Zaino CS applicator

[Intercooled]

I have yet to try the new Clear Seal, but am going to order some real soon. From what i understand Zaino wants you use a brand new terry applicator and then store it in a zip lock bag. Should the applicator get washed after use and then stored or just stored after eveyr use with out ever washing? Would washing a dedicated CS applicator hinder it spreadability or performance?

[gmblack3]

Yes use the cotton app that zaino includes with your order. Store it in a ziplock bag when done and do not wash it.



From the zaino site:

You will achieve the best results with Z-CS over clean and dry surfaces. Thoroughly clean and dry all surfaces.



Mist a #314 cotton applicator pad with Z-CS 1 time to preload the pad with product. Do not use an applicator pad that has been used with ANY other product. If you choose to reuse an applicator pad that has already been used with only Z-CS, store it in a sealed Ziploc style bag between uses. Holding sprayer about 4 inches from the surface, lightly spray Z-CS once directly onto the panel, avoiding any overspray. Work Z-CS into the paint evenly with the applicator pad using overlapping motions one section (18-24" area) at a time.

[imported_rydawg]

Intercooled: Where in NH are you?

[stilez]

I use a very close regimen to that stated on Zainostore.com. The preload of 1 spritz is effective and the same applicator comment is somewhat true.



I find, especially at this time of the year, it is inevitable to miss a small spot or two in a crevice or lower area on the vehicle during the initial clean, hence transferring a small level of soil to the applicator. I find the need to then flip the applicator and continue, ultimately washing it with the rest of my Z-terry cotton applicators. You can remember which one was used for CS as it`s one of the few that should come out completely white. If you are that particular about it, use a sharpie to inscribe "CS" in a corner.



And yes, I have washed and reused some of these applicators sans any lack of performance. I think you need to get the technique of spritzing the panel, and working it in lightly, then letting dry down. Once you have that, the rest are minor details.

[Intercooled]

Intercooled: Where in NH are you?

I`m in Seabrook, I see your in Salem....right down the road.

[Intercooled]

I use a very close regimen to that stated on Zainostore.com. The preload of 1 spritz is effective and the same applicator comment is somewhat true.



I find, especially at this time of the year, it is inevitable to miss a small spot or two in a crevice or lower area on the vehicle during the initial clean, hence transferring a small level of soil to the applicator. .

That was my tought as well, I wouldnt think the applicator would be completely spotless after use.



What is your opinion on the new CS. Is it just as good as the Z2/Z5. Or is more of a lazy mans product. I kow Sal only puts out quality products, and Ive been using Zaino for a few years now, but I`m not 100% certain where the CS fits in.

[stilez]

Intercooled: My thoughts so far on Zaino CS are mostly positive.



Once you get the application down, you find yourself freshening up CS on a weekly basis, it`s that easy. There are some issues with CS even when mixed with the smallest amount of water, but this is speaking in regards to spreading and nothing more. The overall design of the product is second to none at this point, IMO.



The look, slickness, and durability is still a bit up in the air for me. I think a lot has to do with the fact that today was the first day above 50* in months, but on my daily driver (which gets about 700 miles per week), I have had a few issues with getting it to cure quickly. The beading and slickness are there week in/week out, but not *great*. With Z5 Pro, it works wonderfully as I pair it with ZFX, but I think the combination of cool, damp, and dark conditions has hindered a bit of durability and slickness...not to mention, a week of HEAVY road grime.



Then again, I could be a bit over critical as my G (more or less a garage queen), looks, feels, and acts consistently, like a fresh coat of CS was just applied. The durability there has been stellar.



I still have to toy around with layering consecutively and finding the right time, temp, and weather to apply it, but overall, I see it as a permanent player in my arsenal. To make it a bit more clear, if I am working on a car on a 45* day with overcast, I would reach for Z5 Pro paired with ZFX, but if I`m working on an 07 Black Z06 in a showroom (like next weekend ), I would reach for CS.



How does this sound ?

[Intercooled]

Thats great. Would you reccomend a coat of Z5/Z2 under your CS for best performance and look. Or CS over ZAIO is just as good? I thik I would like to try ZAIO , Z5, then CS for the spring clean up. Then just switch back and forth between CS and Z5 through the summer. But Ill have to see for myself what CS does and compares to Z5.

[imported_rydawg]

My opinion on CS.



CS gives added wetness and it is more noticable from a further distance and it will make your finish look very crisp and clear. Pictures could not show the added clarity and sparkle CS provides, unless you have a very good camera.



Z5pro is my favorite sealant and I will always use, but topped with CS it will give added wetness, clarity, boost the sharpness, and make you vehicle look intense from a longer distance. You can now show off your ride from far away. ZAIO is the best AIO i have tried and it is very easy to use.



Here is a quickie of a fender that I did on a black Saab. It was marred pretty bad, but it was restored to showroom in a very short time.



[IMG][/IMG]



[IMG][/IMG]

[imported_rydawg]

I did not have any before pics cause I did not have my girlfriends camera, this car was pretty beat and marred. I used a rotory with a wool pad and ZAIO and it smoothed the finish and removed the marring and gave it a smooth glass finish and I was quite impressed. I then used the PC with a white lc pad to make sure it was swirl free with ZAIO again (Same polish for both steps) and worked flawless. Then topped with a coat of Z5pro (No zfx), and the CS. That was a picture of it after 30 minutes..



Bad part was, the next day I sold this car and the one fender was literally gleaming and the guy who bought it swore up and down that it was just sprayed and was suspicious of the one shiny fender. I had to prove to him that I just polished it cause I was bored. Thank god he bought it! I have to stop doing that to fenders. The good part is that I am gonna detail it for him in a couple of weeks when the salt stops flying around here.:nomore: