Preparation and cleaning before Zaino

[koen_dr]

Well Guys, I ordered Zaino products, after much searching and comparing!
ordered Z5,Z2, Z6, Z7, ZFX and Z8. Already have Z-cs.

The question I have is what I do to fully prep the car so Zaino bonds Superb?

Clean with meguiars shampoo
Clay with megauars clay and detailspray
Wash with dish washing detergent
But then what to do??? How do I make sure nothing of my previous blackfire is still there...

What do you guys suggest to fully clean the car as final step in prep to start with Z5 and Z2???

[wfedwar]

Zaino AIO.

[koen_dr]

Well, not to be foolish, but I already bought A LOT of Zaino stuff, so ordering the Z-AIO for solely this, sounds silly...

Can I use Jeffs Werkstatt Prime instead, I already own this?

[pwaug]

I have always washed with Dawn, then clayed and had no problem with Z2 or Z5 bonding.

[cwcad]

You have CS from Zaino so I would use that after the wash and after major corrective steps then follow up with ZFX'd Z2Pro or Z5Pro. You should be good to go.

edit: I used the term CS instead of ZPC. I am sorry for using the wrong letters. I knew what I meant. Now everyone else does too.

[9935annivgt]

After claying and washing again with dawn (use warm to hot water) you should br ready to go. I have not had any issues with this process. Personally I only use the CS after I am through with the Z-5 and the Z-2, but that is just me.

[Eliot Ness]

Originally Posted by koen_dr

..............How do I make sure nothing of my previous blackfire is still there...

What do you guys suggest to fully clean the car as final step in prep to start with Z5 and Z2???

The easiest way as mentioned earlier is to use Z-AIO. I understand not wanting to make an order just for that so do an IPA (Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol) or a Prep-Sol wipe followed up with some Z-6. The only reason I suggest the IPA or Prep-Sol is I don't recall how durable Blackfire is. If it's on its' last legs then the dawn and clay should do it.......... the Z-6 will make it easier to apply. If prime is an AIO type of product then it should work fine....... some members use to use Klasse AIO as a cleaner and base for Zaino. Below are a couple of Zaino threads you might find helpful:

Zaino Z5 Pro vs. Zaino Z2 Pro - thoughts & images - Autopia.org

How to use Zaino (with comments by Sal Zaino) - Autopia.org

[wfedwar]

The Werkstat prime is a good idea, too.

[JoshVette]

Give it a good, wash, clay and polish it with ZPC to remove anything else, then go back to your origional plan.

Buy some ZAIO and ZPC too.

[koen_dr]

Well, got ZAio through a nice discount from my supplier ;-)

[HRP]

I've always followed Sal's recommendations and been very happy with the appearance and durability of my Zaino treated cars. Red, Silver, and Black.
I assume you have a PC and are planning to use it to apply at least the Z-PC. While I'm a Zaino Zealot, the biggest reason for a poor appearance with any good product line is inadequate preparation. And the preparation with most good product lines is the very hardest and most important part. And when you think it's finally properly prepped, check that sucker again. You'll be amazed at what you missed. And do put that extra coat or two of Z-2 or Z-5 on it. It does make a difference. And plan on using many more mf's or cotton cloths than you think you need. Also check on your library of 4 letter words, sometimes just one or two cannot begin to express your frustration when you find what you missed after applying Z-CS or that final layer of Z-8.

[koen_dr]

Well, I have the whole Zaino sealant lot, but didn't order the Z-PC. We own a festool polsiher, which I can't use this time because it's at our holiday place 1250km's away. I will be doing a good polishing pass at christmas, because I will bring the tool with me after summer holidays. I will be doing my car during a week when I have all the time I need, because the GF still has to work then, after the detail I go off for a 1250km drive for a week to the sun in St-Tropez.

The victim: 2007 Volvo C70 D5 silver metallic

This time it will go like this (did some research prior)
(= car will be stored indoors at our company which is closed for 3 weeks , so I will be driving something else during the cleaning mania = SL500 )

Day 1
- Wash (with meguiars + power washer karcher + mitt)
- clay ( probably meguiars quick clay / I now have Swissvax clay but it's at the end)
- wash again with dish washer detergent
- dry ( using microfibre + airpressure gun for tight spots and holes etc. )
- clean wheels completely
- 1 coat of Z-AIO
- 2 coats of ZFX'ed Z5
- 1 coat of ZFX'ed Z2
=> will use Z6 between all coats

Day 2
- dust off with air pressure gun and then microfibre
- wash with Z7 + dry afterwards
- 2 or 3 coats of ZFX'ed Z2
- clean all plastics and feed them with Chemical Guys stuff
- clean windows with agressive cleaner and put Rain-x on all windows ( 2 or 3 coats )

Day 3
- dust off with air pressure gun and then microfibre
- Z-CS
- Z8
- hopefully

I will maybe be doing a friend car alond side ( gunmetal grey S2000 ) but I will first see how well the products work on the first day. I think I have the time because I can put those 3 coats on in half a day maximum.

Do you guys think I should do 3 coats of Z5 the first day and then 3 coats of Z2 the next or should I keep it as I have it now? If longer curing would be necessary, I can do it day 1 and the next 3 coats on day 3...

Looking forward to your comments