Reviewed: Zaino Z5 Pro

I used to stay clear of Zaino because of the 'cult' comments, and for the fact that it had the perception of taking a month of Sunday's to apply the 'Z' system.



After using boutique products for several years, I decided to break down and try Zaino (to see for myself) and I have not looked back.



To hear they are improving an already great product puts a big smile on my face.



Thanks for the write up Sean.
 
Thanks for posting this up, Sean. Zaino was my first love, and I will always have some in my arsenal. I can't wait to get my hands on some Z5Pro. I really appreciate what Sal has done lately with Z2Pro, Z8, Z5Pro, and Z-PC.



I think Zaino is tough to beat, period. Having said that, I really wish it would be as easy to use as, say, NXT, UPP, WG, etc. I know it's only once in a while that the mixing, shaking, and cleaning of bottles takes place, but I'm lazy.
 
:thx For the informative and well-done review! Since Sal continually updates and strives to improve his products to make them the best on the market, it's no surprise (at least to me) to hear and see your results. It's hard to imagine the Z system getting any better, but it does, and has. I remember years ago, when I first started using Z, it was clearly the best then, and remains so now. But, even harder to believe, is that the system is so much better now than it has ever been, all thanks to Sal's continuous improvement approach.



What separates Sal from many of his competitors, is that he continually improves his products for the customer's sake and to make them that much better, not because he has to or becasue they are faulty. We see many competitors "improving" their products because previous versions simply didn't/don't work. Sal's products were already great, he's just making them better!



Great review Sean, thanks for the time and effort.



Mike

;)
 
GSRstilez said:
It seems like Zaino is still a 4-letter word around here :). Either that, or I'm touching a sore spot by putting Souveran in the spotlight.











Paint that is in good shape, being that it lacks swirls, chips, pits, and other surface penetrating defects, beads no matter what. I've polished with FPII (for instance), done an IPA wipedown, then hit it with the hose...It beads like crazy. New cars, new paint jobs, they all bead well.



My dad's Cobra sits in a garage for about 330 days out of the year. I got over a year out of Natty's Paste Wax...It's no surprise to me, the paste held up because the temperature, on it's hottest day, might've touched 110.





"A myth"? What sort of logic is behind that? Go put your Souveran in the microwave until it melts and measure the temperature. Do you think by putting it on paint is going to increase it's flash point?







blkz28conv: Excellent news. Thank you :).
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Storage here easy will it in the 140 to 150 during the summer months with outside temp in the 100+ range.



With my little handy Radio Shack inferred thermometer I check the surface temperature of several black cars sitting in the sun in our parking lot with an outside temp of 78 the black surface temperature between 117 and 123 degrees. So what you are saying is that temperature above about 75 outside temp the Souveran will just melt and run off the car. With 90 degree outside temperature the surface of a black car can easily reach 150 to 160 degrees. I think there just might be a couple of wax users that don’t agree with your 120 degree myth!!
 
MCA: I got 11 coats out of 2 ounces. My math was wrong, sorry...It's $.39 per application :).





BlackSunshine: I can agree with you in some respects, but I always look at is how a little more work up front will yield a LOT more in the long run. Zaino vs. NXT? No contest for durability :).



Mike: I wholeheartedly agree!
 
Just to clarify, Sean I was not meaning to attack you if it came off that way. My point is that when Zaino started to get big around 2000 I called Sal and asked him about the hiding properties of Z5 as I was not a fan of compounding. Sal (being the amazing sales man that he is) stated that you should never compound a car that you were putting liquid sandpaper on the car and that the Z5 would fill those swirls in so you did not have to compound. I took the bait and bought it and did not find that it hid much of anything. Hence my reservations about the Z5Pro, remember up until just a year or two ago Sal did not even promote the use of MF's.



I think your review is very nice and I am not hating on Zaino at all, I spend at least $100 every spring on products from Sal and still speak to him several times a year. I was simply stating my personal doubts that from when I remember Z5 was pitched to me, it was the cure for swirls and it did not turn out to be the case, which is why I have personal reservations about the new Z5Pro, even though I will still order it when I it comes out.



Cheers all....
 
Sean,



Thanks for the detailed info. Aside from brand loyalty, I think most detailers are always ready to try new products. Evolution in all technical things brings better products, and every person out there with a favorite had to try it to see if it beat what they are already using. I know I appreciate the detailed write ups and info that guys like you, Scottwax, and so many others provide. You guys literally do hundreds of cars, see every type of finish, and get first hand experience. It makes it a lot easier for guys like me who may only see a dozen cars in a years time to not waste as much money on following marketing hype instead of unbiased reviews.



Since we first met and I gave you my remaining Zaino thinking UPP was the end all, Ive come back to see the Z works best for me in some situations like my daily driver (remember Maxx the Beast??) Ive shyed away from Z5 as though it looked the best on the dark blue, it seemed a PIA to get off, no matter how I mixed the ZfX. I have been waiting for the new formula, as nothing has outlasted Z on my Maxx. Do you think it is optically clear enough to use by itself on a color like mine without having to top with Z2Pro to let the flake through? Z5 also tended to streak for me if used in the sun. Does it look like Sal has slain that dragon too?
 
wannafbody said:
Does Z5 pro have a different look than Z2Pro? Can it be used as a LSP without a layer Z2Pro?
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I cant speak to the different look but yes, it can be used and often is, a standalone LSP.



Sal recomends however always finishing with Z2Pro or Z2 as the optical qualities are higher.
 
Sean,



Great pics and review as always. I always admire your work and input. I have spent hundreds of dollars looking for that crystal clear wet finish. For me Zaino is the only product that delivers that look. I have all the expensive ( and not so expensive ) carnuba's and when compared to Zaino they can't deliver for my expectations. When I had Carnuba on my black car you could acutally sence the carnuba melting and a quick wipe down with a QD was always needed for the left over oils. I have also tried all the popular sealants and although I like them better than carnuba none have the crystal clear look and durability of Zaino.



Z5 has always been a favorite prodct of mine. When I had my black SVTF I inadvertantly marred the finish with improper claying technique. After using Z5 by hand I hid the marring. Also after finding Autopia I learned how to properly polish ( Patrick was instrumental in my learning to polish and purchasing my PC 7424 ) Hearing that Z5 pro is better than Z5 is almost to good to be true.

I now have a new MazdaSpeed6 in Velocity red mica, with the use of Z5 and Z2 pro the metalic really pops !

I can only imagine what the Z5 pro will do. Did I mention that Z8 is one of the greatest products ever developed. Jusy my Z2 cents
 
Craigster said:
Im asking about the new Z5Pro. If its not out yet, how can it be often used?
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Not out yet. About three weeks is the rumor. You can apply up to three coats a day if using ZFX. If you choose to not use ZFX you must first use Z1 and then you can apply a coat per day of Z2 or Z5.





For best results use Z6 or Z8 between coats.



Once I put down my initial three wit ZFX I usually put a coat a week on without the ZFX, it just takes a little more time to cure. About every 6 weeks I do another 3 coats with ZFX.
 
GSRstilez said:
It seems like Zaino is still a 4-letter word around here :). Either that, or I'm touching a sore spot by putting Souveran in the spotlight.
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Sean-you know I respect you as a detailer, I wouldn't refer business from another board to you if I didn't. However, I have never understood the reason so many Zaino reviews end up with the carnauba melting point as part of it. I think that any review should focus on that product unless you are doing a direct comparison between two products. Most of my initial hesitation in even trying Zaino was the constant mention of how 'carnauba melts off the car at 130 degrees' when I know from actual use that isn't the case.



I no longer have time to clean my car regularly. In fact, it has been about 3 weeks since I have washed it. No way would I use Souveran or any other carnauba if I didn't have full confidence in their ability to protect my black paint even in the Texas summer sun.



I think besides the mention of carnauba, your review was excellent and I appreciate the information-especially about using Z5 Pro without ZFX because currently, that is my sticking point with the Zaino system. Any further durability information you can gleen would be greatly appreciated. :)
 
dogma said:
Sean,



Great pics and review as always. I always admire your work and input. I have spent hundreds of dollars looking for that crystal clear wet finish. For me Zaino is the only product that delivers that look. I have all the expensive ( and not so expensive ) carnuba's and when compared to Zaino they can't deliver for my expectations. When I had Carnuba on my black car you could acutally sence the carnuba melting and a quick wipe down with a QD was always needed for the left over oils. I have also tried all the popular sealants and although I like them better than carnuba none have the crystal clear look and durability of Zaino.



Z5 has always been a favorite prodct of mine. When I had my black SVTF I inadvertantly marred the finish with improper claying technique. After using Z5 by hand I hid the marring. Also after finding Autopia I learned how to properly polish ( Patrick was instrumental in my learning to polish and purchasing my PC 7424 ) Hearing that Z5 pro is better than Z5 is almost to good to be true.

I now have a new MazdaSpeed6 in Velocity red mica, with the use of Z5 and Z2 pro the metalic really pops !

I can only imagine what the Z5 pro will do. Did I mention that Z8 is one of the greatest products ever developed. Jusy my Z2 cents
Click to expand...



Thank's DOG... long time no see.. I want to take a peek at that new ride .. you autocrossing that also..??
 
OK, I have some Z5 Pro soon to arrive for testing on my new 06 Porsche 997 C2S which is pure black. It already has several coats of Z5 and one of Z2Pro all with the new Z8 between each. That Z8 is like crack! Jesus it's one hell of a QD!



As for Souveran, which I have several cans, I'd like to apply it on a spare dark panel or hood I may have and see what happens after one coat in the sun. Wax is wax is wax. It has it's own look (warmer/deeper/wetter) than most sealants. It all depends on what look you're after. Bottom line... Who cares? Hey, does it look great? Bead well? Happy with it? OK then!, move on... NEXT!



Anyway, I'll be testing it out as well. Seeing this is pretty virgin paint direct from Germany, it should be a good subject. I'll be using the Z8 as I really like this stuff.



Yes Zaino is the four letter word that always gets someone upset. It's a sealant! Get over the name!



One reason I use Zaino.. Indoor car shows Zaino looks best! The kelvin color from metal Halide or mercury vapor lamps make Zaino finishes just jump out at you. Take a Zaino car outside, different effect. Normally more harsh reflection (not that it's bad) but not that warmth or wettness from a caranuba. Zaino is more reflective. For every indoor show I've been involved with, Zaino is what has always been used period!



Once again, Sean's in depth review is right on the money. Objective and very (now don't say it) detailed? :D Everyone should read at least one of his reviews! Quite a bit of time, thought and effort goes into these. THANKS SEAN!! :clap:



Now, SOMEONE STOP THIS DAMN RAIN?!!!!! :bat :angry



Deanski
 
Deanski said:
OK, I have some Z5 Pro soon to arrive for testing on my new 06 Porsche 997 C2S which is pure black. It already has several coats of Z5 and one of Z2Pro all with the new Z8 between each. That Z8 is like crack! Jesus it's one hell of a QD!



As for Souveran, which I have several cans, I'd like to apply it on a spare dark panel or hood I may have and see what happens after one coat in the sun. Wax is wax is wax. It has it's own look (warmer/deeper/wetter) than most sealants. It all depends on what look you're after. Bottom line... Who cares? Hey, does it look great? Bead well? Happy with it? OK then!, move on... NEXT!



Anyway, I'll be testing it out as well. Seeing this is pretty virgin paint direct from Germany, it should be a good subject. I'll be using the Z8 as I really like this stuff.



Yes Zaino is the four letter word that always gets someone upset. It's a sealant! Get over the name!



One reason I use Zaino.. Indoor car shows Zaino looks best! The kelvin color from metal Halide or mercury vapor lamps make Zaino finishes just jump out at you. Take a Zaino car outside, different effect. Normally more harsh reflection (not that it's bad) but not that warmth or wettness from a caranuba. Zaino is more reflective. For every indoor show I've been involved with, Zaino is what has always been used period!



Once again, Sean's in depth review is right on the money. Objective and very (now don't say it) detailed? :D Everyone should read at least one of his reviews! Quite a bit of time, thought and effort goes into these. THANKS SEAN!! :clap:



Now, SOMEONE STOP THIS DAMN RAIN?!!!!! :bat :angry



Deanski
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It has rained 12 out of 16 days here thus far this month
 
Scottwax said:
Maybe but water boils at 212 until you add coolant to it. The other ingredients in carnauba waxes seem to have the same effect. Funny you should mention Souveran since it has been 3+ weeks now since I put Souveran on my own black car and it definitely protected against the 3-4 nasty bird bombs I got the other day that baked in the sun all afternoon before I saw them.



Synthetics like Zaino will definitely bead for a lot longer than most carnaubas though and for customer's cars that aren't garage queens durability is very important. Do you have Z5 on any cars that you will see regularly so you can monitor the beading? How about one where you can apply Z5 Pro on one side and ZFX'ed Z5 Pro on the other to see if durability is affected?
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I see you are also in TX. Being that the past several weeks has been VERY cool for TX wait for the summer. I've experienced the wax melting effect and the protection does not stand up to a synthetic no matter how much you love your wax.
 
JamRWS6 said:
I see you are also in TX. Being that the past several weeks has been VERY cool for TX wait for the summer. I've experienced the wax melting effect and the protection does not stand up to a synthetic no matter how much you love your wax.
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Are you suggesting I have no idea what summers are like in Texas? :rolleyes:



I've been detailing professionally in Texas for the past 12 1/2 years full time. My black car has has carnaubas on it about 95% of the time the past two years (except when testing products) and I've had no problems at all with durability or protection. I have never experienced any 'wax melting' and my car sits in the sun all day while I am detailing customer's cars. I also regularly use carnaubas on customer's cars and not just garage queens. Again, no problems whatsoever.
 
I know I gona take a hit on this one but I tried Zanio on my vel. red mica and did not like it. I have gone back to PO85RD, RMG, Pinnacle Souveran, FK425, and FX100. That seems to me to work out the best. Nice deep wet shine.





dogma said:
Sean,



Great pics and review as always. I always admire your work and input. I have spent

I now have a new MazdaSpeed6 in Velocity red mica, with the use of Z5 and Z2 pro the metalic really pops !

I can only imagine what the Z5 pro will do. Did I mention that Z8 is one of the greatest products ever developed. Jusy my Z2 cents
Click to expand...
 
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