the weather gets better.

olivher · 02-17-02, 01:17

After shot #2

olivher · 02-17-02, 01:18

After shot #3

olivher · 02-17-02, 01:19

Syringe with 1oz of ZFX/Z5 and the Viking foam applicator pad.

olivher · 02-17-02, 01:21

Quote:

3. On some parts of the car, the Z5 streaked (instructions said to apply in a back and forth motion). Is this normal? (pictures below of the hood and fender)

olivher · 02-17-02, 01:26

Quote:

3. On some parts of the car, the Z5 streaked (instructions said to apply in a back and forth motion). Is this normal? (pictures below of the fender)

DETAILKING · 02-17-02, 01:26

If it did, it is because it did not dry completely, or perhaps some BF was still on the car......

Anyhow, you are ok, just wash the car in Z7 wash when you get a chance and it should level it out.

That is impressive....3 coats with one ounce!! Don't be afraid to use a little more if you want, ZFX additive makes zaino reall idiot proof, and even super thin coats dry fast.

I would recommend better mixing than you described though.....add ZFX and really shake it well for 60 seconds.

Pics look great........keep us posted! Do you have Z6 and Z7?

olivher · 02-17-02, 01:32

Detailking,
The streaking actually started at the point of application. Once I put some Z5 on the pad, then spreaded it around the hood, that's when the streaking started. The picture below is at 30 minutes of drying time. Do you think Z6 on the pad could have helped it?

Oh yeah, I do have Z6 and Z7. I plan on using the Z7 before I add another few coats of Z5.

MikeLS · 02-17-02, 01:37

Looks like great results to me!

To answer your questions:
1. Yes, you can spray some Z6 on the foam app to get even thinner coats. I use the exact same foams and I'm already getting very thin coats, so I see no need for a spay before hand. But, it's certainly worth a try as it won't hurt a thing.

2. Yes, it's normal for Z5 and Z2 to almost disappear completely if the coats are thin enough. I can barely see the coats on the side panels on my car, but they are a little more pronounced on the horizontal panels, hood, roof, etc...

3. If Z5 is streaking, like in your pic, then it looks like you used a little too much product on that panel. The film should be very light and heavy streaks of film probably mean over application.

4. 3 coats with one ounce is great! Maybe a little thin in some areas....but with three coats, this makes up for it.

Yes, Zaino will last through many many washings without a loss of gloss or slickness.

So, do you like the look of Zaino or BF overall?

Well Done!

JasonC8301 · 02-17-02, 01:55

Amazing reflectivity on that dark green paint!

Now on to read your review on Klasse,
Jason

William420 · 02-17-02, 02:27

The streaking looks scary. I think you should work on the point of application a little more. Give it a couple more strokes to spread it out. I don't think you blend in ZFX good enough. Not suppose to see blue remnants. Maybe you can't give a good shake due to that narrow syringe. You might have better luck mixing it with the plastic bottle.

Malibu · 02-17-02, 02:52

Wow, those pics look great! Now that you've had a chance to see 3 coats of BF and 3 coats of Zaino/ZFX on the same car, could you tell us your impressions of the look of each? Things like reflectivity, depth, "wetness," etc. I'm still trying to decide whether to go with ZFX (I already use Zaino) or BF this summer.

peace

Mike