Reviewed: Zaino Z5 Pro

[Craigster]

Are you suggesting I have no idea what summers are like in Texas?



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.

The only time wax melts on Scotts car is when he enters warp speed to finish it before the rain...

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.

No hit at all...everyone has their own idea of what looks best (hell, my wife married me, still cant figure that one).



I have used the entire Zaino system on different cars for about 10 years. Though they are all durable and live up to their name, on some vehicles I like other looks. My old Azure Blue Mach 1 looked "anemic" to me with Zaino, but was show stopping with RMG/EX/Nattys. Whatever works, whatever you like, its great that you're doin it at all. Thats what life is all about...the fun along the journey.

 

[imported_memnuts]

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.

No one should "hit" your opinion on what looks good on your vehicle to your eyes. That's what so wonderful about the plethora of detailing products available to use fanatics. :xyxthumbs

 

[imported_memnuts]

Has anyone compared Sonus Spritz or Glanz to Trigger?



I really like the Sonus Spritz has a substitute and slightly different look over Zaino.

 

[Deanski]

No wax does not melt per se, but they do flow better when warm. If you remember Zymol high-end waxes in which you HAVE to apply these by "the warmth of your hand" to the finish. Once buffed, caranuba forms a pretty hard cover as it fills the pores of the finish. What you may see is the carrier agents (oils) that suspend the caranuba sometime get a bit wet again as it evaporates on the finish. Then all you have left in the pores is the wax itself. Once there, it's not going to fall off so to speak.



For a few high-end cars, myself and my partner use to use a paint booth that has the heaters in it that normally get used for drying paint. We would put a car in there after applying wax and let it bake to flow-out the oils so final buffing after removing it looks as if it was spit-shined. Once the oils were warmed up hot enough the wax would flow very easy and fill every pore. Works very well, so long as you do not get any wax in the booth otherwise it's a PITA to fully clean a booth! I have to find some old pics of these cars one day. This was the years that "Liquid Ebony" was the thing for glazes.



OK I think we've covered the melting wax theory long enough.



It looks as Z5 Pro is now getting a more deeper wetter shiny look. If you remember first and second generations of Zaino which made finishes look as if someone took plastic wrap to them. Now, it's reflective w/o the harshness. Much better look now!



When this rain stops and I have my Z5 Pro, I'll start on the Porsche soon. This black is very unforgiving (what the hell was I thinking when I spec'd the car) but once it's done right, this black is just the best I've seen. However, some are still showing some orange peel in them. It's the new paint they had to go to now. Still, they should wetsand it before it gets to Checkpoint 8 and on to port. Most new Porsche owners will have it done.



I wonder how well it would look on top of the new Armorglove film? The film is also newer in that it's very very clear. I'll see soon.



I'll have to do the wheels as well. Why not? I don't really have to worry about brake dust! Maybe I'll attempt the calipers as well. :hm



Deanski

 

[Scottwax]

It looks as Z5 Pro is now getting a more deeper wetter shiny look. If you remember first and second generations of Zaino which made finishes look as if someone took plastic wrap to them. Now, it's reflective w/o the harshness. Much better look now!

I never noticed that 'plastic' look with Z2 Pro or the old formula of Z5 I still have-I really noticed it with Klasse SG though. :nixweiss



Z5 + Z8 looked really good on the metallic black M Roadster I had used it on, I just don't know how much (if any) the durability was affected by not using ZFX.

 

[TGates]

I agree that NXT isn't as durable as Zaino... that's for sure. However, on my own personal garage queen, which also happens to be a dark metallic blue color, I find NXT a pleasure to use since it hides a fair amount of blemishes, it leaves the finish not only more shiny, but noticeably deeper/darker, and it's super slick. The new paste is more durable and hides more than the previous liquid. The slickness is gone after a wash with NXT wash, but with the Spray Wax and/or Speed Detailer the slickness is renewed quickly.



I know it sounds silly to complain very much at all about ZFX but it really is the only thing keeping from using Zaino exclusively, because honestly I prefer Zaino, but NXT is a one stop shop and I get the same looks, with mimimal effort. I think you can replace a whole shelf (or in my case, shelves) full of products with Zaino. It covers pretty much all the bases. You've now got an abrasive polish that can be used for medium defects, and also finishes down nicely, you've got a spray sealant/QD on steroids, a regular QD, a pure sealant (Z2), a pure sealant that acts as a glaze (Z5), a paint cleanser (Z1), tire shine, leather care, car wash, etc.



Now, if the formulas could be tweaked to rid the system of a catalyst, I'd be one happy camper.

 

[-Lebowski-]

I agree that NXT isn't as durable as Zaino... that's for sure. However, on my own personal garage queen, which also happens to be a dark metallic blue color, I find NXT a pleasure to use since it hides a fair amount of blemishes, it leaves the finish not only more shiny, but noticeably deeper/darker, and it's super slick. The new paste is more durable and hides more than the previous liquid. The slickness is gone after a wash with NXT wash, but with the Spray Wax and/or Speed Detailer the slickness is renewed quickly.



I know it sounds silly to complain very much at all about ZFX but it really is the only thing keeping from using Zaino exclusively, because honestly I prefer Zaino, but NXT is a one stop shop and I get the same looks, with mimimal effort. I think you can replace a whole shelf (or in my case, shelves) full of products with Zaino. It covers pretty much all the bases. You've now got an abrasive polish that can be used for medium defects, and also finishes down nicely, you've got a spray sealant/QD on steroids, a regular QD, a pure sealant (Z2), a pure sealant that acts as a glaze (Z5), a paint cleanser (Z1), tire shine, leather care, car wash, etc.



Now, if the formulas could be tweaked to rid the system of a catalyst, I'd be one happy camper.

Hit the nail on the head. When I want to put a coat on I dont want to mix bottles and clean bottles and blah blah. I want to go out slap it on buff off and enjoy. If Zaino came up with away to avoid the mix, I would use it on every car I detail.

 

[imported_memnuts]

Hit the nail on the head. When I want to put a coat on I dont want to mix bottles and clean bottles and blah blah. I want to go out slap it on buff off and enjoy. If Zaino came up with away to avoid the mix, I would use it on every car I detail.

I frequently just slap-on a coat straight from the Z2PRO or Z5Pro bottle. Let dry for 20-30 relaxing quality detailing minutes while I detail the wheels and tires, door jams, undercarriage, etc, etc. Buff off. Done



ZFX is "ONLY" required for the initial application and after 8-10 application of non-enhanced Z sealant. The remainder and interim applications are just "slap-on" affairs if desired. :idea

 

[TGates]

I frequently just slap-on a coat straight from the Z2PRO or Z5Pro bottle. Let dry for 20-30 relaxing quality detailing minutes while I detail the wheels and tires, door jams, undercarriage, etc, etc. Buff off. Done



ZFX is "ONLY" required for the initial application and after 8-10 application of non-enhanced Z sealant. The remainder and interim applications are just "slap-on" affairs if desired. :idea

Well that's kind of hard to swallow when Sal gloats the effects of ZFX on the Z polishes, stating that "ZFXâ„¢ is a Zaino Show Car Polish cross-linking and acceleration additive. It offers near-instant cure time, reduced surface distortion, enhanced polish flexibility, and improved bonding to both paint and additional layers of Show Car Polish. In simple terms, ZFXâ„¢ vastly improves paint surface appearance and increases polish durability. "

Also, "ZFXâ„¢ is the product of more than 30 years of custom show car experience. Professional painters add chemicals and compounds to their paint mix prior to painting to promote cross-linking, improve paint flexibility, reduce paint imperfections, increase hardness, and improve gloss. We applied this same line of thinking in the development of ZFXâ„¢. The result is a stunning professional show car finish with less effort, no waiting and longer-lasting results."



So, basically, without using ZFX, you're not getting the full appearance potential of Zaino polishes, so, one could use, say, NXT and come close with no mixing? Or UPP, or WG, or EX-P, etc.?

 

[imported_memnuts]

Well that's kind of hard to swallow when Sal gloats the effects of ZFX on the Z polishes, stating that "ZFX™ is a Zaino Show Car Polish cross-linking and acceleration additive. It offers near-instant cure time, reduced surface distortion, enhanced polish flexibility, and improved bonding to both paint and additional layers of Show Car Polish. In simple terms, ZFX™ vastly improves paint surface appearance and increases polish durability. "

Also, "ZFX™ is the product of more than 30 years of custom show car experience. Professional painters add chemicals and compounds to their paint mix prior to painting to promote cross-linking, improve paint flexibility, reduce paint imperfections, increase hardness, and improve gloss. We applied this same line of thinking in the development of ZFX™. The result is a stunning professional show car finish with less effort, no waiting and longer-lasting results."



So, basically, without using ZFX, you're not getting the full appearance potential of Zaino polishes, so, one could use, say, NXT and come close with no mixing? Or UPP, or WG, or EX-P, etc.?

Please do not be so concrete.



If one slaps on one or 2 coats without ZFX(different days) because of maybe time constraints (mixing does consume a great deal of time ) , the optical clarity and the enhancement of previous 4 or 5 ZFX'd layers will still be there.



Sometimes just the act of masturbating my finishes and adding a little renewed "POP" even when not needed, causes me to just grab the bottle of Z and apply a quik coat knowing that efficient bonding will occur.



Detailing for me is a peaceful retreat from caring for others, using ZFX enhanced Z polishes is no big deal every so often or in my case 99% of the time This is a few minutes time well spent with the return greater than the input.





If one's prep is good, one should receive excellent initial results from many products. The difference may lie in how that "just waxed" appearance is retained beyond that first wash or downpour. :heelclick

 

[TGates]

Different strokes for different folks. ZFX is a PITA, whether you use it once a year or once a week.

 

[SpoiledMan]

If one slaps on one or 2 coats without ZFX(different days) because of maybe time constraints (mixing does consume a great deal of time ) , the optical clarity and the enhancement of previous 4 or 5 ZFX'd layers will still be there.

Wouldn't the addition of a layer that's not so optically clear ruin/cover the other optically clear layers? This is the part of Z that I don't buy into. There is nothing on this planet that get clearer as it gets thicker.

 

[imported_memnuts]

Wouldn't the addition of a layer that's not so optically clear ruin/cover the other optically clear layers? This is the part of Z that I don't buy into. There is nothing on this planet that get clearer as it gets thicker.

Good question. :bigups



That's where one's detailing judgement comes into play. If ones finish is showing sign of degradation adding another layer, be it wax or sealant, makes very little sense. The paints appearance is only as good as the weakest link. Be it a poorly prepped clearcoat, previous applied LSP residual or in some cases plainly the quality of the initial basecolor coat.



The intervel in which one must strip off previously applied LSP is normally quite apparent to the experienced eye.



In terms of applying additional layers of Z sealant without ZFX and altering the over-all appearance of a perfectly established foundation should have minimal effect on the optical nature of the finish. Yes, there's a limit to how much an optical clear material can be layered, but a good example of such an event that we all have in our homes is double-pane windows. No visual effect in viewing the outside world thru these clear items even with an air gap that possibly could cause distortion (light refraction). So stacking of optical clear items (sealant) is possible and still maintain the majority of clarity. Of course, this is assuming that Z sealants are optical clear, which they have been long before ZFX was introduced.



That is why prepping the clearcoat is sooooooo important. The CC is the lens in which the vehicles color hues must pass through. If this step is not maximized, the whole outcome from whatever LSP type you use is less then optimal. :bolt

 

[stilez]

wannafbody: IMO, Z2 Pro has more gloss and is better suited for light colors. Z5 Pro has a bit of hiding abilities and more depth, better for darks.





Craig: Streaks? Hard to use? Not here . Honestly, I actually tried to make the product "suck", but it wouldn't...Thick, thin; moist, dry; 2 mins, 20 mins; It came off great.





Scott: Likewise . I understand where you are coming from and I will drop the carnauba-talk...it doesn't belong here.





MDXR8: Honestly, I prefer a carnauba on much older finishes. The oils really help bring out the depth.





Regarding ZFX, think of it like this... Tell a painter not to use a catalyst when painting your car, then see what happens . I've talked this over with Sal many times and the technology still isn't there. If you want maximum durability, you have to use ZFX that initial time...Subsequent layers need no ZFX .

 

[Pennypacker]

I had no idea you only needed to use ZFX for the first layer. That makes Zaino a little more palatable to me. Involving the whole ZFX thing is not conducive to adding just a single layer of Z2 Pro when the desire strikes.

 

[Deanski]

I use ZFX additive on ALL coats. It's no big deal to mix up 1 oz of polish. If Artie from Howard Stern was reading the thread, his responce would be:



WAAAAAH YOU HAVE TO MIX IT WAAAAAH :laugh:



What counts is listening to what the developer of a product has to say and recommend.



Do whatever works.



Deanski

 

[Scottwax]

There is nothing on this planet that get clearer as it gets thicker.

True but what it does seem to do is give the illusion of depth-which personally, I like.

 

[Wasatch]

Then why would I want to pay $20 for something that I'm only going to need one time?

 

[imported_memnuts]

Then why would I want to pay $20 for something that I'm only going to need one time?

Because you choose to do so. There is always the Z1 option.



When one decide to use the Zaino "system", I would hope one would decide to use it properly. Be it ZFX or Z1, Z2PRO or Z5PRO, Z6 or Z8 or any combination of this group.



:tumblewee

 

[Pennypacker]

Then why would I want to pay $20 for something that I'm only going to need one time?

I guess the idea is that using ZFX has its own inherent advantages outside of just speeding up cure time ("promotes cross-linking, reduces drying time, increases gloss factor, extends durability," etc.).



I would think most use ZFX-enhanced Z2 Pro for multiple layers initially anyway, since chances are they've already mixed one ounce of polish. I could probably put on five coats with one ounce on my modestly-sized car.