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

I would not wash or wipe anything down if you are going to finish with ZPC.

Its cold, and a waste of time.

ZPC will clean and prep the paint, no need to help it out.

Someone on Autopia did go directly from 85rd to Z2p without a wash or wipedown.

I would do a small section and see how it feels. If the surface is really grabby and not slick, then it is not compatible.
 
The previous 4 days have been spent on polishing out my wife's black Z71 Tahoe.
It rained all day so my neighbor and I Z'd his wife's van.
Process used:
Wash: S&W (we didn't clean the wells, wheels, wells... just the paint)
Polish: ZPC
Seal: ZFX/Z5 x 2, ZFX/Z2 Pro x 2, final wipe Z8.
A few quick thoughts on the Z products:
ZPC - An EXCELLENT polish for PC users. I highly recommend it. We polished using LC green mid-cut pads @ 5, and LC hi-gloss white polish pads @5.5. It took about 90 minutes to polish the van (2 of us working).
I prepped my wife's Tahoe with Menzerna, and felt that ZPC left a noticeably better bonding base for Z sealers.
Z6: A decent QD, but really no better than many other boutique products. I prefer #425 over it.
Z8: VERY slick, a little goes a long way. I plan to test out OCW/Z8 in the coming months. If it works I'll be using it a lot.
Z5: Easy on/easy off as long as you follow the directions. We let one coat cure for 90 minutes and it was a BEAR to remove. If you stick to the 20-30 min range, it wipes off easy. x 1 or x 2 = something similar to UPP/EX combo. x 3 = you can see something special taking shape.
Z2pro: The candy coating for Z5. If you're a gloss whore, you'll love the stuff. It's as slick, glossy, and clear as anything I've ever used.
Here are a few after shots in the garage.


z2pro2.jpg

z2pro.jpg


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The van looks good. I'm not currently a Zaino user, but I've heard Zaino lasts a long time and I think after all that work it better. If I read your post correctly even after polishing the car you went over the entire car another 5 times (Z5x2, Z2x2, and Z8). Sounds like an AWFUL lot of work.

So, the big question is after your experiences with Zaino are you the newest member of the Z cult?
 
it sure has a glo on that vehicle. Has zaino changed your mind. You did say something to the effect that you would give it afair and and unbiased appraissal.

The result is in the final prep before the Zaino. It not only sounds like you did the prep but looks it too!!
 
cwcad said:
it sure has a glo on that vehicle. Has zaino changed your mind. You did say something to the effect that you would give it afair and and unbiased appraissal.

The result is in the final prep before the Zaino. It not only sounds like you did the prep but looks it too!!
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4:25am and I'm shaking my head. I just finished my wife's black Tahoe, and the finish is AMAZING! I'll post up a review & pics in the next day or so (hoping we'll get some sun!)

When I ordered Z I was a HUGE sceptic. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

I didn't expect results noticeably better than products that I've been using, but I was wrong. The difference isn't slight, it's WAYYYY improved.

I'm going to bed now, and I'm still shaking my head at this.

p.s. Prep time is going to vary depending on the finish, but as far as applying Z5/Z2/Z8, it's a breeze and doesn't take much time at all.

p.p.s.-I've only used Z on 2 cars, so take that in consideration.
 
I agree that prep time will vary. The condition that the paint is in is critcal to the Zaino line. Not only for durabilty, but for slickness and shine. Z2Pro not only gives you shine, but makes the paint conditions that the product was put on, the clarity to show thru. Having no fillers makes this so very important to put everything into the prep.

Jeff M brought up a good point. There are lot of products out there that look good. Yet not many look better. I will further the statement.... there are few if any that last longer.
 
mgm2003 said:
I didn't expect results noticeably better than products that I've been using, but I was wrong. The difference isn't slight, it's WAYYYY improved.
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You're probably still asleep as I write this, but just for reference what products have you been using recently. I'm just curious what you are mentally comparing the Zaino with.
 
mgm2003 said:
4:25am and I'm shaking my head. I just finished my wife's black Tahoe, and the finish is AMAZING! I'll post up a review & pics in the next day or so (hoping we'll get some sun!)

When I ordered Z I was a HUGE sceptic. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

I didn't expect results noticeably better than products that I've been using, but I was wrong. The difference isn't slight, it's WAYYYY improved.

I'm going to bed now, and I'm still shaking my head at this.

p.s. Prep time is going to vary depending on the finish, but as far as applying Z5/Z2/Z8, it's a breeze and doesn't take much time at all.

p.p.s.-I've only used Z on 2 cars, so take that in consideration.
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That is usually the response of a new Z user. I know I was amazed at how much better it was than everything else I have ever tried.
 
Mikeyc said:
You're probably still asleep as I write this, but just for reference what products have you been using recently. I'm just curious what you are mentally comparing the Zaino with.
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Toppers that I use:

Sealers: UPP, WG, EX, EX-P, FMJ, OCW, FK #218, FK #2180.

Carnuba: FK Pink Wax, Natty's Blue.

I pulled the Tahoe out in the sun and took a few shots, and I'm sticking with what I said last night. I'm no longer a doubter, and I'm very glad that I gave Z a try.
 
mgm2003 said:
Toppers that I use:

Sealers: UPP, WG, EX, EX-P, FMJ, OCW, FK #218, FK #2180.

Carnuba: FK Pink Wax, Natty's Blue.

I pulled the Tahoe out in the sun and took a few shots, and I'm sticking with what I said last night. I'm no longer a doubter, and I'm very glad that I gave Z a try.
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the van looks incredible, are you gonna post some pics of the tahoe?
 
Last night I washed the STS. It has been through the rain Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (over 100 miles). Last night it was clear when I washed, and raining again by the time I finished drying! Ahhhhh.


A few quick observations:

-During rinse down, I noticed that the wheels, wells, and windows were a mess. The paint had VERY little staining from the rain/dirt.

-I used Optimum wash (I don't have Z7, and don't know if it would have helped), but the slickness on the paint after the wash was so-so. Nothing above anything else I've ever used. I'm curious to see how the finish on the Tahoe feels after a wash since I used a different process and applied multiple coats of ZFX'd Z5/Z2 Pro.

-I spritzed a few panels down with Z8 (and also tried #425), and BAM, the slickness was back, and Z8 added even more pop to the paint. Z8 is a very nice product, but I need to work with it some more. I think I'm using a bit too much because I'm getting some streaking. I little bit of Z8 spreads a long ways (even more so than OCW).


So based on 1 wash, it appears that you need a QD or polymer spray to maintain the high level of slickness.
 
Belive it or not if you let the car sit for a few hours the slickness will return I noticed the same thing with my car if I didn't use Z7 to wash it but I also noticed that the slickness will return welcome to the Z world! :punk:
 
harry444 said:
Belive it or not if you let the car sit for a few hours the slickness will return I noticed the same thing with my car if I didn't use Z7 to wash it but I also noticed that the slickness will return welcome to the Z world! :punk:
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Word!! I noticed this too when i had Z on my car in the summer. It is an interesting effect that the slickness somewhat replenishes or "recovers" itself after a while but would be better with Z7.
 
mg031 said:
Word!! I noticed this too when i had Z on my car in the summer. It is an interesting effect that the slickness somewhat replenishes or "recovers" itself after a while but would be better with Z7.
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Very interesting...... I'll keep an eye on it.
 
I did a double shot of Z-2 Pro on the Lexus. It's good to use the Zaino gift certificate I got for Christmas. The weather here is 65 and sunny. :)
 
SilverLexus said:
I did a double shot of Z-2 Pro on the Lexus. It's good to use the Zaino gift certificate I got for Christmas. The weather here is 65 and sunny. :)
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I just used Z for the 4th time over the weekend. I no longer have questions, second guesses, etc.. I'll use up the sealers that I have in stock, but moving forward Z is my preference. IMO, it's THAT good.

We washed the van tonight (a few posts above) after it was exposed to rain for most of the week and the finish looks and feels like it was just detailed.

I honestly don't know why Z causes so much stir and debate. I've never used the old Z2 (before Z2 Pro), and can't comment on the 'plastic' look. But Z5 and Z2 Pro exceed any other sealer that I've ever used (and I've used the majority of them).

Again, this is just my opinion based on my use. I'm not trying to drum up any debate.
 
The reason that is causes debate is because there is a small group of Zaino fans that are probably shills behind the scenes that love to get into pissing matches on the forums and talk down about any other popular products while proclaiming the superiority of their almighty Zaino.

I was over at a Zaino Club and they were once again bashing others while worshipping at the alter of Sal Zaino. If any other product seperates they start proclaiming that the product is full of oil. Let someone post a picture of a Zaino product seperating in the bottle and they say is a "carrier" for all that delicious polymer goodness. :naughty

The product itself is probably good, some say it's great. The debate and problems usually arise when the cocky, arrogant and overly zealous users start ranting about all other products and raving about Zaino. I have used it before, following the directions precisely, and I just don't see what all the hype is about.

I got better durability from Klasse Sealant Glaze and I enjoy using products from Mothers, Meguiars, Poorboys, Four Star and Pinnacle as well.

As long as you do not start copping an arrogant and cocky attitude and think thinking that those of us that do not prefer Zaino are dumb asses then you probably won't stir up much debate. After all, it's a freakin bottle of car wax that you like. Go put some on your paint and be happy with it. Life's too short to get my panties in a wad over car wax. :rofl
 
But Z5 and Z2 Pro exceed any other sealer that I've ever used (and I've used the majority of them).
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I would agree. I was initially turned off by some of the hype but this line is the real deal. Sal seems a genuine guy and is very nice to talk to by phone and seems deeply committed to improving the products. I never tried the older Z-2 but I am just blown away by the appearance of Z-2 Pro on my silver car. It is optically clear, wet looking, super-durable, and shiney & reflective as my beloved AIO+Souvern or AIO+Nattys combinations.
 
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