Reviewed: Zaino Z5 Pro

As a long time Z skeptic I have to admit its good stuff and when used with a syringe mixing the ZFX is easy. Is ZFX worth $20? Only you can answer that. With the advent of spray sealants I'm not sure that durability is as much of an issue as it has been in the past.
 
Pennypacker said:
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.
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Excellent point Eric. :hifive:



Many sealant users craved for a product that actually was layerable during one detailing session. Sal stepped to the plate and formulated, not overnight mind you, ZFX to allow Zaino users to apply fully cured individual multiple (3) coats in one session.



Maybe some day Zaino will have an "instant" coffee version that will eliminate the need for Z1 and ZFX. Until than I personally will continue to brew mine. It just taste better to me. :wavey
 
I guess the ZFX is part of the unique nature of Zaino. How long does Klasse SG last? No catalyst there, just an AIO prepped finish. How about Collinite waxes?



Eh, as much as I complain about ZFX I still love using Zaino.
 
wannafbody said:
...when used with a syringe mixing the ZFX is easy.
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What are you saying? You put the Z in a syringe, put the ZFX in, put the plunger in, shake it, then dispense it out of the syringe...no bottle to clean up?
 
Yes, one ounce of mixed Zaino DOES go a long way. As we all know Zaino goes on very thin. And with spraying Z6 or Z8 between coats just makes it that more easy to apply the next layer.



After several coats that I have on the Porsche, it just feels slick as all hell. Washing dust off seems to fall off. Maybe I'll get a foam gun as well. Trying like hell to keep the black from getting too marred before I have to break down and polish it. WAAAAH :bawling: :sosad



The new Z5 Pro was designed for black finishes to help in filling/hiding very fine marring, say like from towels etc. As with all Zaino, finishes should be as close to perfect as possible for best results.



OK so Zaino costs a bit more than other products. We all try different items and some are more costly than others. It all comes down to what you want to spend and how you want your finish to look. Go and see how much some of the Zymol "UBER" waxes are costing.. and you thought Zaino was high?? :wow: And these are waxes! :shocked



I'm hoping to get some quality Zaino time in soon so I can play with this new version over the weekend, but I bet you the wife has other plans. :cry: If I get time in, pics to follow.



So for those that may want to go and try Zaino, go and give it a try. It's only money :chuckle:



Regards,

Deanski
 
blkZ28Conv said:
Maybe some day Zaino will have an "instant" coffee version that will eliminate the need for Z1 and ZFX. Until than I personally will continue to brew mine.
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A sealant that you can put multiple coats w/o using ZFX, SIGN ME UP! Normally I'm a brew guy but in this case I think I'll pick the Instant coffee version. Is there any other sealants or waxes that don't require cure times between coats?
 
Slickery said:
A sealant that you can put multiple coats w/o using ZFX, SIGN ME UP! Normally I'm a brew guy but in this case I think I'll pick the Instant coffee version. Is there any other sealants or waxes that don't require cure times between coats?
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Werkstatt's Acrylic Jett can be applied one layer after another if desired. Honestly, one coat protects so well though, I really don't see the point in layering-maybe just apply two coats to ensure complete coverage. Just wastes product, IMO.
 
Scottwax said:
Werkstatt's Acrylic Jett can be applied one layer after another if desired. Honestly, one coat protects so well though, I really don't see the point in layering-maybe just apply two coats to ensure complete coverage. Just wastes product, IMO.
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I agree 2 coats just for coverage. Actually the Z2 pro 1 coats is sufficent. I imagine the same will be true for Z2 pro. Werkstatts AJ and Prime are pretty good stuff, but man are they hard to get off. To me you either have to add ZFX for Zaino or be ready to rub on AJ and Prime. This is not inteneded to start anything SO DON"T !
 
dogma said:
I agree 2 coats just for coverage. Actually the Z2 pro 1 coats is sufficent. I imagine the same will be true for Z2 pro. Werkstatts AJ and Prime are pretty good stuff, but man are they hard to get off. To me you either have to add ZFX for Zaino or be ready to rub on AJ and Prime. This is not inteneded to start anything SO DON"T !
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I still have a hard time removing trigger, never a problem with Z though.
 
I find ZFX really easy to use. Placing 5 drops of it in a 2 ounce bottle is very easy. I just buy new bottles from the Container Store. They are only $0.79 anyway.



Is ZFX worth it? Absolutely.



You get around 15-20 applications per $20 bottle...that's a reasonable price in my opinion.



It's not just for layering. It also improves overall performance and makes crosslinking stronger. :)
 
-Lebowski- said:
I still have a hard time removing trigger, never a problem with Z though.
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Now I am really confused.

I thought Trigger was a spray sealant for Werkstatt similiar to Z8 for Zaino. Application should be is no more difficult than using a regular QD?



I have tested AJ (thanks Flatstick) and I personally I find it quite easy to apply (indoors and temp ~65*) and allow to dry for 20-30 minutes and still be quite easy to buff off. I use the same thin application technique as applying Zaino and use a MF applicator pad.



AJ appears to be a very good and user friendly acrylic product IMHO.
 
AJ Trigger does go on and off easy, as long as its a cool surface out of direct sun. As easy as it is to use, if you are in the heat or direct sun, it's a bit more difficult.



Sean - Yes, the early version of Z5 that I had streaked like crazy for me, and was difficult to remove. In fact, if I had to use Z6 to help remove it. In all fairness, back then I only had direct sun to work in, or maybe it was just a bad bottle.
 
dogma said:
I agree 2 coats just for coverage. Actually the Z2 pro 1 coats is sufficent. I imagine the same will be true for Z2 pro. Werkstatts AJ and Prime are pretty good stuff, but man are they hard to get off. To me you either have to add ZFX for Zaino or be ready to rub on AJ and Prime. This is not inteneded to start anything SO DON"T !
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:LOLOL



Actually, if you apply Prime via PC, use a little less than you think and go over each section 2-3 times, it pretty much disappears and wipes off effortlessly-AJ is the same way but I admit it takes practice to get the technique down. Z2 Pro is more user friendly (ZFX aside) right off the bat. Definitely agree, 2 coats of either is more than sufficient for looks and durability. :)
 
IMHO nothing can beat a WELL PREPPED AND FISNISHED Carnuba Wax for short durations of 4 weeks. I have even read this on some of the detailers supply sites (but I see they have taken that statement out)



[quote name='GSRstilez']



MDXR8: Honestly, I prefer a carnauba on much older finishes. The oils really help bring out the depth.
 
Sean nice review.. I spoke to Sal over the phone last month and he told me this stuff was going to be really good. You just proved that. 3 weeks you say to hit the shelves in U.S.A ? so that means 4 to 8 weeks quite possibly for us here in the great white north. I'll be in Akron Ohio in about 2 or 3 weeks, I'll check there :D
 
Setec Astronomy said:
What are you saying? You put the Z in a syringe, put the ZFX in, put the plunger in, shake it, then dispense it out of the syringe...no bottle to clean up?
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YEP, just clean the syringe, if you mix a half ounce you don't have to worry about wasted product.
 
nice write up Sean! For me the biggest advantage of using ZFX is the ability to put on 3 fully cured coats of protection on the same day. The "old" process (again for me as I don't detail for a living) was to wash, clay (using clean soap mixture), light wash, dry, polish, then apply sealant. Wait a minimum of 24 hrs- wash again (since the car would be driven), dry, then apply another coat of sealant. Wait a minimum of 24 hrs- wash again (since the car would be driven), dry, then apply another coat of sealant for a minimum of three days (or three weekends). Having two small children and a wife who really couldn't understand why detailing our daily drivers could take three days each (she expected it to be finished same day and fast :doh ) was just not something I could continue - especially with any level of enjoyment. :argue

For $20, ZFX added to Zaino has changed the process completely. I can wash, clay, wash, polish, and put on 3 coats of a very durable sealant (Z2 currently) in a matter of hours, not days. Since I have a black car and a white car I can't wait to try Z5 PRO on the black G35. For me the choice of mixing ZFX and Z2 in a bottle for 30 seconds to get 3 cured coats in one day versus my old process for 3 cured coats (with washing and drying included) of 3 days or 3 weekends is worth more than $20 and 30 seconds of mixing since my "free" time is limited and nearly non-existent. I have used several products (many not worth mentioning) to compare Zaino to including Souveran, P21S, and NXT (initial liquid version) and for me, and my time constraints, chasing the perfect (or near perfect) shine every 5-6 months beats chasing it every couple of weeks. Just works out so much better for me.
 
that is the reason for nuba's

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71539



MDRX8 said:
IMHO nothing can beat a WELL PREPPED AND FISNISHED Carnuba Wax for short durations of 4 weeks. I have even read this on some of the detailers supply sites (but I see they have taken that statement out)



[quote name='GSRstilez']



MDXR8: Honestly, I prefer a carnauba on much older finishes. The oils really help bring out the depth.
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Sure that car looks great, but pictures such as that really don't tell you much, and can be misleading. I think on brand new paint, just about anyone could take the same picture with Zaino, Klasse, Mother's or Turtle Wax and show the same effect. Or, I could show you the same effect with just a polish (swirl remover i.e. Menzerna/Optimum etc) with absolutely no wax or sealant on the surface, and you wouldn't be able to tell whether it was Souveran or anything else. And, with so many ways to alter/edit photos to make them look better, who can really believe what they see, unless it is on your car with your eyes. This is why I think posting pictures can be/is not a good representation of how a product really performs.



Also, I don't think this thread was intended to shun those using carnaubas. Rather, I think it was to announce/demonstrate an exciting new Zaino product, for those that are interested.
 
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