Do you like Zaino ????

[Macruz19]

I've been a Z user since 06. The thing about Zaino that I like is the different combos you can use. If you just want very simple after a wash, you can use Z-CS, or Z-6, or even Z-8, or you can slap a coat of Z-2/Z-5. I played around with different Z combos, and my favorite is

Z-AIO, 1x Z-5 w/ZFX, Z-CS, and Z-8.



The thing that bothers me with the Z hype is the layering. When I started using Zaino, I would apply Z-2 almost everyday after work with ZFX. I thought I would get the benefit of protection, but found it was really a waste of product and I did not really see a difference from 1 coat of Z-2 vs. 10 coats of Z-2.

 

[wfedwar]

The thing that bothers me with the Z hype is the layering. When I started using Zaino, I would apply Z-2 almost everyday after work with ZFX. I thought I would get the benefit of protection, but found it was really a waste of product and I did not really see a difference from 1 coat of Z-2 vs. 10 coats of Z-2.

+1.



I've seen layering benefits from other products (e.g., Klasse), but never from Zaino. Maybe I need more Kool-Aid...

 

[imported_JoshVette]

The thing that bothers me with the Z hype is the layering. When I started using Zaino, I would apply Z-2 almost everyday after work with ZFX. I thought I would get the benefit of protection, but found it was really a waste of product and I did not really see a difference from 1 coat of Z-2 vs. 10 coats of Z-2.

The layering hype is not so much for visual improvement, it's a durability improvement.



The visual affects will be seen basically as the shine remaining for a longer period of time, but it will not keep getting shinier and shinier the more coats you put on.

 

[Mindflux]

The thing that bothers me with the Z hype is the layering. When I started using Zaino, I would apply Z-2 almost everyday after work with ZFX. I thought I would get the benefit of protection, but found it was really a waste of product and I did not really see a difference from 1 coat of Z-2 vs. 10 coats of Z-2.

As with anything there is a level of diminishing returns. Most long time Zaino users will tell you 4-6 layers is about as 'best' as it gets for depth. anything after that is just for kicks.

 

[wannafbody]

You can blend uranium with carnauba and carnauba is still carnauba. It's like adding a plastic link to a heavy steel chain and trying to tow a vehicle. Carnauba belongs in a wax museum not in 21st century car care products. Personally, I don't think it gets any easier than CS. just make sure the vehicle is totally dry. CS gets messy when it comes in contact with water.

 

[Macruz19]

You can blend uranium with carnauba and carnauba is still carnauba. It's like adding a plastic link to a heavy steel chain and trying to tow a vehicle. Carnauba belongs in a wax museum not in 21st century car care products. Personally, I don't think it gets any easier than CS. just make sure the vehicle is totally dry. CS gets messy when it comes in contact with water.

Once water touches the pad of Z-CS it's not slick anymore. Gotta have a DRY car to apply Z-CS.

 

[Rob Tomlin]

As with anything there is a level of diminishing returns. Most long time Zaino users will tell you 4-6 layers is about as 'best' as it gets for depth. anything after that is just for kicks.

Anything after 3 coats is a complete waste imo.

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Even on dark colors?

In terms of sealants, yes, even on dark colors. Infact I think a lot of bs gets spilled on here in terms of the actual looks of products. Perfectly polished paint should be so glossy and so close to its maximum potential that it should be hard to tell the difference between most products (IMO). I will say that on some black paints I find oil heavy sealants like #21 to look slightly darker (not deeper or glossier) but this only lasts for a matter of days.



The only problem I have ever faced with a dark color car and Zaino is on some GM black (looks bright gray in the sun) is that it can be too glossy.

Carnauba wax is blended with other products which raises the melting point (when applied to the car) sort of like how coolant raises the boiling point of water.



We regularly top 100 here in the Dallas area in the summer and even using carnaubas exclusively on the black 626 (that sits outside 24/7) I used to have, I never had any problems even when going 3+ months between wax jobs.



I regularly use both sealants and carnaubas on customer's vehicles and haven't noticed a difference between with two with respects to bonded contaminents. Granted, we don't have any heavy industry here so that may play a role. :nixweiss



I use Carnauba Moose (which is a liquid) more than paste carnaubas, CMW being a liquid carnauba may have something to do with it as well.



With respects to Zaino, I've always had good results using it, but IMO, Werkstatt is a better looking sealant (although I'd give Z5 a slight edge on solid black) and easier to use. Lasts every bit as long as Zaino does too, and that is based on using both on the same van that only sees tunnel washes. No QDs, no ONR, nothing. Both held on for a good 8 months.

In terms of the actual carnuaba content of the wax, yes it can be blended (and is) to increase the melting tempature, but most product guys I spoke to all eluded to the solution itself becoming unstable at 170 degrees. By 180 the actual carnauba flakes begin to melt and the product softens considerably.



I personally think Werkstatt is the second best sealant I have used and the best I have ever used when topped with a carnauba. I haven't tested the durabilty of the two side by side, but I wouldn't be suprised if it is very close.

+1.



I've seen layering benefits from other products (e.g., Klasse), but never from Zaino. Maybe I need more Kool-Aid...

I have seen benefits, but they are not pronounced. I have also seen benefits from Werkstatt and Klasse.

The layering hype is not so much for visual improvement, it's a durability improvement.



The visual affects will be seen basically as the shine remaining for a longer period of time, but it will not keep getting shinier and shinier the more coats you put on.

I disagree. I think it does look better with more coats, but again it could be in my head. I have seen cars with 10+ coats of Zaino and they looked amazing, IMO.

 

[Rob Tomlin]

In terms of sealants, yes, even on dark colors. Infact I think a lot of bs gets spilled on here in terms of the actual looks of products. Perfectly polished paint should be so glossy and so close to its maximum potential that it should be hard to tell the difference between most products (IMO).

Yet, there is enough of a difference that you can state that Zaino is the best sealant that you have ever used "in terms of looks", right?

 

[wannafbody]

Yet, there is enough of a difference that you can state that Zaino is the best sealant that you have ever used "in terms of looks", right?

Well, on dark blue metallic I can see a difference after adding a coat of Z8.

 

[detaildoc]

Well, on dark blue metallic I can see a difference after adding a coat of Z8.

Z8 makes any sealant look better, IMO.

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Yet, there is enough of a difference that you can state that Zaino is the best sealant that you have ever used "in terms of looks", right?

I would rather state that it seems to be...



Also, I am speaking over all. On a black paint I prefer carnuaba wax personally, but against other sealants, I would most likely choose Zaino (though I use other stuff) or Jeff Werkstatt Prime/AC Trigger X2/'nuba as the ultimate look (my preference).



However because I am speaking over all, I am saying in general over the color rainbow. I haven't found any product to be the best of anything in all categroies all the time (other wise we would all use the same thing) and it is the difference in how we precieve things. Nobody is wrong when we talk about appearance, but on highly polished paint, I think the difference between LSPs because very small and a lot of stuff looks very similar. It is the slight difference that we can pick up most of the time that makes the difference, and I believe that when I stand back and look at a Zainoed car, it seems to look better then any other sealant I have used and I would put it up against most other products.

 

[fergnation]

Holy cow!!!! I can finally get into this darn Zaino conversation since I have had Z2 and Z5 in my hands for the last 48 hrs. I finally gave into the shakes and cold chills from not ordering it. I went into the garage and chose three cars to try it on. A Porsche Carrera GT (porsche black) a Cayman S (black with gold/silver flake) and a Ford GT (silver). I think I have posted C&B on these cars in the past.



The outcome- After 2 coats of both Z5 and then Z2 I noticed a crisp, plastic look to them. This is something new to a guy that has always used carnubas. (except winter time when 21 was used. I have to say that I really kind of dig the look. The owner of the car collection really liked this look also. But the real reason for switching to these products was for their stated protection. That is a wait and see can of deal which is pretty easy for me since these cars are washed and detailed only by me. A chemist I am not, but even a lay person such as I could tell how well these products bond to the paint. Speaking of being a chemist, it is a little strange to measure out product when adding ZFX to it. I don't really like feeling rushed with the 12 hours you get out of the product once you mix the two. I usually have a little left over and feel like I am wasting it.



In closing- after using it for the first time I was impressed with Zaino. I bought the starter kit and it seems like I need to add to it with some of the other Z's they have. I have to admit that my head was spinning a little bit with all the different Z#'s they name their products. I am looking forward to trying it on the soft paint of a Bentley and a Aston that are both black. The owner wants me to put it on all of his cars that he drives on a regular basis.



Todd- what is the trick to applying this stuff so that you are not wasting it. They sent me some of their applicators but it seems like the sealant just soaks into them.

 

[derekbmw]

I love Zaino products and use Z5 on 90% of my jobs. I use Z6 and Z8 on everything no matter which LSP I use.

pretty much what I do...fantastic product line..

 

[detaildoc]

The outcome- After 2 coats of both Z5 and then Z2 I noticed a crisp, plastic look to them.

:chuckle: That's exactly the reason that people give who do not like Zaino, too plastic and sterile, not a desirable look for many people.

 

[Rob Tomlin]

I would rather state that it seems to be...



Also, I am speaking over all. On a black paint I prefer carnuaba wax personally, but against other sealants, I would most likely choose Zaino (though I use other stuff) or Jeff Werkstatt Prime/AC Trigger X2/'nuba as the ultimate look (my preference).



However because I am speaking over all, I am saying in general over the color rainbow. I haven't found any product to be the best of anything in all categroies all the time (other wise we would all use the same thing) and it is the difference in how we precieve things. Nobody is wrong when we talk about appearance, but on highly polished paint, I think the difference between LSPs because very small and a lot of stuff looks very similar. It is the slight difference that we can pick up most of the time that makes the difference, and I believe that when I stand back and look at a Zainoed car, it seems to look better then any other sealant I have used and I would put it up against most other products.

Thanks for the follow up Todd, this was exactly the kind of response that I was hoping to trigger.

:chuckle: That's exactly the reason that people give who do not like Zaino, too plastic and sterile, not a desirable look for many people.

Agreed.

 

[66#1]

:chuckle: That's exactly the reason that people give who do not like Zaino, too plastic and sterile, not a desirable look for many people.

I have had mixed experiences over all with Zaino in every respect,but the "plasticky" look is not one of them. Not even in the with old Z2 and Z5 has Zaino ever looked like plastic or sterile on any of my vehicles,and certainly not with the advent of the Pro versions of Z2 and Z5.



Z8 is my absolute favorite detailing product of any kind.

 

[Scottwax]

I wouldn't say Zaino has a platicky look, more like wet glass, as if the clear coat is thicker. Fine for lighter colors, but not so much for darker paints IMO. Same with Werkstatt though. Just the way sealants look.

 

[imported_Picus]

I wouldn't say Zaino has a platicky look, more like wet glass, as if the clear coat is thicker. Fine for lighter colors, but not so much for darker paints IMO. Same with Werkstatt though. Just the way sealants look.

That ^.



A lot of people like the mile thick clear look. I have customers that want "wet wet wet", which is what Zaino/Werkstatt etc provide, so it's all good.

 

[Bigpikle]

anyone provide a comparison between the Z2/5 and FK1000P that keeps getting described as "making the clear look a mile deep"...