Zaino Question (surface prep) Hey Detailking?

Jav · 07-28-01, 09:24

The other day my daughters new 01 Rallye Red Honda Civic was delievered and now I want to Zaino it as soon as possible. My question is can I apply the Zaino right on top of either the dealer or the factory applied paint protection, or should I attempt to strip it off with something like AIO? I'm hesitant to get to aggressive with the paint because it so clean and swirl free, so my plan was a dawn wash, followed by Zaino clay and then hopefully apply the first of many coats of Z-1 and Z-2. DK, I know you just finished Zainoing that beautiful BMW, and was wondering if it had a paint protection added, and if so, how did you deal with it prior to the Zaino? Anyone else have any thoughts on dealing with the so called paint protection applied by the dealer.

Also, off the subject but I purchased this car from a dealer through Autobytel.com, and can report that it was a very easy process just as long as you know what car and options your looking for to include. None of the other 4 honda dealers in my area could touch the price I was quoted, plus the car was delievered right to my door. In addition, financing was also arranged through the internet at an interest rate none of the banks in my town could match or beat either. So, if your in the market for a new car, give Autobytel.com a shot.

Don2000g · 07-28-01, 10:03

The sealants that dealerships apply on new cars would not provide the necessary foundation for Zaino. If you have this sealant, you need to remove it and not with AIO, as AIO will layer down some acrylic on your car's finish. I would imagine that Dawn follwed by claying, followed by Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion would be a good start. The Pinnacle PCL may not be needed but is nice to use.

DETAILKING · 07-29-01, 09:12

If you paid a few hundred bucks for it, it might be a synthetic based sealant, but I suspect its just a spray wax or carnuba wax they prepped the car with. Just dawn wash, clay, and Z1, and Z2. Remember to use thin coats, and good luck!

Jav · 07-29-01, 11:19

When I bought the 300M, the invoice added about $400 for paint protection that was already added and wasn't something I could ask to be removed. On the Civic, it was simply a $90 dealer prep charge, do you think that was for just getting the car ready, ie., wash and wax; without adding an sealant?

darbh · 07-29-01, 06:08

The $90 charge almost certainly did not include "paint protection." As you know, this is an item they like to charge a few hundred bucks for -- actually, as much as they can get.

Your other car may have been treated with a polymer. This will almost certainly not be removed by Dawn. For example, Zaino must be removed with alcohol (according to Sal, clay will EVENTUALLY remove Zaino).

Heaven knows what they put on your paint. I would have the dealer tell you (or find out) what product was used on the paint and who made it. I would then ask the manufacturor how they recommend removing it (they will certainly have a recommendation, not because they think people are going to spend $400 then want to remove the product, but because body shops have to know how to remove most of these products in order to do patch up paint jobs in accident cases). Use common sense in evaluating their recommendation and proceed only if their recommendation does not violate what you have read on this site.