i read all the faq's reguarding zaino, but it seems like they might be a little old...plus i have a few questions for anyone that uses this stuff regularly...

#1...all the faq's say to wash your car with DAWN or some similar dishwashing soap before applying zaino the very first time. would it be okay to wash your car with the z-7 car wash instead or is washing your car with DAWN absolutely necessary?

#2...the faq's say to start with z-1 then apply z-2...and some say to start with z-1 or zfx...so if i apply zfx first, will it act as the "base coat" like z-1 and accelerate the drying time of z-2 as well? i was a little confused on this point.

so this is my proposed starting method...this is the order of which i think would be proper...please tell me if this is right or wrong...

#1) wash with z-7 then let dry
#2) apply zfx then let dry
#3) apply z-5 then let dry
#4) remove all
#5) apply z-6 and remove
#6) apply z-2 then let dry
#8) remove z-2
#7) apply more coats of z-2 if necessary and/or desired

or should i wash with DAWN right at the start, then use z-7 whenever the car needs to be cleaned again later on in the future.

thanks guys for all your comments!!!

mike

 

You need to use Dawn first to remove any wax that might be on your car. Dawn will not harm the finish but will get it clean because of its alkaline content. Z-7 is used after you have applied polish to the car.

ZFX replaces Z-1 and makes the application process a one-step instead of two. ZFX is mixed with the polish at a ratio of 4 drops per ounce. On a S2K, you should be able to get two coats out of 1/2 ounce polish. Advantages of using ZFX are near instant cure time...it only has to stay on the surface about 20 minutes, the ability to apply up to 3 coats of polish in one day, higher gloss, and even more durability.

The easiest way to clean the ZFX mixing bottles is to pour a little isopropyl alcohol in the bottle, give it a good shake, pour it out, and repeat the process. Follow it up by washing with dishwashing detergent. Don't forget to clean the nozzle, too.

Always apply Z-2/3/5 with a slightly dampened applicator. Z-6 works best for this.

 

I'll throw in my .02. Steve, of course, is correct. And by the time you've worked your way around the car applying the ZFX/Z2 (takes about 10-15 minutes for this size car), you're almost ready to start taking it off. I applied it last month when we had that snow and 38-degree weather, and it took a little under 30 minutes to "haze" over (just thought I'd test it out on cold temps outside).

Up here in Seattle, when I used to use the Z1/Z2 or Z5 combo, it was two products trying to dry, and because it was humidity dependent, sometimes would take one hour to two hours to haze. And when trying to hide minor scratches and swirls, would take many days because you had to wait 24 hrs before applying another coat of Z5. Now, with the ZFX/Z5 mixture, I've put on 6 coats in two days, which takes care of 99.4 percent of swirls/scratches (the latest on a customer's new '02 black Camaro).

Happy Zainoing.

 

Washing with dawn will remove any oil based wax (carnuba) from the finish. This is important because you want the Zaino to bond with the surface of the paint/clear coat not with the wax. If it bonds to something other than the paint/clearcoat then the zaino finish will not last as long and may not create the desired finish.

 

one more little trick for you . . .

after the dawn wash - and drying the car

go over it once with the Z6 gloss enhancer spray - this will help you be sure there is no left behind water spots etc - to be sealed under the zaino polish.

the Zaino is so optically pure - that whatever is on the surface is seen - unlike waxes etc that temporarily hide them with their ingredients . .

and have fun . . .