I'm taking the plunge - Zaino is on the way!

Yes, I have experience with both.

I am new to Zaino, but based on my limited testing (because it is -15°C outside), they in fact look VERY close. On a deep red color, the FK2180 looks more intensive, and shows the trueness more exactly. The Z2Pro is far slicker initially but there is not that much difference when the FK is hardened. The 425 is very slick initially too, but gains even more in the first two days. In this state the overall slickness is about equal; but slight advantage for FK.

As I stated, this comparison is still incomplete (especially regarding wash characteristics, durability, etc.). I use FK1 products since last summer and I am extremely pleased with them. They have REAL durability, are easy to apply, compatible with each other, layerable and look outstanding for a LONG time.

I got my Z2Pro/ZFX two weeks ago, so my experiences are somewhat limited. Looks like a quality product, but I've yet to see The Difference everybody speaking of. I definitely want to do more exhaustive testing in the spring.
 
thanks for the info
Ive been thinking of trying FK2180 this spring
once you apply 2180 and top with pink wax can you reapply 2180 again?
 
Yes. The whole FK1 line is totally interchangeable, fully compatible with each other.

I applied 2180/Pink over 2180/Pink and didn't see negative effects. Durability was as usual; and this combo can bead through even heavier dirt, like the Collinites. With other products, a healthy layer of dirt/film kills the beading relatively soon.
 
I got my Z2Pro/ZFX two weeks ago, so my experiences are somewhat limited. Looks like a quality product, but I've yet to see The Difference everybody speaking of.
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You will Bence. It's an amazing product. You should get Z-6 and Z-8 though for best results. The Z-8 is especially key. Zaino is by far the best sealant I have used.
 
And also remember if you top Z with a wax you also can not layer anymore Zaino IMO you don't need to top Z2Pro with anything :chair:
 
See? The FKs are more forgiving in that aspect because you can cross-layer them; carnauba blend or not. And neither LSPs need the 425 to boost the sealant layer.

I am not necessarily interested in layering. Two or three thin coats for complete coverage and I am satisfied.

As for look, I'll see in the spring!

Do you think that my car will look significantly better than in my avatar?
 
Thanks Bence for the FK info....the Z looks great but i think i'll go with FK just for the ease of use.....good thread.
 
the look for a good surface requires the same amount of work no matter what LSP that you use.

It takes the same amount of work to put three layers of FKl products as it does for Zaino.

Choose any products that you want to use. But do not try to say that FKl is easier to put on three layers than Zaino is. That is just not true. They both look good. The work is the same. If it is the same vehicle, covered the same amount of times= the same amount of work.

Just because one uses special techniques to help the process do not mistake techiques for need. I spit shine carnuabas to make a subtle difference in my detail. That is a technique not a need. The same can be said to the process of using Zaino or FKl. Anyone that has done any detailing knows that a QD is used to help buff off the LSP residue. IT is a common practice. Is it necessary...NO it is not. Does it make it easier? YES, it does.
 
cwcad: Very good points. I think there is a myth out there that if you want to use Z, it's going to take a month of Sundays. That's just not the case.

Prep is key, but that holds true for everything. I don't see why folks get hung up on the prep steps with Z?

Do you HAVE to Dawn wash? Probably not if you plan to clay bar the surface, or use a cleaner polish to strip off wax/oils.

Do you HAVE to use ZFX and mix up the sealer? -Not if you plan to prep with ZPC, or something like AIO, FPII and an ISO wipe down, and if you don't plan to layer. -I've prepped with all 3 products and haven't had any problems.

Do you HAVE to wipe down the finish with Z6 between coats? Nope, but I do to make sure that I've removed all of the residue.

Is Z the best invention since sliced bread? Probably not, but it does work as advertised, and IMO it's a very solid product line up.
 
cwcad,

I didn't state that 3 layers of xxx is easier than yyy, did I? I just said that the Z has its limit, because a carnauba stops it. The FK system represents a different philosophy and that's it. With every system, you can and will increase the WOW-factor with each subsequent layers - and this is the usual practice, especially with Z. With the 2 (or 3) layers of 2180, I just want to ensure complete coverage. Both will be extremely shiny and durable, as they are high quality products. For me, these two brands are just products with certain attributes. No more, but no less. Blue liquid, pink liquid. When I evaluate a crappy quality Ferrari, I don't understand the myth. Okay, it is fast. Which 400-500 bhp car is not? Just products.

Needless to say, when passion comes in the picture, we all spit shine, layer whatever we have, helping with spray waxes, QDs, spray sealants. Of course! Pink ×3-4-5, Z2Pro ×15-25-75 doesn't matter.
But in the everyday practice I want simple things. Licking a fertility test is easy, but do you want a girfriend who is always licking the test strip before making love? (analogy ZFX) Do you really need 6 or more months of durability? Just as theoretical as the Vmax of the Ferrari mentioned above.

We have a blue liquid and a pink liquid. Both is easy to use and will produce envy-inducing shine. It is our worthiness to learn, to see, to differentiate the subtle shades, differences and attributes that they have. Then we can choose for ourselves. And we arrived in the world of personal preferences. I prefer silent and perfect, instead of loud-n-lousy. Lexus for me, Ferrari for the others.

PS: My prep is always perfect. Prep is work, LSPs are passion. And variety is the spice of life.
 
Do you HAVE to use ZFX and mix up the sealer? -Not if you plan to prep with ZPC, or something like AIO, FPII and an ISO wipe down, and if you don't plan to layer. -I've prepped with all 3 products and haven't had any problems.
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Actually ZFX does enhance performance of Z-2 and Z-5 even with a perfect surface and no plans to layer so including ZFX is a good thing. Fortunately a little goes a long way.

Licking a fertility test is easy, but do you want a girfriend who is always licking the test strip before making love? (analogy ZFX) Do you really need 6 or more months of durability? Just as theoretical as the Vmax of the Ferrari mentioned above.
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This implies that ZFX is a pain but it's very easy. Adding 5 drops of ZFX to a bottle and shaking it for one minute is very easy and worth it for the extra strength and gloss.
 
Bence said:
cwcad,

I didn't state that 3 layers of xxx is easier than yyy, did I?
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First off Bence I did not single you out. I was refering to the post previous to mine. Post #88 Which stated that he was going to use another product becasue ease of use was an issue.

My posts are held in abience to your knowledgeable expertise. One can tell from your avitar that your are not only an expert in detailing but photography as well.
 
harry444 said:
And also remember if you top Z with a wax you also can not layer anymore Zaino IMO you don't need to top Z2Pro with anything :chair:
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I've topped Z2 Pro with numerous products, just as a test of shine, durablility, depth, etc.

IMO the only topper for Z2 Pro is Z8. Looks the best, bonds the best and it's made for the system.
 
Some of the recent Zaino comments here is exactly why people like me continue to be put off of trying Zaino despite its legendary durability.

There was a good discussion going on (FK1 compared to Zaino) until the :hail Z users start to argue that other products just don't look as good as Zaino or that other products couldn't be easier to use than Zaino. Please remember looks are subjective and we all have different application preferences and time constraints . If Billy prefers to top Zaino with a carnauba it is his perrogative. You don't have to correct him that it's not a good idea because then he won't be able to layer more Z2pro on later or that you prefer Zaino's look to a carnauba.

Nothing is more off-putting than being chastised for poor prep work or not stricly adhering to the entire Z system if you admit your own experiment with Zaino did not quite measure up to your own eyes.

If you have found your holy grail of detailing, then I am glad for you. Just don't keep :chair: the rest of us for not following exactly in your footsteps.
 
Luster said:
I've topped Z2 Pro with numerous products, just as a test of shine, durablility, depth, etc.

IMO the only topper for Z2 Pro is Z8. Looks the best, bonds the best and it's made for the system.
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Z8 is what I'm currently using, and I have no complaints.

I like the results that you're getting (from some of your other posts), so you just saved me some time. -Thanks!
 
IMO the only topper for Z2 Pro is Z8. Looks the best, bonds the best and it's made for the system.
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I agree. I've tried a bunch as well including Souveran, Signature, P21S and NXT.

Z users start to argue that other products just don't look as good as Zaino or that other products may be easier to use.
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Well I'm just reporting my own experience. If you don't agree then try something else or go your own way. It's out of experience I make comments, not some blind love of Zaino. I use it simply because it is a well performing product.

Nothing is more off-putting than being chastised for poor prep work or not stricly adhering to the entire Z system if you admit your own experiment with Zaino did not quite measure up to your own eyes.
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No need to make personal attacks here, we are simply sharing our own experience. I would hate to see someone invest in a carnauba topper for Zaino when a bottle of Z-8 would do better in looks and durability.
 
SilverLexus said:
I would hate to see someone invest in a carnauba topper for Zaino when a bottle of Z-8 would do better in looks and durability.
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Again, just sharing our experiences. I agree 100%.
 
Lee, with the licking analogy I wanted to say that it is EASY. However it is just like cooking. I love to cook but when I want something ready to eat, I don't like to spend time.
I don't use the little shaker bottle, I use a 20 ml syringe instead. Better dosage and no waste. 10 ml is one complete coat. Impressions are still the same: virtually same appearance; color fidelity 10.0:9.7 to FK1. Initial slickness 10.0:6.0 to Z2Pro. Hardened (not cured!) slickness 10.0:9.85 to FK1 using a 3M (2×2×1 mm weave/nap thickness per side) general MF towel.
 
Impressions are still the same: virtually same appearance; color fidelity 10.0:9.7 to FK1. Initial slickness 10.0:6.0 to Z2Pro. Hardened (not cured!) slickness 10.0:9.85 to FK1 using a 3M (2×2×1 mm weave/nap thickness per side) general MF towel.
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I think you might find durability with Zaino is impressive. I'm surprised on the slickness number since I know Z-2 Pro to be very slick. I'll try FK and get back to you.
 
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