makeitshine
New member
Any good comparisons out there on these two?
Blackfire vs. Zaino
- Thread starter makeitshine
- Start date
Blackfire WD is easier to use and for me gives a look I enjoy more. It's a pleasure to add a coat now and then.
Z8 amd ZCS may be similar to BF's Poly Spray and Crystal Seal. Like many, I'm excited to try some of the new Blackfire products. Other than Z8, I switched from Zaino years ago. I'm a long time user of the BFWD (sealant) and also Midnight Sun.
Z8 amd ZCS may be similar to BF's Poly Spray and Crystal Seal. Like many, I'm excited to try some of the new Blackfire products. Other than Z8, I switched from Zaino years ago. I'm a long time user of the BFWD (sealant) and also Midnight Sun.
Texasbiggs
New member
Been Zaino fan since 2002 and just tried BFWD.
It is a wetter look and great shine.
Time will tell on durability. I think BFWD is easier to use.
Zaino allowed multiple coats...I did 3-5 coats in an afternoon
BFWD needs cure time of 4-12 hours in my opinion.
Water beading action about the same.
BFWD looks better on my Black car.
More updates later...
It is a wetter look and great shine.
Time will tell on durability. I think BFWD is easier to use.
Zaino allowed multiple coats...I did 3-5 coats in an afternoon
BFWD needs cure time of 4-12 hours in my opinion.
Water beading action about the same.
BFWD looks better on my Black car.
More updates later...
Good points about cure time if you use the Zfx accelerator, although I recall that 3 coats in one day is the max recommended.....of course stories of a zillion coats of Z5/Z2 have been posted (not in one day...lol). I think 4 or 5 was my max over a week or two. Zaino is known for great durability, but my cars don't go very long without my doing something (LSP or booster spray).
TroyScherer
Ummm.... Ya.....
I have not used zaino so my opinion may not matter.
But IMO zaino is a slightly aging technology. Does it work? Yes, and may like love it and swear by it. The new Blackfire line is all revamped and new tech. Will the durability be the same? Time will tell. I think with crystal seal it will be faster and easier to always top it up when ever you choose.
Bu the most important thing in my opinion is a quote from Mike Phillips.
" Find something you like and use it often. "
But IMO zaino is a slightly aging technology. Does it work? Yes, and may like love it and swear by it. The new Blackfire line is all revamped and new tech. Will the durability be the same? Time will tell. I think with crystal seal it will be faster and easier to always top it up when ever you choose.
Bu the most important thing in my opinion is a quote from Mike Phillips.
" Find something you like and use it often. "
makeitshine
New member
I have used Zaino for years, good product, lasts quite awhile.
Couple issues:
1. Multiple coats - Don't care what I did, temp outside, relative humidty and use of accelerators - if you tried to do 3 coats in a day the third just doesn't work well.
2. The multiple products in their line can be confusing - They came out with the Z-CS, just wipe on and walk away...no wipe down of residue. Then why do they still have Z-2,3,5 ... because you like moving your arm in that motion?
3. You really do have to be careful of how much product you use, its way too easy to use too much - and guaranteed the first few times a new user tries it they will use too much.
So tell me about the BF, sounds like it has issues as well with multiple coats in a day? The Z-CS was 'revolutionary' when it released with no residue to wipe down...you just cut the effort in 1/2. What else?
Couple issues:
1. Multiple coats - Don't care what I did, temp outside, relative humidty and use of accelerators - if you tried to do 3 coats in a day the third just doesn't work well.
2. The multiple products in their line can be confusing - They came out with the Z-CS, just wipe on and walk away...no wipe down of residue. Then why do they still have Z-2,3,5 ... because you like moving your arm in that motion?
3. You really do have to be careful of how much product you use, its way too easy to use too much - and guaranteed the first few times a new user tries it they will use too much.
So tell me about the BF, sounds like it has issues as well with multiple coats in a day? The Z-CS was 'revolutionary' when it released with no residue to wipe down...you just cut the effort in 1/2. What else?
I used to use Zaino for the past 7 years, last year I switched to BF.
Main differences is that Z2 would last a lot longer then WD. I could go 6-9 months easily between applications of Z2 and it still held up well. The WD is much easier to apply and remove and leaves the surface much slicker. Z2 would give the paint a more plasticy look where as the WD seems more glossy. If you want longetivity then Zaino is better, if you want ease in use BF is better.
I used Z2,Z5 which is like WD, ZCS is like the new BFCS (I'll have to try this once it comes out). I used to do a 6mo Z2 with monthly ZCS, I'll do the same with BF but increase the WD applications to 3 months.
Z8 and the gloss spray are very similar both great products but hella expensive.
Main differences is that Z2 would last a lot longer then WD. I could go 6-9 months easily between applications of Z2 and it still held up well. The WD is much easier to apply and remove and leaves the surface much slicker. Z2 would give the paint a more plasticy look where as the WD seems more glossy. If you want longetivity then Zaino is better, if you want ease in use BF is better.
I used Z2,Z5 which is like WD, ZCS is like the new BFCS (I'll have to try this once it comes out). I used to do a 6mo Z2 with monthly ZCS, I'll do the same with BF but increase the WD applications to 3 months.
Z8 and the gloss spray are very similar both great products but hella expensive.
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
Used Zaino along with other products for over 10 years.
Once I learned what really thin coats was and did that, it was way easier to use.
I figured out how to manage the ZFX catylst and had that down to a science.
Learned how to use less than 1/2 oz of Z2 or Z5 + ZFX to apply 3 coats in one session.
3 coats of ZFX'd Zaino could easily go up to 6 months with no problems. The trick is to know how to manage the ZFX (more drops or less drops depending on temp, humidity) vs the little bit of product.
I think that this product was ahead of its time way back when and long before anyone heard or thought of Sealants, etc..
I have seen a few vehicles that have many, many, coats of it, and it really looks like there is another layer of clear on the paint. It does make a difference if applied a lot.
I dont have time to keep doing this, so I was good to go with the 3 and see it in 6 months.
This man has such a huge following of loyal fans, he will never be gone unless he wants to. He has never sold wholesale, larger quantities, etc. He has only 1 business model and has been pretty darn successfull for a couple decades at least.
His Leather Cleaner and Conditioners are one of my favorites still, and his AIO is the only thing I use for all the wood trim inside and it always makes the wood look awesome.
Have also used BFWD; its also a great, great product, and the look it gives is different because it is an oil in water mixture, and that will always look more glossy if prepared properly.
I have not seen the durability in BFWD that I find in Zaino, but again, these are 2 different forumlations.
I have learned that if you spray the Deep Gloss Spray on BFWD, like after you wash it and are drying it, it definitely extends the durability of the original product.
Lots of great products came out of BlackFire because of the extreme blood, sweat, and tear, great, great vision and chemical engineering at its best ! Will always have a place in my shop too !
Dan F
Once I learned what really thin coats was and did that, it was way easier to use.
I figured out how to manage the ZFX catylst and had that down to a science.
Learned how to use less than 1/2 oz of Z2 or Z5 + ZFX to apply 3 coats in one session.
3 coats of ZFX'd Zaino could easily go up to 6 months with no problems. The trick is to know how to manage the ZFX (more drops or less drops depending on temp, humidity) vs the little bit of product.
I think that this product was ahead of its time way back when and long before anyone heard or thought of Sealants, etc..
I have seen a few vehicles that have many, many, coats of it, and it really looks like there is another layer of clear on the paint. It does make a difference if applied a lot.
I dont have time to keep doing this, so I was good to go with the 3 and see it in 6 months.
This man has such a huge following of loyal fans, he will never be gone unless he wants to. He has never sold wholesale, larger quantities, etc. He has only 1 business model and has been pretty darn successfull for a couple decades at least.
His Leather Cleaner and Conditioners are one of my favorites still, and his AIO is the only thing I use for all the wood trim inside and it always makes the wood look awesome.
Have also used BFWD; its also a great, great product, and the look it gives is different because it is an oil in water mixture, and that will always look more glossy if prepared properly.
I have not seen the durability in BFWD that I find in Zaino, but again, these are 2 different forumlations.
I have learned that if you spray the Deep Gloss Spray on BFWD, like after you wash it and are drying it, it definitely extends the durability of the original product.
Lots of great products came out of BlackFire because of the extreme blood, sweat, and tear, great, great vision and chemical engineering at its best ! Will always have a place in my shop too !
Dan F
Street Dreams
New member
I think the general consensus is that Zaino was and still is a great product. Its looks fantastic and beads strong for several months. It was the first sealant I used when I began detailing and it produced a lot of great finishes.
... then I tried blackfire wet diamond.
I dont use Zaino anymore.
The end.
... then I tried blackfire wet diamond.
I dont use Zaino anymore.
The end.
makeitshine
New member
I am looking for a good product that is easier to apply, frankly the 3 coats of Zaino is a chore, takes an entire weekend where I have my car in a temperature controlled enviroment. The durability is top notch, its a lot of work.
So it sounds like there are new BF products that are coming that people are waiting on? Also appears to be a multi-product system - is it also one in which you have to wipe off a residue between coats?
How is time between coats?
So it sounds like there are new BF products that are coming that people are waiting on? Also appears to be a multi-product system - is it also one in which you have to wipe off a residue between coats?
How is time between coats?
Flannigan
New member
If you like zaino just buy DG, it's cheaper 
Seriously though, I think Zaino will always be embraced by certain people, but IMO it's nothing special. I think there are much better products out there, including the Blackfire line.
Seriously though, I think Zaino will always be embraced by certain people, but IMO it's nothing special. I think there are much better products out there, including the Blackfire line.
+1... though i still use their aio
Stokdgs
dansautodetailing.com
Zaino used with the ZFX accelerator, will take as much time as you need to put down 3 coats, one after another. If you do this during the day, and leave it inside that night so it has more time to cure, you are so good to go. For me, I can do 3 coats of ZFX'd Zaino Z2 or Z5 in a little over an hour if I take my time..
However, if you choose to use Zaino without the ZFX product, it will take much longer between coats, just like BFWD, or any other product that does not have what Zaino has..
Dan F
Street Dreams
New member
Roush_Stage_3
New member
Just did my car today with the Z2 Pro and topped off with the Z8 Grand Finale Spray. My car smells as good as it looks. Now, I want to take a bite out if it! LOL:lol2:I still use Z6 and Z8, I find both very difficult to beat plus the smell rocks
scotlykins
New member
I like the Blackfire product better than Zaino. I have the Z2 pro and BF All Finish and the Blackfire has a wetter look.