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So, I finally got around to using Zaino (Z2Pro + ZFX) today on the IS350 and I figured I`d share my thoughts....
Okay, lets start with the ugly...
The only thing ugly was me. So, getting that out of the way, we can get to the important stuff.
I`m going to go over my regimen today to give you an idea of the process I used. I would also like to say (before I continue) that I have LONG been a doubter about Zaino and I know it has a loyal following so I`m going to write this OPINION as fair as I know how...
I started by washing with Dawn and I apologized deeply to my beauty before doing so but wanted to ensure I gave the product a fair shot. I think clayed, using the Zaino Red Clay and Last Touch (1:1) as my clay lube. Worried that the last touch may have left something behind, I washed the car again with dawn to ensure there was nothing left on the paint. After the second Dawn wash I did an IPA wipedown to ensure a blank canvas.
Next, I grabbed my Z2Pro mixed about 1 ounce of it with 4 drops of ZFX and shook it for a good 2 minutes. I used the provided Zaino applicator. I tried applying it VERY thin but one of the immediate problems I noticed (for me) was that once this stuff goes on, it becomes invisible. It was almost impossible to see the covered vs. the non-covered areas. White cars are tough enough to was (IMO) they are especially tough with Zaino.
After the first application, I let the product sit for about 30 minutes. It was a hot day in Toronto (yesterday) but humidity wasn`t too bad, and the product was drying pretty quickly. The product seemed to come off easy enough, although it didn`t feel all that smooth at first (I came to realize I probably didn`t get it all off at first).
The first coat was followed by two more coats. I realized I had poured out too much product in the dispenser, as I did not use the full ounce (from the three coats). I had about a 1/4 ounce left over, which was eventually rinsed out.
When I completed the third coat, I gave the car a once over with Z8. This is when I saw the first noticeable change in look and feel. The car just "popped" a bit more but became SIGNIFICANTLY slicker. This was very important to me because up until that point, I was VERY underwhelmed by the product.
However, now came the big test... pull the car out into the driveway...
So, how did it look on the old Tungsten Pearl IS350? I would have attached pictures, but frankly I don`t think the pictures would show the condition of the car.
This is probably the first time I`ve said this, but IMHO, this was probably the shiniest my car has ever looked. I did not think it looked "plasticky" at all. The shine was truly awesome. So, having said that, where would I rank my Zaino experience?
Believe it or not... it`s not that high! Why? I found the product a bit too tough to work with for my liking. I don`t really know how to explain it other than... "I wasn`t having fun while using it". I`m not sure if it was the invisibility or the mixing or the shaking, or the removing or the three applications, but I just though it was a big PITA!!!
I think the look was phenomenal, I`d be lying to say otherwise but it just seemed like a lot more work than my fave, Wet Diamond. Overall, I`m going to put it in a tie for third with NXT 2.0, here`s why...
Wet Diamond feels slicker. Yeah, I said it, it`s slicker by quite a lot IMO. My surface is now slick but not Wet Diamond slick. Wet Diamond is MUCH less finicky and generally easier to use (especially on white). I also prefered using Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 over Zaino because it is very similar to Wet Diamond (just more expensive).
I put it in a tie with NXT 2.0 because NXT 2.0 is easier to use but Zaino does not stain trim and on the basis, Zaino deserves at least a tie. Zaino is also the best looking product I`ve put on my car but the difference between it and something like Wet Diamond is not significant enough to warrant the extra work!
In the end... I`m glad I got it and I will continue to use it (probably as my winter wax to see if the "alleged" durability works better for me than 476s did). If nothing else I think the ZFX Z2Pro mixing is great marketing and makes you feel like you are really doing something special. It is a great looking product no doubt about it and I understand the loyal following.
It will remain in use the User Name rotation, it`s just that it can`t take the starting job from my Ace, Wet Diamond!
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