Which should be the first layer of Zaino?

[BMW645]

So, I'm still thinking about applying Zaino to my car, and I have a few questions.



1. My car is fairly new and the paint is in excellent condition. I can see some swirls and minor scratches in it. Now, using ZFX, which should I apply first as my very first layers? Z2 or Z5?





2. Considering how little you need of Zaino to cover your car, my question is, if it spreads so thinly, how will you even know you covered all parts of your car? It might be so thin, you can barely see it.



3. Since you need so little of Zaino, won't most of it just be absorbed into your cloth applicator instead of on your car surface? And that to get out the Zaino from your applicator and onto your car, you have to squeeze the applicator? Which means you have to press the applicator into your car? I don't want to press in at all. I barely use the weight of my hand when I apply wax, I don't want to scratch it up. The cloth applicator Zaino provides is fairly thick, and I can see how an ounce can get absorbed into it, instead of remaining on the applicator surface.





4. The directions of Zaino state that you should use the product above 60F , but what about the winter? What do you do then? Does FMJ have this problem? And can you mix Zaino and FMJ?



thanks.

 

[Mochamanz1]

IMHO, you cant go wrong with a couple layers of Z5 first to insure that small inconspicuous scratches, marring do not become more visible AFTER you apply the super reflective Z2Pro layers and Z8. Z5 is the foundation insuring the best base for your other products. Also, Z5 is good for maintaining the surface quality as your detail gets older.

 

[imported_Jinba ittai]

So, I'm still thinking about applying Zaino to my car, and I have a few questions.



1. My car is fairly new and the paint is in excellent condition. I can see some swirls and minor scratches in it. Now, using ZFX, which should I apply first as my very first layers? Z2 or Z5?

I had some minor swirls/scratches as well. I used two coats of Z5 and then some Z2-Pro with excellent results. I tend to use the Z5 first, then the Z2. Your LSP should be Z2, followed by either Z6 or Z8, which is great stuff and really makes it shiny and durable.

2. Considering how little you need of Zaino to cover your car, my question is, if it spreads so thinly, how will you even know you covered all parts of your car? It might be so thin, you can barely see it.

You'll see it on the paint as it dries. It'll haze slightly, even if thinly applied. Best way to ensure coverage is to have a system down for application and do the same thing each time. I apply the Zaino first to the hood and trunk. Then the sides of the car, front bumper and then rear bumper and then end with things like door jambs and wheels.



To know when it's dry just rub it. If the polish comes off easily and doesn't smear, it's ready to be wiped off.

3. Since you need so little of Zaino, won't most of it just be absorbed into your cloth applicator instead of on your car surface? And that to get out the Zaino from your applicator and onto your car, you have to squeeze the applicator? Which means you have to press the applicator into your car? I don't want to press in at all. I barely use the weight of my hand when I apply wax, I don't want to scratch it up. The cloth applicator Zaino provides is fairly thick, and I can see how an ounce can get absorbed into it, instead of remaining on the applicator surface.

I just smooth the Zaino over the surface of the applicator (like spreading butter on toast) and keep it moist. Some gets absorbed but it isn't a problem. I tend to reapply whenever needed and probably use more than is necessary, but like you I am paranoid about pushing down on the applicator so I like the applicator to be good and moist.



Remember to first lightly spray the applicator with some Z6 and keep checking it to make sure it's clean. I'll use several applicators while applying the Zaino and try to use a fresh one whenever possible. If one gets dirty I pull out a clean or new one. This minimizes marring.

4. The directions of Zaino state that you should use the product above 60F , but what about the winter? What do you do then? Does FMJ have this problem? And can you mix Zaino and FMJ?

I don't know about FMJ. You can use Zaino below 60 degrees but it'll take longer to dry. I've only gone down to about 50 and sometimes I have to wait until the next day to take it off. It definitely likes warmer weather.



As for winter, I store my Zainoed car in the winter so this isn't an issue for me.