Zaino Newbie (critique my steps)

Hi all,



I`ve been lurking around the forum for quite sometime and it has helped a lot.

I`m just a regular Joe that likes to keep his car looking top notch.



Well after reading countless reviews on zaino.

I finally purchased ZPC, ZAIO, ZFX, Z2, Z5, Z6, Z8 and Z-CS.



I currnet own a Night Hawk Black 97 prelude.

The current paint condition is not perfect and it has some deep swirls.



My questions is should i prep that paint before i apply zaino ?



Here were the steps that i had in mind.

(All steps by hand, unless noted)



Wash

Clay

Wash

ZPC with pc orange pad.

ZAIO

Z5

Z6

Z2

Z6

ZCS



Please critique my steps.



Thanks in advance.

It can take you a while using ZPC by hand. I`d try investing on a PC, or UDM if you want those swirls out.



Your steps sounds about right, but don`t forget to add ZFX when applying the first 3 layers of Z-5/Z-2.



As for Z-6, you don`t really need to add that inbetween coats. IMO, I did not notice a difference...just more work.



Apply Z-8 the next day of your detail. The reason why I say this is to ensure you won`t experience any streaking with Z-8, and it will let the Z polishes cure. Just make sure your car is still clean. If not, apply Z-8 after a reg wash to ensure Z-8 will bond correctly. Same thing with Z-CS. Make sure the surface is clean.



For a quicker Zaino step.. try this... You have a black prelude..



Z-AIO

2x ZFX Z-5p

Z-CS

Z-8



Z-6 to maintain after washing.



Honestly.. you can apply more Zaino (up to 3 coats per day) but I think the results are the same if you applied 1 or 2 coats. That`s my offer and experience for you to save time and product.



Good luck :welcome

I cannot add anything to the previous post aside from the use of Z6 for in between coats of additional sealants. Even as it is not necessary I employ Z6 just to make sure that the surface is clean. You mileage may vary.

If you have deep swirls or scratches you really need a PC to remove them. ZPC is fairly mild and a more aggressive compound may be needed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Preludekid

Hi all,



I`ve been lurking around the forum for quite sometime and it has helped a lot.

I`m just a regular Joe that likes to keep his car looking top notch.



Well after reading countless reviews on zaino.

I finally purchased ZPC, ZAIO, ZFX, Z2, Z5, Z6, Z8 and Z-CS.



I currnet own a Night Hawk Black 97 prelude.

The current paint condition is not perfect and it has some deep swirls.



My questions is should i prep that paint before i apply zaino ?



Here were the steps that i had in mind.

(All steps by hand, unless noted)



Wash

Clay

Wash

ZPC with pc orange pad.

ZAIO

Z5

Z6

Z2

Z6

ZCS



Please critique my steps.



Thanks in advance.

---

Here is what I would do differently.



Wash

Clay

Wash

ZPC with pc orange pad.

ZAIO

Z5p

Z6

Z2p

Z6

ZCS

Z8

I see no reason to wash after claying.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wannafbody

If you have deep swirls or scratches you really need a PC to remove them. ZPC is fairly mild and a more aggressive compound may be needed.

---

Can anyone recommend a more aggresive compound that will go with zaino?





Thanks so much for all the input.



The zaino website should really update their website, since they got new products to work with.

I like 3m 3000 RC, Menzerna PG is also good. You just need do do an Isopropyl alcohol wipedown and follow up with ZPC.

another question.



What would i do to maintain for the next couple of months?

Z6 and Z8 again ?

You don`t need to maintain Zaino very much in my opinion. Without anything, it lasts 6+ months without being garaged. Both Z6 and Z8 do a little bit for brightening and wetting, respectively. I think you`d be as well off to just wash and put another layer on every ~3 months. That should keep it fresh indefinitely.

The only additional changes I would make to the OP`s regimen is in the ZAIO step.

If you have a polishing pad for your PC I would apply the ZAIO via this method rather than by hand.

I would also clay as you wash using the wash water or whatever lube you use as the lube and perform both task at the same time (wash,clay,wash, rinse).



In terms of maintenance I would use Z8 or Z6 after each wash and only after a wash. But you already know about QD`ing and black paint. Following wash is also a perfect time to apply protection re-enforcements with ZCS. By following a maintenance scheduled listed here, you can have the enjoyment of detailing without the pressure of having to do such.:heelclick

Hope this helps. :wavey