Something is missing in my darker cars...

B

billrouleau

New member
I've got 2 coats of Z5 and one of Z2 on all 4 of my cars. The T&C Van is a light gold and the Lexus is a light silver. I'm pretty happy with the reflectivness of these 2 cars...I think that the mirror look is impt for lighter cars.



The Jeep is a dark silver (the platinum color they had for the '99s) and the Mercedes is non-metallic black. I'm somewhat disappointed with the look of Z on these 2. It looks very reflective, but darker colors don't need much help reflecting. The deepness is missing. The cars were all clayed and SMRed prior to Z, so paint prep was good.



I would like to stick with sealents for their protective abilities as all these cars are "daily drivers". I'm thinking about continuing the Z system with the lighter colored cars and switching to Blackfire II for the darker ones based on the rave reviews and added depth versus Z. What do you guys think? I really don't want to top either with a carnuba, so I can continue to layer if I want. Thanks Autopians! :bow
 
IMO I think Klasse has more depth , I have it on my silver toyota and it has amazing depth. Zaino didn't really make the paint look deep at all , but with the two coats of klasse on it is looking better than it every has. Thats before I added a coat of blitz on top of it , with the blitz it's even brighter and deeper. You may want to reconsider the carnuba topper , it may improve the depth without having to change what you're using.
 
If I do use a carnuba topper, then how will I know when I can layer again? Layering is something that I do want to do. Is there some product that will only remove a carnuba wax and not weaken the bonds of a polymer? If I could remove the carnuba when I wanted, I would have no qualms about topping w/ S100. Thx again :up
 
I've used dawn to remove #26, but it didn't work too well. It seemed like much of the #26 was still on the car. Does S100 or P21S come off easier with dawn?
 
I would stick to Blackfire or Platinum if you are looking for a sealant with the depth and appearance of a carnauba. They look awesome when topped with wax, but they hold their own by themselves pretty well. Klasse gives more of a polished rock look to your car. Not soft and deep but rather very glossy and shiney. It gives good depth, but not like Platinum or Blackfire.



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That is one layer of UPP. I like it on dark cars a lot. Its a pretty versitile product.



If you aren't getting a carnauba off with Dawn then you might want to increase the amount of Dawn in the wash. There isn't any real reason that wax shouldn't come off with Dawn. Its not the strongest stuff in the world.
 
Nice pic Jngr! I was thinking along the same lines you are in that I'll switch to Blackfire for the 2 darker cars and keep Z on the lighter ones. My only problem is that I have 2 bottles of Z5 and 2 of Z2...I probably don't need that much :) Anyone want to purchase a bottle of each (unused)?
 
500amg said:
Nice pic Jngr! I was thinking along the same lines you are in that I'll switch to Blackfire for the 2 darker cars and keep Z on the lighter ones. My only problem is that I have 2 bottles of Z5 and 2 of Z2...I probably don't need that much :) Anyone want to purchase a bottle of each (unused)?
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Terry says that Blackfire II Paint Protectant will stick to anything BUT a Carnauba. Once you top with a carnauba you will have to stick with it until the Carnauba wears out, or you strip it off. There is at least one who alternates Z and Blackfire. If it doesn't have the depth you want then go pure BF next spring.



That being said, I have topped my Blackfire with P21S and really like the luster.



S100 Shine Enhancing Paint Cleaner then Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish adds both depth and gloss. So you might want to try that during spring cleanup.
 
For a synthetic for dark colors I would stick with Platinum, Blackfire, or Klasse Sealant Glaze.



You could just do the carnauba route. I think as long as you apply it regularly then a synthetic isn't going to give you that much more protection. The thing about synthetics is you can apply them and they last awhile so you don't have to apply another coat. If you want to wax often, then a carnauba would be better. I personally love the shine of carnaubas on dark colors.



But just remember; a wax is only as good as the prep work!
 
I tried Z on my black cars and also lose the richness of color that I desired. I switched to Blackfire and have been completely satisfied with the return of depth, basecoat color enhancement and wetness. Also with BF2 one can top with P21S or a new topping glaze ( non abrasive and sealant free) I am testing from Super Shine ( Power Shine). This is an option that one is able to do with BF2 to enhance the depth even more. My black cars have never looked blacker.:xyxthumbs
 
Shine is subjective. Try different products. Zaino preserves the look of fresh paint as it was intended to look when it leaves the paint booth. This tends to be more on the reflective side. If you prefer a carnuba look try out P21S, blackfire, blitz, or souveran.



I still prefer reflections. With enough coats it looks amazing!



<img src=http://www.fototime.com/BFFEE2FDB60DE05/standard.jpg>
 
I currently use carnauba (P21S) on my wife's black car but I'm going to be making the switch back to Z-5. Although carnauba looks nice on black, there are so many things about a Z'd car that I miss....especially the "evening glow" which no other product can match. :up Also, the way my other car (which is Z'd) held up and remained almost spotless during the recent rains we had here in LA vs the way my carnauba'd car spotted up after the rains has me convinced!



Zaino Zealot ;)
 
I guess the big difference for Zaino is the number of coats you have to put on to reach that deep glow that a carnuba can give you with one coat...you may never reach the "glow" of a carnuba either.



I did put another coat of Z5 on my CLK and it is looking better. The trick with Zaino is the number of coats I guess. I don't have the time to put all those coats on for every car though :( . Looks like for now I'll stick with Z and experiment w/ BF II when I get the chance. Thanks everyone for the help! :up :bow
 
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