Lynn said:
It's not a matter of what Zaino can "handle." It's a matter of: Do you want a good system that interacts well? or do you want to start mucking about with it? I know Autopia if full of folks who want to tweak and experiment, so have at it.
Me, I'll stay with the tried and true -- since I'm using Zaino sealant, I'll stick with their wash and QD, which gives me good results, seems to keep making the finsh look better and better. I already have several thousands of $$ tied up in the car. So am I going to get all tight-wad about a $7 car wash or QD? I think not. But that's just me.
No offense Lynn, but that's not much of an argument. I'm sure you have good arguments for using Zaino, I just don't think you presented one here. My car costs a lot, so my car wash should too? Do I want a good system or would I rather muck with stuff? Are those
really my only options?
I guess I don't see how using a regular, and very gentle, carwash is "mucking" with anything. I doubt that Zaino is so fragile that it needs only Zaino cleanings and QD'ings. If so, then it isn't much of a protectant. And maybe it's super tough and can handle it, but it just starts to look crappy if you don't use Zaino-brand stuff on it. In that case, I'd still say it isn't much of a protectant. I doubt it will be Zaino-brand dirt or bird poop or rain that falls on it, so it's gonna have to be able to deal with things that aren't trying to synergize with it... My guess is the Zaino can handle it and still look good. Maybe my experiences will prove me wrong...
As I said, though, I recognize that life will take a toll on the protection. And I will bolster it with more protection, not with a car wash or QD. I don't have some expectation that Zaino will last forever and ever once I apply it. Or that it will look good forever and ever once I apply it.
I will try the wash and QD, and as I said, maybe it will amaze me. I don't doubt they are good products. #00 is a good product as well. As is Final Detail. I really don't think I am putting my nice car in jeopardy by using them...
Maybe we just don't want the same things from our products, though. You asked if I want a good system that interacts well, but actually I don't. I don't want my carwash or QD to interact at all with the protectant. I would prefer a strong protectant that can stand on its own. And a gentle car wash that cleans without hurting that protection (I strongly believe #00 fills this bill). From my QD, I want something that has enough lubrication to safely remove crud and bugs and bird poops. And I want it to remove water spotting and leave a nice slick surface behind. And I want it to improve the gloss. And of course I want it to not weaken the protectant. But I really don't care if my car wash or QD strengthen the protectant. In fact, I'd prefer they just do the other things better instead. If the protectant needs stregthening, I'll add another coat of it. Obviously if the #00 or FD have some harmful reaction with the Zaino, or ruin the shine or something, then I will stop using them together (probably by going back to Blackfire which protected well, beaded a lot, and looked awesome all while being happy to be washed with #00 and QD'd with FD).
I certainly hope you don't take offense or anything Lynn. If you like Zaino, then that's great. And I'm glad it works for you. I just don't think it is the only thing that can work. :wavey