Zaino Smearing

**LQ9SS** · 06-29-2007, 09:41 AM

I am still having troubles with the Zaino not drying properly. I don`t know how much lighter I can go with the coats. Under normal light it seems to come off but than when I look at the paint with a 500w lights there are streaks all over and it leaves a bunch of holograms. I am using about 4 drops of ZFX per 1 ounce. I did my dads suburban with only 1 ounce of Z5 and it steal smeared.

I live in North Dakota and it is not that hot or humid.

**Diesel1** · 06-29-2007, 09:46 AM

I think you`re still using too much. Spray a lil Z6 on your applicator (1-2 squirts) prior to first application. This will allow you to really apply it super thin. When you think you`re applying too little, use half as much. You don`t even need to see it on the paint but it is there. If you see buildups when you are applying, you are using way too much. It should be applied so thin that you almost can`t tell anything is on there. Don`t go over spots again that you think you missed. This is another reason why 2-3 light coats are better than 1 thick one for coverage.

**Scottwax** · 06-29-2007, 09:48 AM

1 oz for a single layer is way too much, even for a Suburban. Still, with ZFX you`d think it would be dry in a reasonable amount of time. What are you using under Z5? Are you sure you are wiping the car completely clean before applying Z5? I`ve found not completely removing the excess polish can cause smearing/streaking problems no matter what the LSP.

**Setec Astronomy** · 06-29-2007, 09:48 AM

I presume you are using Z5Pro (which I haven`t) but I`ve used Z2Pro and the old Z5, and even with the Z2Pro which is much thicker than the old Z5, I can get 3 or 4 layers on a large car with one ounce, so I`d say you`re using at least twice as much as you need to. It also sounds like something else is going on if it looks ok under normal light but you see stuff under the halogens; is the surface prepped properly?

**gmblack3** · 06-29-2007, 10:48 AM

Like they all said, you are still using too much.

The F250 supercab that I did the other day, we used less then 1 oz to do 3 coats. When you don`t think you are using enough, that is about right.

**pwaug** · 06-29-2007, 12:23 PM

As others have mentioned an OZ is too much for one coat. Also, you might try giving it a Z6 wipe down prior to the Z5 as it helps spread the Z5 thin and evenly.

**imported_never gone** · 06-29-2007, 12:28 PM

I don`t think you`re using enough zfx so it`s not drying enough. Yes an ounce is too much but maybe try a couple extra drops to make sure it`s curing fast enough before you try taking it off. The only time I had smearing is when it was still not cured all the way.

**mbkintner** · 06-29-2007, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by never gone

I don`t think you`re using enough zfx so it`s not drying enough. Yes an ounce is too much but maybe try a couple extra drops to make sure it`s curing fast enough before you try taking it off. The only time I had smearing is when it was still not cured all the way.

The Zaino website recommends 4 to 5 drops of ZFX per ounce. I use five but I doubt his use of 4 is causing a problem.

I suspect, like many others, that his problem is caused by the amount of Zaino that`s being used. I have a Suburban and can get 2 full coats (with product leftover) out of an ounce. The use of a full ounce for one coat will lead to excessive drying times no matter how much ZFX you use. This can lead to streaking if you don`t wait long enough for the thick layer to dry.

Mike

**Todd@RUPES** · 06-29-2007, 03:07 PM

To beat the dead horse, you using about 3 times to much. I did a Yukon, including the glass, trim, roof, and rims for 2 coats with about 3/4`s of an ounce and still had product left over.

**imported_memnuts** · 06-29-2007, 03:25 PM

As others have stated quite accurately that you used too much. No big deal. Been there- done that.

The Z that was in contact with the finish is now cured (ZFX`d) and bonded. To remove the excess I would just wash the vehicle with Z7. You could reach this end-point with just a damp towel wipedown to remove the excess but I believe you will get better results with just a full wash and a post drying Z6 or Z8 hi-liting QD.

Do not add more fuel to the fire by trying to remove this amount of excess with Z6 or Z8.:soscared:

Hope this helps.

**imported_mosborn9** · 06-29-2007, 08:43 PM

Are you doing WOWO or are you doing the whole vehicle and waiting at least an hour before trying to remove?

**imported_mosborn9** · 06-29-2007, 08:46 PM

One other thing, take a MF and cover your finger to make a straight mark. If the surface is clean and glossy with no smearing that is a good indication it is ready to remove.

**wannafbody** · 06-29-2007, 10:04 PM

I`ve found that streaking Zaino can be evened out by wiping a damp towel over the surface after 15 minutes or so of drying time. If that doesn`t solve the streaking issue letting the product sit for a day seems to "fix" the issue. The streaks just kind of fade away.

**LQ9SS** · 06-30-2007, 12:53 AM

Things went ALOT more smooth tonight. I went SUPER light on the Z2 and I was rewarded when it was time to remove, no streaks.....

Thanks again for the tips.

I will have to post some pics of my truck tommarow.

**kleraudio** · 07-01-2007, 12:02 AM

Good to hear, thanks to this thread I saved myself alot of product and extra work. I used Z5 with ZFX for the first time today and it worked out awesome. I used about 3/4 oz. and did three coats on my fiance`s SUV.

Unreal how thin you can apply this stuff. Makes me wonder if Im even applying anything sometimes.

Jim