I just started my 1st Zaino'ing on my new black RSX-S. I have washed it only once before (with P21S and leaf blower dried). I specifically asked the dealer NOT to prep it to avoid starting with a buttload of swirl marks out of the gate. Prior to today, there were virtually NO marks on this car.

So, I started with Dawn, using a new Pinnacle Microfiber Wash Mit (very nice!) - dried the car completely with the leaf blower.

Next, I started the Clay Bar with the Z7/Water mixture as lubricant. I am half way through and I have created more swirl marks just through this process than I could have if I tried. I just stopped on the rear of the car because I couldn't believe how badly the spoiler is swirled. I mean WTF?



I've read numerous Zaino how-to threads, and thought I was progressing in the best manner possible. I bought the Fieldcrest towels (white), and trimmed the edges, etc. I am basically sick to my stomach - I mean, I've tried everything in my power to avoid the very situation that I now find myself in. What could I have possibly done wrong?

 

Those swirls were created by a machine! Keep going and use Z5 for the first few coats. You should see a noticable difference. After another 4-5 coats of Z2 it will be healed!

 

I completed the clay bar process (despite my better judgment), and then washed it with Z7.

I then applied Z1 to the entire car followed by Z5. I was very conscience of not applying too much. I let the Z5 dry for an hour or so and tried wiping a little off - it resulted in smearing, so I decided to let it dry overnight (in the garage). I just started to remove it again this morning, and I have freaking smears everywhere and they will not come off no matter what I do. Of course the harder I try to get the smears off the more chance I have of imparting swirl marks.

I just don't see what I could have done wrong and how so many people swear by this stuff.

MyBad - I'm not sure what you mean by a machine - unless they machine the finish at the factory (??) I pulled the protective shipping tape off this car myself, and I know I didn't take an orbital buffer to it - but it looks like I might have to now - thanks Zaino.

 

Just finished Z6'ing, and it definitely helped removing the smears - I just don't understand why that's not indicated in any of the Zaino Tips/Tricks, etc. - maybe I just missed it somehow.

The swirl marks are still noticeable - but primarily on the horizontal surfaces. I am finished for this weekend, but I will continue to put Z5 coats on to minimize their appearance - I just don't understand where they came from.

I've read ju17's thread regarding his spiderweb scratches and Homer2's reply - maybe I am just witnessing the inherent properties of the black finish...

 

hey,

if it was smearing after drying overnite you put both layers on too heavy. i've been using it for a month and mine never smears (sometimes i use ZFX sometimes I just use straight Z2). Even when I use just Z2 it only takes about one-two hours to dry (about 80 degress outside). It comes off cleanly with no smearing, I still use Z6 afterwards as a just in case to clean up.

Try going with an even thinner coat, when I put it on, I can barely see it. It's almost like polishing by faith you can't see it! Another good way of doing it is to measure out about 1/2 ounce (which is more then enough for an S2K), and then ration yourself as you apply it. Try to make that small amount last, this will force you to put on a really thin coat.

I don't think the clay bar put those scratches on the car. They look like swirl marks, did you apply the clay in circles? did you have something else on the car before, like a carnuba wax?

 

That's what is so baffling - I neither applied the clay in circles nor wiped it off in circles - and the car is brand new.

I really tried hard NOT to apply too much, but I guess I must have. I followed Dennis Fraser's application instructions to the letter (i.e.: applied very thin lines of the product in an 'X' to half of the applicator, and used this amount to do sections the size of the RSX door).

Now that I have completed the 1st application, it does look better. I was definitely freaking out during the process though. I really like the Z6 - but it appears to attract dust/lint moreso than repel it!

 

Be patient. There's another thread where a guy applies Zaino with a polisher. He claims to get 6 coats with 1oz. I suggest you use zfx so you can apply multiple coats in one day. I promise you'll ultimately have unbelievable results!

PS. Yea the Z6 tends to attract dust. That's why you need a California Car Brush. Especially on a black car! A small price to pay for that "mile deep" shine.

 

MyBad - Wilmington, NC - home of the beloved Michael Jordan!

I did order ZFX and Z1 - for some reason I decided to go with Z1 initially. I plan on Zano'ing again soon - this is what I have done so far:

1 - Dawn Wash and Leaf Blower Dry
2 - Claybar with Z7 Dilution Lubricant Spray - Wiped Off with Royal Velvet Towel(s)
3 - Z7 Wash and Leaf Blower Dry
4 - Z1'd Entire Car
5 - Z5'd Entire Car
6 - Removed Z5 Next Morning with Royal Velvet Towel(s)
7 - Z6'd with Royal Velvet Towel(s)

Would the following be okay for my next Zano'ing?

1 - Z7 Wash and Leaf Blower Dry
2 - ZFX/Z5 with Z6'd Applicator Pad
3 - Remove with Royal Velvet Towel(s) after Dry
4 - Z6 with Royal Velvet Towel(s)
5 - ZFX/Z5 with Z6'd Applicator Pad
6 - Remove with Royal Velvet Towel(s) after Dry
7 - Z6 with Royal Velvet Towel(s)
8 - ZFX/Z2 with Z6'd Applicator Pad
9 - Remove with Royal Velvet Towel(s) after Dry
10 - Z6 with Royal Velvet Towel(s)

Damn - that's a lot of work!

 

pp

hey i did the same thing with my zfx the first time. it's not that bad because you don't have to wait. by the time you come around the car the z5 is dry so you can go straight to pulling it off.

i did have a thought about it not drying, the first time you put it on, was it in the sun? you can usually apply zaino in the sun, but I've heard of problems (especially with Z5 and dark colored cars) applying it in direct sunlight. People report problems with it drying correctly. just a thought.

 

mgiang7 -

Thanks for the info. I did everything in the garage (including washing - the sun is EVIL!)

I will definitely try the ZFX the next time.