Another Zaino Post

General Lee

New member
I am dedicating my 03 Mustang GT Convt. to Zaino.



I applied Z-5 (for swirls) X2 on the hood and 1 coat on the rest of the vehicle. I am currently waiting for the Z-2 to arrive. I also have Z-12 (for tires) on the way. (I think thats the #) PLus I have Z-7 carwash.



Anyway, I'm new to Zaino products and wanted to ask is it normal for Z-5 to leave minor streaking?The more I buffed the area it seemed to disappear but who wants to go through all that. I applied it fairly thin but some areas were a bit thick when I added some to the applicator. I prepped the car with AIO. I plan on applying Z-2 multiple times until I achieve my desired look.



Do I need every step of Zaino to acheive the look Zaino gives or will Z-5 and Z-2 be sufficient?



And any tips to minimize streaking or is it just Zaino? Thanks for any help.
 
streaking...apply it thinner or wait longer before buffing



I usually only do 3-4 coats of Zaino tops for 6 months, by then I usually polish again to get swirls out.



I would only use the Z wash right before applying more coats, and use a cheaper wash for weekly use.
 
You don't need every step . I have the Z5/Z2/Z6 only and got *the* look .. .. On the streaking .. go thinner but don't worry if you use the Z6 like recommended it takes care of the streak. Also make sure you did the Z5 in back and forth not circular. Z5 isn't going kill your swirls .. they should be polished out .. but it will hide the minor stuff left over.
 
Z5 tends to streak more often than Z2 in my experience... Did you use ZFX/Z1? Try to play around with different applicators as well, the cotton MF doesn't really spread products that well.. Try using the blue applicator of Autofiber, in my experience, they spread Klasse and Z pretty well.
 
No, I did not order any ZFX or Z1. I read alot of posts that people are having good luck with AIO as a base and I have that so I didn't purchase Z1 and I wasn't concerned about cure time so did not purchase ZFX. Didn't get any Z6 either, Damn! will another fine detail spray work that can be found locally? I can order again but it takes about a week.
 
General Lee said:
No, I did not order any ZFX or Z1. I read alot of posts that people are having good luck with AIO as a base and I have that so I didn't purchase Z1 and I wasn't concerned about cure time so did not purchase ZFX. Didn't get any Z6 either, Damn! will another fine detail spray work that can be found locally? I can order again but it takes about a week.



I think the Z1 or ZFX is required to perform the initial bond to the surface. AIO was a replacement for the Dawn wash not for Z1 or ZFX. If your going to order .. Get the ZFX so you can do up to 3 layers in a day if thats your intention ..



And no .. another QD won't work for the intended use.. Once your finished and are satisfied with the Zaino results you can use any QD/wax you want on top.. you just need to remove then before more Zaino is applied.
 
Jesstzn said:
I think the Z1 or ZFX is required to perform the initial bond to the surface.



Using ZFX/Z1 provides optimum results but it is not required to perform the initial bond to the surface.



"ZFX is a Zaino Show Car Polish acceleration and appearance additive. It offers near-instant cure time, reduced surface distortion, enhanced polish flexibility, and improved bonding to both paint and additional layers of Show Car Polish."



"Z1 Polish Lok creates a base-coat foundation for all Zaino Show Car Polishes. Z-1â„¢ Polish Lok provides an optically perfect, molecular bond between your car's paint and the polish to increase durability. Our specially-crafted formula produces a near-perfect, level surface to enhance light refraction and reflectivity."
 
And no .. another QD won't work for the intended use.. Once your finished and are satisfied with the Zaino results you can use any QD/wax you want on top.. you just need to remove then before more Zaino is applied. [/B][/QUOTE]



So I can top Zaino with a good carnuba say S100? or #26
 
Just make sure you aren't using too much product as well, you shoudl barely be able to see it when it goes on.



As well, let it dry a little longer...that might be the cause of your streaking. But ya, as mentioned above, Z6 or a QD will get rid of the streaks quite nicely.
 
General Lee said:


So I can top Zaino with a good carnuba say S100? or #26



Yes just don't use a cleaner wax or one heavy in solvents like Glanz for a topper .. My preference is #16
 
Thanks for the help guys, It has been humid here so that may be affecting the drying time. I let it dry for about 30 min or so, did the finger test and seemed ok to remove. I'll see how the Z-2 acts when it gets here.
 
If you get streaking...it's on too thick...or not dry yet.



Anytime I get streaking, i buff with a cold water dampened towell.
 
OGauge4Me said:
Is it advisable to put Z5 on top of Z2 then follow up with a coat of Z2?



I personally am just starting this process tomorrow but I have talked to Sal on the phone and he told me that you can mix the Z-2 and Z-5 in any order you want to. Alternate them if you want to or whatever you desire.
 
I don't think it really matters too much.I've mixed and matched them over the years.I've never seen a whole lot of swirl hiding benefit from Z5 in the first place and that's what it's suppose to do.I've even read where someone mixed Z2 and Z5 together half and half and applied it that way.



I guess you beat me to it.:D
 
dternst said:
Using ZFX/Z1 provides optimum results but it is not required to perform the initial bond to the surface.




I asked this question of Sal myself a while back when I was trying to figure out what parts of the Z system I needed.



This is directly from Sal regarding Z1/ZFX



"Z1 or ZFX are part of the Zaino system and must be used...



Z-1 is not your typical precleaner. It is a very special base coat for Show Car polish. It is essential to use first even on brand new paint. Z-1 is to be applied once a year for Show Cars and twice a year for street driven cars. Z-1 will not remove any Z-2 polish when reapplied. It will however, tighten up the molecular structure of the Zaino polish system. It is an important part of the system. Note: ZFX replaces Z-1 and is superior to Z-1



Z-1 is not necesssary when using ZFX....
"
 
Back
Top