Sealant Noob! Thinking Zaino but...

D

DesioMedia

New member
Hi,



I purchased last week a new Audi A3 in Lava Grey. This is my first new car and I want to keep it looking that way. I have been doing a lot of reading and have a pretty good understanding of what detailing my car is going to require. Now I want to start off slow and not go out and buy a $80 kit. I am looking for durability with ease of maintance. I also don't have a PC so its gona be all by hand.



My plan so far is to:



Wash: Turtle wax platinum (I've bought it before coming to the site)

Clay: What I can get cheap.

Seal: Here is where the problem lays.



The paint is brand new so I dont think a full polish is needed, correct me if i'm wrong. I started off looking at the Klasse line but then heard about the wonders of Zaino. My first thought was to buy some Z2 and leave it at that. Then I read that one needs to apply ZAIO before the Z2 is this true? I would like the seal from Z2 w/o the hassel of using ZAIO. My next thought was to use ZSC but I havn't heard of any one just using that. Then I thought of using the ZAIO ony but it seems as though it wouldn't give the lasting protection I want plus it is also a polish which I dont think I need. What I'm looking for, or think I'm looking for is a one step durable and glossy polish.



Any sugestions. I would like to spend under $30 on my first round of sealants.
 
No, you don't need ZAIO to use Z2 Pro. However you will need ZFX. Z2 plus Zfx plus shipping will run you around $40.00. Other choices for gray would be Werkstats Acrylic Jett, FK1000p as a few choices. No offense, but why skimp on products when you have a brand new car. Its like buying a $1000 suit and a $2 dollar tie
 
I agree with the above. I'd go for Werkstatt Acrylic Jett Trigger (wipe on/wipe off) opposed to Klasse SG b/c I've read some people have a learning curve with KSG (although I've never used Klasse).

I've used the FK1000P and I like it a lot. However, you've got to apply it thin or it can be tough to remove. FK also makes a nice QD #425.



Have you looked into Duragloss? You might want to try their #105 Sealant and maintain that with AquaWax. That's a nice looking and easy to use combo that is also cheap. I currently also use this. Duragloss can also be found at NAPA or Carquest.
 
I agree, no sense getting cheap after spending good money on your new car.



I'd use ZAIO and Z2 if you go Zaino, Prime and Acrylic Jett Trigger if you want Werkstatt or Poli-Seal/Opti-Seal with Optimum line. Any of the three combinations will work very well.



I would HIGHLY recommend using an all in one type polish prior to sealing. I have done hundreds of new cars over the years and every single one has benefited from using a light polish or AIO type product before waxing or sealing.
 
Try werkstatt prime strong (its really better in every way than prime), Acrylic Jett trigger, Carnauba jett.
 
when i got a new audi i read many posts on here as well. decided on the duragloss line. did use the ultra poly clay, dg 501 (marine aio), then 105 sealant. all have worked great on the tough audi clearcoat. keep up with dg 521 qd and aquawax 951. car looks great and easy to keep up. all are done by hand by the way.



remember to let the 501 cure for 24 hrs, the same with 105. gives you a nice protective finish for 4-6 months.



good luck and enjoy the new ride.
 
Scottwax
I'd use ZAIO and Z2 if you go Zaino, Prime and Acrylic Jett Trigger if you want Werkstatt or Poli-Seal/Opti-Seal with Optimum line. Any of the three combinations will work very well.
Click to expand...



Can you share your wisdom and enlighten some out there on the use of paint cleaners/polishers on new vehicles. Many people believe that products like Poli-Seal and ZAIO are so abrasive that they will scracth up a new car. I have gotten into this discussion before with others, but would like the opinion of a very experienced pro. Also, I mention it here because I feel that it would serve as a good reference.
 
Thanks for the help.



I have moved from zaino to the Jeffs Werstatt like as it seems and sounds great. I have two questions about the system. First, is Prime strong better form my application than Prime regular or prime acrylic? Seccond what is the difference between Acrylic Jett & Acrylic Jett Trigger as far as the product itself goes?
 
howareb said:
Scottwax



Can you share your wisdom and enlighten some out there on the use of paint cleaners/polishers on new vehicles. Many people here believe that products like Poli-Seal and ZAIO are so abrasive that they will scracth up a new car.
Click to expand...





If you were to read a little before posting, you'd know that cleaners/polishes don't scratch paint - new or old.



BTW, who are those ""many"" who believe such nonsense? :wall



I don't buy your post.



What actually ""scratches"" new paint is the dirty wash mitt/broom that stealerships use on the car's first wash. So even before you set your eyes on your new vehicle they are already installed at no charge (IN MOST BUT NOT ALL CASES)



m2c
 
The tone of my original message never stated that "I believed" such things (so please do not put words into my mouth). The reason for my post was to get the viewpoint of a respected detailer within this forum.



There are a couple of incidents with my customers that had this concern about me using a paint cleaner/polish on their new rides. Of course the customer is always right, so I did not use it. To a point, they did make some sense, because ZAIO (description on their website does state this) does contain some mild abrasives. The word "abrasives" scares some people.



In essence the word "many" applied to those who believe that cleaner/polishes do such things. Don't worry if you believe that the paint does not get scratched then you are not part of the "many" so please :chill:. Again I am only trying to have useful knowledge added to the thread, not a debate.



Good thread on the subject:

http://autopia.org/forum/detailing-...out-there.html?highlight=Zaio+scratched+paint
 
DesioMedia said:
Thanks for the help.



I have moved from zaino to the Jeffs Werstatt like as it seems and sounds great. I have two questions about the system. First, is Prime strong better form my application than Prime regular or prime acrylic? Seccond what is the difference between Acrylic Jett & Acrylic Jett Trigger as far as the product itself goes?
Click to expand...



You really cannot go wrong with any of the Prime's. I use Prime, but switching over to Prime Acrylic soon (little more protection and an easy one-step). The difference between AJ and AJT is you spray AJT on the paint. I think you will get more protection from AJ. I have AJ and love the stuff, put it on real thin, take a break and come back and remove. You can go with Prime Acrylic and AJT. Put the Prime Acrylic on, then some AJT or put the AJT on the following day/week. You could go with Prime Acrylic then put the AJT on after washings for that extra boost.
 
Suggest claying it, then using Z-2 with ZFX (at least a couple of layers since it goes on and off so easily), Z-CS, and then finishing the job with Z-8. And use the Z-7 carwash. With the exception of the need to "hand apply" the claybar, the rest of the Zaino line is very easy and quick to apply to a clean surface. The hardest task for you will be to use the right amount of Z-2 and CS. Less is better here, and seeing a thin coat on a grey car is usually tough. And even if you don't choose the Zaino line, at least read Sal's application and his "Tips and Tricks" sections. You also should check out the product reviews here. Although some on these forums prefer other detailing products, most agree that Zaino has the others beat on durability.
 
I used Zaino in the past and now switched to CG jetseal or M Seal if u want to keep it under $20, so much easier to use and only 1 step process. The Zaino is too tedious and you will end up having to buy the Z8 and ZCS (which is overrated IMO). If you insist on Zaino, stick with Z2, Z5, Z8 and the quick cure is a must.
 
DesioMedia said:
I purchased last week a new Audi A3 in Lava Grey.. I also don't have a PC so its gona be all by hand.



My plan so far is to:



Wash: Turtle wax platinum (I've bought it before coming to the site)

Clay: What I can get cheap.

Seal: Here is where the problem lays..
Click to expand...



Welcome to Autopia and congrats on the new car!



I only keep one of our Audis nice enough for sealants, and FWIW I'm pretty meticulous by any standard. Sealants show *every* little flaw, and no way would I want to keep an Audi perfect by hand.



At least use a better (higher lubricity) shampoo, I use Griot's.



Honestly, I'd recommend that you concentrate on developing a marring-free wash routine (much harder than one might think). IMO it's the real secret to having a good looking car day-in, day-out.



Oh, and keep abrasive products off any clear-anodized aluminum trim, it's pretty fragile.



howareb said:
Many people here believe that products like Poli-Seal and ZAIO are so abrasive that they will scracth up a new car.
Click to expand...



ZAIO is too abrasive for the black plastic sideview mirror housings on Audis (and I'd keep it off the black plastic B/C pillars too), but it's absolutely *not* too abrasive for the Audi clear. For cars like Audis with hard clear, slightly abrasive AIO like ZAIO would by my preference over a less abrasive one like KAIO.
 
Thanks Accumulator.



I brought up a link to an older thread where you were saying just the same thing. I appreciate you adding your viewpoint on this. It is a misperception that I deal with pretty often with newer cars and their owners.
 
How much did that Audi cost you? If it's a lot don't skimp on protection. I just did a limited edition grand prix that has enough wax on it to rewax a bus. He didn't want me to use a machine to polish it because a body shop repainted his car and then buffed and burned the paint. I use a dynabrade and have never burned the paint with it :D



But he didn't want the machine on the paint so I removed the wax and applied the sealant to it. The paint shines like mirror but the scratches in the paint from bad waxing techniques stick out like a sore thumb that's been hit with a hammer and the nail is crushed from the blow.



If he wasn't a viet nam veteran whose leg will be amputated soon because of a war injury, I would have never taken that job. I like my finishes to be better than new and super clear.



If you spend money on it. Take care of it the best that you can. It will pay for itself when you trade it in or sell it.



Derrick
 
howareb said:
The tone of my original message never stated that "I believed" such things (so please do not put words into my mouth). The reason for my post was to get the viewpoint of a respected detailer within this forum.



There are a couple of incidents with my customers that had this concern about me using a paint cleaner/polish on their new rides. Of course the customer is always right, so I did not use it. To a point, they did make some sense, because ZAIO (description on their website does state this) does contain some mild abrasives. The word "abrasives" scares some people.



In essence the word "many" applied to those who believe that cleaner/polishes do such things. Don't worry if you believe that the paint does not get scratched then you are not part of the "many" so please :chill:. Again I am only trying to have useful knowledge added to the thread, not a debate.



Good thread on the subject:

http://autopia.org/forum/detailing-...out-there.html?highlight=Zaio+scratched+paint
Click to expand...





So after all I was right, wasn't I?



It is you that needs convincing, not those ""MANY"" on this forum.



If you do this for a living, the customer should not know ""more"" about detailing than you.



So the bottom line is: Cleaning the paint on a brand new car with a light polish/AIO is advised.



It will not damage the paint in any shape or form regardless of what one believes.



PS: The customer is not always right when it comes to paint. We professional detailers must educate the public about car care. Especially when they are wrong.:soscared:



What will you do if the lsp you put on their dirty paint on their new ride doesn't last nearly as long as you promised because it couldn't bond? It is your reputation that will suffer.



So next time do the right thing and TELL your customer how to properly prep a new car. If he or she thinks that they KNOW they should do it themselves. :wall



Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



PPS: In my house the temp is already too low and I am freezing. Trust me I am already chilled.
 
tdekany said:
So after all I was right, wasn't I?



It is you that needs convincing, not those ""MANY"" on this forum.



If you do this for a living, the customer should not know ""more"" about detailing than you.



So the bottom line is: Cleaning the paint on a brand new car with a light polish/AIO is advised.



It will not damage the paint in any shape or form regardless of what one believes.



PS: The customer is not always right when it comes to paint. We professional detailers must educate the public about car care. Especially when they are wrong.:soscared:



What will you do if the lsp you put on their dirty paint on their new ride doesn't last nearly as long as you promised because it couldn't bond? It is your reputation that will suffer.



So next time do the right thing and TELL your customer how to properly prep a new car. If he or she thinks that they KNOW they should do it themselves. :wall



Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



PPS: In my house the temp is already too low and I am freezing. Trust me I am already chilled.
Click to expand...





You took the words right out my mouth.:up



Educate and destroy detailing myths.:cool:
 
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