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So, I finally got around to using Zaino (Z2Pro + ZFX) today on the IS350 and I figured I'd share my thoughts....
Okay, lets start with the ugly...
The only thing ugly was me. So, getting that out of the way, we can get to the important stuff.
I'm going to go over my regimen today to give you an idea of the process I used. I would also like to say (before I continue) that I have LONG been a doubter about Zaino and I know it has a loyal following so I'm going to write this OPINION as fair as I know how...
I started by washing with Dawn and I apologized deeply to my beauty before doing so but wanted to ensure I gave the product a fair shot. I think clayed, using the Zaino Red Clay and Last Touch (1:1) as my clay lube. Worried that the last touch may have left something behind, I washed the car again with dawn to ensure there was nothing left on the paint. After the second Dawn wash I did an IPA wipedown to ensure a blank canvas.
Next, I grabbed my Z2Pro mixed about 1 ounce of it with 4 drops of ZFX and shook it for a good 2 minutes. I used the provided Zaino applicator. I tried applying it VERY thin but one of the immediate problems I noticed (for me) was that once this stuff goes on, it becomes invisible. It was almost impossible to see the covered vs. the non-covered areas. White cars are tough enough to was (IMO) they are especially tough with Zaino.
After the first application, I let the product sit for about 30 minutes. It was a hot day in Toronto (yesterday) but humidity wasn't too bad, and the product was drying pretty quickly. The product seemed to come off easy enough, although it didn't feel all that smooth at first (I came to realize I probably didn't get it all off at first).
The first coat was followed by two more coats. I realized I had poured out too much product in the dispenser, as I did not use the full ounce (from the three coats). I had about a 1/4 ounce left over, which was eventually rinsed out.
When I completed the third coat, I gave the car a once over with Z8. This is when I saw the first noticeable change in look and feel. The car just "popped" a bit more but became SIGNIFICANTLY slicker. This was very important to me because up until that point, I was VERY underwhelmed by the product.
However, now came the big test... pull the car out into the driveway...
So, how did it look on the old Tungsten Pearl IS350? I would have attached pictures, but frankly I don't think the pictures would show the condition of the car.
This is probably the first time I've said this, but IMHO, this was probably the shiniest my car has ever looked. I did not think it looked "plasticky" at all. The shine was truly awesome. So, having said that, where would I rank my Zaino experience?
Believe it or not... it's not that high! Why? I found the product a bit too tough to work with for my liking. I don't really know how to explain it other than... "I wasn't having fun while using it". I'm not sure if it was the invisibility or the mixing or the shaking, or the removing or the three applications, but I just though it was a big PITA!!!
I think the look was phenomenal, I'd be lying to say otherwise but it just seemed like a lot more work than my fave, Wet Diamond. Overall, I'm going to put it in a tie for third with NXT 2.0, here's why...
Wet Diamond feels slicker. Yeah, I said it, it's slicker by quite a lot IMO. My surface is now slick but not Wet Diamond slick. Wet Diamond is MUCH less finicky and generally easier to use (especially on white). I also prefered using Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 over Zaino because it is very similar to Wet Diamond (just more expensive).
I put it in a tie with NXT 2.0 because NXT 2.0 is easier to use but Zaino does not stain trim and on the basis, Zaino deserves at least a tie. Zaino is also the best looking product I've put on my car but the difference between it and something like Wet Diamond is not significant enough to warrant the extra work!
In the end... I'm glad I got it and I will continue to use it (probably as my winter wax to see if the "alleged" durability works better for me than 476s did). If nothing else I think the ZFX Z2Pro mixing is great marketing and makes you feel like you are really doing something special. It is a great looking product no doubt about it and I understand the loyal following.
It will remain in use the User Name rotation, it's just that it can't take the starting job from my Ace, Wet Diamond!
Okay, lets start with the ugly...
The only thing ugly was me. So, getting that out of the way, we can get to the important stuff.
I'm going to go over my regimen today to give you an idea of the process I used. I would also like to say (before I continue) that I have LONG been a doubter about Zaino and I know it has a loyal following so I'm going to write this OPINION as fair as I know how...
I started by washing with Dawn and I apologized deeply to my beauty before doing so but wanted to ensure I gave the product a fair shot. I think clayed, using the Zaino Red Clay and Last Touch (1:1) as my clay lube. Worried that the last touch may have left something behind, I washed the car again with dawn to ensure there was nothing left on the paint. After the second Dawn wash I did an IPA wipedown to ensure a blank canvas.
Next, I grabbed my Z2Pro mixed about 1 ounce of it with 4 drops of ZFX and shook it for a good 2 minutes. I used the provided Zaino applicator. I tried applying it VERY thin but one of the immediate problems I noticed (for me) was that once this stuff goes on, it becomes invisible. It was almost impossible to see the covered vs. the non-covered areas. White cars are tough enough to was (IMO) they are especially tough with Zaino.
After the first application, I let the product sit for about 30 minutes. It was a hot day in Toronto (yesterday) but humidity wasn't too bad, and the product was drying pretty quickly. The product seemed to come off easy enough, although it didn't feel all that smooth at first (I came to realize I probably didn't get it all off at first).
The first coat was followed by two more coats. I realized I had poured out too much product in the dispenser, as I did not use the full ounce (from the three coats). I had about a 1/4 ounce left over, which was eventually rinsed out.
When I completed the third coat, I gave the car a once over with Z8. This is when I saw the first noticeable change in look and feel. The car just "popped" a bit more but became SIGNIFICANTLY slicker. This was very important to me because up until that point, I was VERY underwhelmed by the product.
However, now came the big test... pull the car out into the driveway...
So, how did it look on the old Tungsten Pearl IS350? I would have attached pictures, but frankly I don't think the pictures would show the condition of the car.
This is probably the first time I've said this, but IMHO, this was probably the shiniest my car has ever looked. I did not think it looked "plasticky" at all. The shine was truly awesome. So, having said that, where would I rank my Zaino experience?
Believe it or not... it's not that high! Why? I found the product a bit too tough to work with for my liking. I don't really know how to explain it other than... "I wasn't having fun while using it". I'm not sure if it was the invisibility or the mixing or the shaking, or the removing or the three applications, but I just though it was a big PITA!!!
I think the look was phenomenal, I'd be lying to say otherwise but it just seemed like a lot more work than my fave, Wet Diamond. Overall, I'm going to put it in a tie for third with NXT 2.0, here's why...
Wet Diamond feels slicker. Yeah, I said it, it's slicker by quite a lot IMO. My surface is now slick but not Wet Diamond slick. Wet Diamond is MUCH less finicky and generally easier to use (especially on white). I also prefered using Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 over Zaino because it is very similar to Wet Diamond (just more expensive).
I put it in a tie with NXT 2.0 because NXT 2.0 is easier to use but Zaino does not stain trim and on the basis, Zaino deserves at least a tie. Zaino is also the best looking product I've put on my car but the difference between it and something like Wet Diamond is not significant enough to warrant the extra work!
In the end... I'm glad I got it and I will continue to use it (probably as my winter wax to see if the "alleged" durability works better for me than 476s did). If nothing else I think the ZFX Z2Pro mixing is great marketing and makes you feel like you are really doing something special. It is a great looking product no doubt about it and I understand the loyal following.
It will remain in use the User Name rotation, it's just that it can't take the starting job from my Ace, Wet Diamond!
:drool5:
