Difficult to remove Z5...any one else?

**wifehatescar** · 08-21-2006, 10:49 AM

I have used regular Z5 over the past year on a dozen or so cars, and out of 2 different Z5 bottles. Some I went Z1 then Z5, some I used ZFX. I apply it very thin with the PC, about 1/2oz per car/layer. Sometimes it`s fairly cold out, sometimes it`s 80*F or so. Anyway, most times it is very hard to remove, similar to KSG. I have to use Z6 to fully remove it. Do any others have this problem? Is Z5pro less prone to this? I have a hard time believing I`m doing something wrong, but it could be... :sadpace:

Most other sealants I put on in the same manner are a breeze to remove.

**EBPcivicsi** · 08-21-2006, 11:26 AM

I only have experience with Z5PRO, but it wipes off *very* easily. :nixweiss

**kompressornsc** · 08-21-2006, 11:41 AM

I have occasionally had the same issue w/ Z5 & Z2 (non-pro versions). I have never been able to figure it out - sun, shade, hot, cold, thin, thick, humid, dry, ZFX, no-ZFX - every once in a while it`s just a bi*ch to get off.

Sometimes you just have to barely touch it to wipe it off, other times I feel like I have to scrub. I`ve done enough Z applications (probably gone through 8 bottles in the last three years) that I thought I would find a pattern as to what makes it difficult, but I never have. Probably one time out of 5, I get a difficult to remove situation. Havne`t had any problems with the Pro versions, but haven`t been using them too long either.

**TigerMike** · 08-21-2006, 11:46 AM

Some things I immediately thought of...

1) Is it harder to remove after you`ve used Z1, instead of ZFX? If so, keep in mind you are removing 2 products from the surface and it will need a little bit more dry time.

2) Are you applying it very very thin, especially with Z1+the sealant? Thick applications make drying time longer, can create smearing, and is usually just harder to buff off.

3) What kinds of buffing towels are you using? I`ve used high quality cotton and MF, and both removed the Z with no problems. Are the towels clean, and not loaded with any type of product?

3) Humidity can affect removal effort.

4) Colder temps can affect drying, making removal a little tougher, but not KSG serious.

I never have had much of a problem with Z buffing and removal, except when I applied it a bit too thick or the weather was creating uncontrollable problems.

Mike

**wifehatescar** · 08-21-2006, 12:16 PM

I have not seen a pattern either, it happens in all weather conditions. I does not smear like it`s not cured, it just sticks like cement. You wipe a MF over it lightly and nothing happens, I need a MF and QD to make a dent in it. Like I said I only use about 1/2 oz per car, so I don`t think it is too thick. Just using the zfx with z5 was difficult, let alone using z1.

I may try the pro version at some point but I have just about given up on regular z5.

**stilez** · 08-21-2006, 12:31 PM

Try using a slightly dampened MF to remove it. Believe me, it makes a world of difference.

**wifehatescar** · 08-21-2006, 01:56 PM

I`m sure that does help. If it is needed though, I`d rather use other products. I guess I`m just trying to determine if what I am seeing is normal. Sounds like "yes"

**armoredsaint** · 08-21-2006, 01:59 PM

Do you think the humidity might be a problem? Usually when it is really humid in my garage, it makes removing anything, especially KSG worse.

**FidoAUTO** · 08-21-2006, 02:22 PM

Never heard anyone applying Z5 via PC..... maybe thats the problem?

**Beason** · 08-21-2006, 02:38 PM

the first coat for me is always more difficult to get off, but anything after that is a breeze.

**wifehatescar** · 08-21-2006, 02:52 PM

I did z5/zfx 3x this last week, the third coat was as difficult as the first. I know humdity makes it worse, but even in winter (40F) it was difficult.