Ultima product line as compared to Zaino

Raider · 07-24-07, 10:40

I have been an auto enthusiast for years and enjoyed detailing as a hobby and a sort of therapeutic activity-there's something about the sense of accomplishment when you're done. However, demands of marriage, kids, job have left me with fewer and fewer opportunities to detail. In fact, at times just finding time to wash the cars is difficult. As a result, I have over time migrated to the latest generation Zaino product line as the easiest for me to implement. I like the cross-integration of the products, and the ability to quickly refresh the vehicle in between complete details after each wash. I have been essentially very happy with that line, especially the ease of use and durability, with the exception of the black plastic trim on my Xterra, for which I have never found a really good solution (no pun intended), and which I addressed in my first post.

While researchng the Ultima product line, I was struck with the similarities between the two approaches by what I assume to be completely independent companies. The benefit of the Ultima line, potentially, might be an increased durability and the possibility of the Tire and Trim Guard Plus being better for the plastic trim. I plan to try the TTG+, and am considering trying the complete line as well. But of course the question in my mind, and I'm sure for others as well, is will it be worth it to switch from Zaino?

I would appreciate any input from those who may have used both products. I have no intention of starting any controversy here; rather I wanted to offer the opportunity for the Ultima developers to compare the products in an up-front and forth-right manner. While of course, I don't expect any proprietary info to be given, I am curious as to what fundamental differences might exist in terms of product phiosophy, ease of use, compatibility with other products, application issues, durability, etc. I would also find any info regarding the product's development, and history of the principals involved to be interesting as well.

I would be tempted to try the complete product line, if there were a package discount offered, hint, hint.

Thanks for your efforts to develop a superior products and help vehicle owners to protect their investments.

DavidB · 07-26-07, 09:58

I welcome the discussion. I have complete respect for Sal Zaino and the products he markets. Over the years, Sal has proven again and again that he puts only the very best products in his brand.

Steelth · 07-26-07, 07:06

I am also going to be trying this out very soon. I ordered my Paint Guard Plus and Paint Prep Plus and will end up doing one half of my car with Paint Prep Plus + Paint Guard Plus and the other half with ZPC and Z2 Pro. Now how long before I actually get to this who knows haha. I will definately try the product out the day I get it though.

One question for David if I already have on protection IE Zaino Can I use the Paint Prep Plus on top??

Joshua312 · 07-26-07, 07:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelth

One question for David if I already have on protection IE Zaino Can I use the Paint Prep Plus on top??

The Paint Prep will just remove any Zaino protection you have applied. Unless you mean Paint Guard Plus?

WilliamHBonney · 07-26-07, 07:26

I will hopefully have my Ultima tomorrow and the comparisons will begin!

DavidB · 07-27-07, 10:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelth

One question for David if I already have on protection IE Zaino Can I use the Paint Prep Plus on top??

Yes. There are no compatibility issues. In fact, in my own testing, PPP makes a better base for Z Clear Seal than Z-PC or Z-AIO. When I applied Clear Seal (using the Ultima microfiber applicator) over Ultima Paint Prep Plus I had zero streaking or smearing.

Steelth · 07-30-07, 08:47

I got my Products in today David. Of course I had to try out the P guard first thing so I quickly did two panels on my GTO which is clean because its mostly garaged now. Mind you this is on top of Danase Acrylic Glaze + Z2 + Opti-Seal but I must say on those panels I put it on it added quite a bit of gloss to the surface I cannnot wait to use it on an entire vehicle without any work from beforehand.

A+ product though !!

DavidB · 07-30-07, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelth

Mind you this is on top of Danase Acrylic Glaze + Z2 + Opti-Seal but I must say on those panels I put it on it added quite a bit of gloss to the surface I cannnot wait to use it on an entire vehicle without any work from beforehand.

Nice to know that it applied okay over other products. Just a quick note that it will not layer over those products... it will remove them. It layers on itself quite well.

db

mongo · 07-31-07, 06:15

David if i was not going to use the Ultima wash ; which wash would you recomend i am thinking Four stars wash , P21S wash or Optimum wash.

thanx mongo

DavidB · 07-31-07, 06:29

Of the ones you mentioned, I like the Four Star Ultimate Wash the best. Nice suds and very good cleaning.

wannafbody · 07-31-07, 06:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

Yes. There are no compatibility issues. In fact, in my own testing, PPP makes a better base for Z Clear Seal than Z-PC or Z-AIO. When I applied Clear Seal (using the Ultima microfiber applicator) over Ultima Paint Prep Plus I had zero streaking or smearing.

David, just for clarification purposes doesn't the PPP need a cure time before layering CS or OptiSeal over it?

DavidB · 07-31-07, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannafbody

David, just for clarification purposes doesn't the PPP need a cure time before layering CS or OptiSeal over it?

The amount of coating provided by PPP is very thin. CS will disolve this coating, if it is not cured, and replace it with a coating of CS. The chemical elements are 100% compatible.