Zaino FAQ, including where to buy zaino

Suggestions For Beginners/Occasional Washers/Waxers

Z1 Polish Lok or ZFX accelerant
You need one of these - it is the base for the "system". Get ZFX if you intend to do multiple coats at a time - for the deeper shine - or if you are planning on using Zaino in a cold or very humid climate
Z2 Clear coat Polish (you can swap Z2 for Z5 if you want to save $; see next)
Z5 Swirl Remover & Polish (especially if you have a dark car; you can sub Z5 for Z2 if you want to save $)
Z6 Gloss Enhancer & Quick Detail Spray
Z7 Car Wash

Suggestions For Enthusiasts
* all of the above, plus:
Z18 Clay bar (prep for the whole deal)
Z16 Tire Gloss (good on tires and on flat black exterior trim)

Sal from Zaino recommends:
For beginners, I recommend getting one each of either Z-1 Polish Lok or the New ZFX accelerator, Z-2 Show Car Polish (Z-3 if you don't have a clear-coated finish), Z-5 for Swirls, Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray and Z-18 ClayBar. If you're a first timer and prefer to order a different combination just be sure to get Z-1 or the new ZFX. It is necessary before applying any of the Zaino
polishes.

Quantity Tips
If you're inclined to order multiple quantities, keep in mind you'll use 2x to 3x more Z6 and Z7 than anything else. Don’t order more than 1 bottle of Z1 -- it lasts forever. Get an extra polish applicator or two -- they work great and eventually wear out.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I'm ordering Zaino...... but what about waxing the car?
You will not beat the UV protection, gloss, and durability you get with Zaino. You should not use wax once you start using Zaino. Waxes generally contain carnauba. Carnauba will provide a shine, but it is not optically clear like Zaino, which is why Zaino has a deep wet gloss look. Carnauba wax also does not stay on the paint that long as heat will break the wax down. Some waxes also contain silicone, which is great for shine, but does attract dust like a magnet and also leaves white marks in cracks (like between the hood and fenders) that are hard to get out with towels.

How do I get started with Zaino?
Wash the car using Dawn dishwashing liquid soap. Dawn will strip off the old wax and other grease/grime build up so your paint will be clean for your first application of Zaino.

After applying Z1, how long do I have to wait for it to dry before I apply Z2/Z5?
Z1 is a quick drying solution. By the time you’ve finished applying Z1, you are ready to apply Z2/Z5 directly over Z1. Do not remove Z1 before applying Z2/Z5, Z1 helps bond Z2/Z5 to the paint.

It’s time to reapply Z1. Do I need remove the old coats of Z2/Z5 by washing with Dawn?
No, according to Sal at Zainobros, Dawn will not remove Z2 or Z5. Just wash your cars as you normally do, and apply Z1 followed by Z2 or Z5.

What’s the best way to apply Z1, Z2, or Z5?
Z-1 should be applied in a circular motion. Once you're finished applying Z-1, you should immediately apply the Z-2 in a back-and-forth motion (bumper to windshield) on horizontal surfaces and up-and-down motion on vertical surfaces.

I’m having a hard time taking off Z2/Z5, what’s wrong and/or how long does it take to dry?
Either you have applied it too thickly or it’s not fully dry. The proper way to apply Z2/Z5 is to lightly dampen the applicator (you can also squirt Z6 lightly on the applicator after), and apply a few stripes of Z2/Z5 to the applicator. Rub the stripes with your finger to spread the polish out evenly over the applicator. Then apply the polish to your car in thin even coats.

Z1 with Z2/Z5 or Z2/Z5 applied alone will take anywhere from one to six hours or more depending on the outside temperature and humidity. Colder temperatures and high humidity will take longer to dry than warmer less humid conditions. To test for dryness, rub your finger on a spot, if it smears, then the polish is not dry.

ZFX will substantially speed up the drying process for any climate and is highly recommended for cold weather and high humidity areas.

How soon before I can apply another coat of Z2/Z5?
You will need to wait at least eight hours (in hotter less humid climates) and up to 24 hours is recommended in high humidity environments.

Typically how many coats of Zaino does everyone get out of the small mixing bottle (comes with the ZFX) and how long does it last?
On average, most people get two to three coats worth by mixing one ounce of Z2/Z5 with four drops of ZFX. The combined solution will only be usable for up to twelve hours. After that, the polish and mixing bottle should be thrown away as it will be impossible to completely clean the mixing bottle. If you clean the mixing bottle before the twelve hour mark, you should be able to reuse the bottle.

Can I use a machine like an orbital buffer to apply/remove Z2/Z5?
Yes you can, but it’s not recommended. By using a buffer to apply the product, you will be adding more polish to the pad than you need, thus wasting the polish. To remove the polish with a buffer, you cannot accomplish this with a single pad. You must use a 100% cotton towel folded between the pad and the paint and will have to frequently turn and re-fold the towel to ensure a clean surface of the towel touching the paint. Z2 and Z5 are very easy to apply and remove by hand that you should not need to use a machine to accomplish this.

Why am I getting so much dust build up after I applied Z2/Z5?
You are not following up with Z6 after you take off Z2/Z5. Z6 is a gloss enhancer, but also contains anti-static properties to repel dust. Without using Z6 after removing the polish dust will attract to your car.

What kind of towel can I use to remove the polish?
Zaino recommends using 100% cotton brand name towels such as Cannon or FieldCrest. Although some towel may say they are 100% cotton, they are not. Also remember that the stitching and borders around the towel may cause scratches, so it’s best to remove them. Some have used microfiber towels with success but there are some that may scratch your paint. If you want to be 100% sure that your towel will not scratch the paint, stick to the Cannon or FieldCrest towels.

I’m getting streaks after applying Z6, I thought Z6 wasn’t supposed to streak?
Z6 is a super concentrated solution, therefore you should use it sparingly. To remove the streaks, simply spray Z6 over the affected area and wipe off again.

For more information, visit Zaino Brothers

What is the general consensus on Zaino Bro's stuff?
Seems like a lot of work for average results.

In my opinion nothing could be further from the truth. The investment of time and effort is upfront, but maintenance is pretty darn easy. As for the results, it is FAR better than "average". I have never seen any product give as deep a wet look as Zaino.

my $0.02. I've put it on several cars now and wouldn't use anything else. One thing for sure, DON'T skip the claybar step!

Well said!
I am amazed how easy the car washes with several coats of Zaino:thumbup:

Regarding the "don't skip the clay bar step," washing wish Dawn won't do it?

The clay, apparently, will make a real difference in how clean and smooth your paint is prior to putting on the Zaino polish. Of course, this is an individual choice that not all users will pick. I didn't but those who do use the clay, swear by it. The dawn removes all old wax and much of the dirt and debris. The clay bar takes out almost all of the remaining contaminants that is unavoidably imbedded in the paint.

One thing you might want to do is,

After the dawn, claybar, rewash thing...do some paint touch-up .
This is the best time. The finish has no wax, grease, or other problems that might interfere with adhesion. You have looked over the whole car. You now know where touch-up areas are.
Get Some

WHERE TO GET ZAINO
(distributor list)

This list is not official, as zainobros did not want to provide us with a list. So, we are going to try and compile our own the best we can.

Please post the distributors name, and contact number or email.
wanabe will keep this thread compiled and clean.


USA

Distributor in Seattle, WA
Duane Lodell
206-579-4180
email: dwlodell@qwest.net


Distributor in Raleigh, NC
Ken Stark
2615 Barwick Dr.
919-616-2731
email: starkken@mindspring.com


Distributor in Charlotte, NC
Steve Treece
Carolina Shine
(704)759-0142
email: cashine@juno.com


Shore Motorsports
6770 Rt 9 south
Howell, NJ 07731
(732) 364-7997


Carl Voellm
Huntingdon Valley, PA
(215) 938-0991
Email: carl@hcvind.com


THE GLOSS BOSS
3953 Towhess Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46237
317-859-8449

Joie Yuen
Aiea, HI 96701
808-487-7467
Email: aejj@aloha.net

Southern California
Robyn & Ira Emus
www.lazaino.com
cell is 310 722-1449
fax is 310 694-0123
phone 310-478-4092

Northern California
Steve Paski
(408) 629-4931
http://www.sjzaino.com
https://www.ultramicrofiber.com

Chip (Vrm Vrm - name on this forum)
www.sportscarcare.com



CANADA

Mike Adams
Crown Auto Emporium
325 Eramosa Rd.
Guelph, Ontario N1E 2N1
(519)763-8473
Email: mike@zaino.ca






INTERNATIONAL

Alex Terzic
Bad Kissinger, Germany
+49 971 61817
http://www.viper-lifestyle.de
Email: alexander.terzic@t-online.de

CAZ Comp
Chandra Kumar
Singapore, 34913
65-285-1778
Email: zymga@singnet.com.sg

U.K. Distributor:
https://vault1.secured-url.com/car/products...1&PARTNER=s2kuk

also if you know of a change in distributors, please pm me so i can modify this list.

so just to verify, is the ZFX Accelerator a 100% replacement for the Z1?

as in, replace every time "Z1" is used, and ZFX works the same way ?

Not quite. Z1 is only ever used for the first time in any start of a process (ie, when the car is new to Zaino or when you have stripped off previous Zaino in preparation to do it again from scratch).
ZFX replaces Z1 but can be used with any and every coat of Z2 or Z5 thereafter to accelerate the curing/drying phase.

H.R. Parts - N - Stuff
537 Pinewood Street, Oshawa Ontario L1G 2S2
Contact Info: Dennis Fraser (Homer2 - forum name)
E-Mail: Zainoguy@durham.net
Phone: (905) 579-3488 - Cell (905) 767-5265

Chip (Vrm Vrm - forum name)
www.sportscarcare.com

really two distributors in ontario, canada??

I'm knew to the club and some of the products,so let me ask.....


What is so great about the Zaino product line?????I'm very interested in all the details........

Thanks ahead of time.....

a true enthusiasts product... time intensive, but it is a very long lasting and deep shine.

How often do you end up having to apply Zaino products? Is this a process you have to do once a month? 3 months? 6-12?

6 mos will prob do it... although i have never gotten close-
numerous coats and i keep adding them.
and lately i have been using more p21s over the zaino. i do that about once a month.

UK Distributor now set up use this link:

https://vault1.secured-url.com/car/products...1&PARTNER=s2kuk

will update the list...
thx!

after dawn and using the clay bar all over the car and adding a lil z6 to the car to wash the bar film away, do i clean the car with dawn, z7, or leave it like this and add the z5 with zfx????????? or do i not even use a lil z6??????

Do i add the z5 with zfx to the whole car and then buff off or work in small areas like i normally would wax the car??????

after adding the z5 activated by zfx and buffing it, do i clean it with z7 and then start the new coat but this time with z2?????????

This post has been edited by Revs9k 01 on Dec 23 2004, 08:21 AM

Yes, and it gives the ability to add 3 coats in a 24 hour period plus quick dry time.

This post has been edited by Zaino guy on May 27 2005, 02:23 PM

Ron Williams
Owasso, Ok.
Authorized Zaino Dist.
DF Microfiber Towels

918-810-1968
Zaino@cox.net

What's the difference between Z2 and Z5? I bought the starter kit from the zainobros website and it comes with both - do they both do the same thing, and if so then why are both included in the kit? Thanks.

The Z5 is for filing SLIGHT swirls if you have any. The Z2 is used after you achieve the finish you want with the Z5.

I don't know . . . I just have a hard time using any car cleaning product that recommends the use of dawn dish washing liquid . I think I'll stick w/ my Zymol sampler kit for now. All three waxes have been used on cars that won the Pebble Beach Concours. So, I guess I can't go wrong with that.

This post has been edited by MikeyC on Jun 9 2005, 06:55 PM