Used Zaino Z-2 PRO first time!

[percynjpn]

Hi folks,

I finally had a chance to use Z-2 PRO for the first time today (sorry, no pics). I applied it in conjunction with ZFX, after polishing my '92 Champagne Gold Metallic Silvia "K's" with Optimum Polish by Cyclo with Cyclo white pads.

Some thoughts:

1) Don't care for the smell too much.

2) A bit difficult to spread (kind of "thick"), compared to my other favorite sealants: 1Z Glanz Wax (easiest application in the world!) and UPP (easiest to remove IME).

3) I found it difficult to remove. The temp was about 30C with 60% humidity. I waited about thirty minutes before removal. It may have been the humidity, but after that I used the last tiny remainder for a second application on the hood, then came back about two hours later - same result. I used about 2/3 of an ounce on the whole vehicle (and since there was extra left over, I also applied it to the wheels, too). In short, it was applied VERY thin.

4) Looks: Excellent! My car is a very pale gold; it gives better "gloss" than (my other favorites for this color, UPP and S100). It shines wonderfully, but it doesn't provide what I'd call "deep luster" - a rich, deep - something . That doesn't mean it doesn't look good - just different from what I'm used to. I don't agree with the assessment that it makes the paint look like it's "wrapped in plastic". It really looks great, I just can't describe it well. Overall, I find the look striking and have found a new favorite. I have a feeling its look on black or red will make me more biased as to which product should be used on those particular colors, but you've got a new Zaino fan here!

[ZaneO]

Good report.

Couple of tips:

Spritzing your applicator with distilled water or QD makes application really easy.

2/3 oz. should have been good for *at least* 2 full coats on the vehicle. You should barely be able to see it going on - this makes application and removal nearly effortless (also reduces drying time).

[percynjpn]

Originally Posted by ZaneO

Good report.

Couple of tips:

Spritzing your applicator with distilled water or QD makes application really easy.

2/3 oz. should have been good for *at least* 2 full coats on the vehicle. You should barely be able to see it going on - this makes application and removal nearly effortless (also reduces drying time).

I did actually spritz the (foam) app with distilled water; even so, it was more difficult to spread than other products I've used. For removal, maybe I just used too much product, but I think the "thickness" of it made it difficult to spread easilly. I think next time I'll try to apply it with a cotton or MF applicator, which may make it easier to apply.

[blkZ28Conv]

Originally Posted by percynjpn

I think next time I'll try to apply it with a cotton or MF applicator, which may make it easier to apply.

I personally can not spread Z very well using a sponge-type applicator. I am sure you will be surprise how well cotton (my first choice) or MF pads works without increasing amount used.

As the saying goes...if you think you applied a thin coat you still applied tooo much.

Nice, fair and objective review. Well written.

Z looks great on Red (Torch). Some will

[percynjpn]

Originally Posted by blkZ28Conv

I personally can not spread Z very well using a sponge-type applicator. I am sure you will be surprise how well cotton (my first choice) or MF pads works without increasing amount used.

As the saying goes...if you think you applied a thin coat you still applied tooo much.

Nice, fair and objective review. Well written.

Z looks great on Red (Torch). Some will

Thanks for the advice; after the next wash, I'll apply the next coat by cotton app.!


Todd

[TortoiseAWD]

percynjpn,

If you have a PC, you might consider giving machine application a try. I also think Z2Pro doesn't spread quite as well as older versions, and I've had better luck laying down thin/easy-to-remove layers with a PC and Sonus SFX-3 4" finishing pad.

Tort

[percynjpn]

Originally Posted by TortoiseAWD

percynjpn,

If you have a PC, you might consider giving machine application a try. I also think Z2Pro doesn't spread quite as well as older versions, and I've had better luck laying down thin/easy-to-remove layers with a PC and Sonus SFX-3 4" finishing pad.

Tort

I do have a DA machine (with two unused LC black pads); these days I rarely use it. Thanks for the advice - I may have to give that a try!

Todd

[wannafbody]

Z2pro looks very good on goldish mettallics

[jmsc]

1. I also found Z-2P a little harder to apply than say its counterpart Z-5P. But both came off easy. Both were used with Z-FX.

2. What sized car did you do this to? 2/3 oz may be too much. I used 1/3 then 1/4 then 1/5 as I layered on a 06 Civic.

3. I used a mf appl using pea sized drops (yes, pea sized not dime or nickel sized) using spritz's of distilled water and/or Z-6. Very easy on. Very easy off. With cotton or mf the drop spot stays moist throughout the procedure which helps in the thin application. I used different mf towels (Meg Ultimate, Meg Supreme, Magic Towel, Waynestowel HP & UP) to remove the Zaino. All worked very well for me. Some day I will actually try my Charisma 100% USA cotton towels to remove Zaino.

[buzzb]

Post some pics if you can percynjpn!
I've found an initial Z6 wipe down and using a microfiber applicator helps me keep the layers thin, thin, thin. A Z6 spritz on the applicator (just a light mist- do not saturate) can help also. Once you start playing around with Zaino you'll find what works the best for you. Hope this helps!

[SilverLexus]

Todd,

My favorite applicator for Z-2 is the PakShak ultrafine app. Really allows it to spread thin in my opinion. I also prefer hand over PC applications. Maybe a preference thing..

[gben]

I recently purchased some z5 pro, z2 pro and used them both with zfx and had no trouble at all applying or removing. ( used both the terry cloth zaino applicator and a store bought mf applicator) Made my yellow vette look better than anything I've put on it so far. Not to say I'm going to stop trying new products on it.