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Just sharing my results.
Due to the quantity of swirl marks and fine scratching I was seeing in my finish (Berlina Black), I recently stripped down my car to the paint and started from scratch. I own a 2000 model year S, so results may be different for clear coated finishes. Here's what I used:
Wash with Dawn
claybar
wash again
Wipe down with alcohol
Menzurna Intensive Polish (Got this from Classic Motoring in a trial kit)
Applied with PC 5" random orbit sander w/ cutting foam pad. Removed by damp microfiber buffing cloth
Results -
Removed any Zaino residue and the bulk of the scratches as well as some light oxidation, left a finish comparable to to 3M Swirl Remover
Menzurna Final Polish
Applied with PC. Removed by damp microfiber buffing cloth
Results -
Removed the remaining scratching and swirl marks, finish looked comparable to a coat of Zaino followd by a pass of Z6. Spanked any other polish I've tried (Meguiars, 3M). Clear coat results could vary.
Zaino Z3 show car polish w/ZFX, sandwiched between layers of Z6
Applied by hand using microfiber applicator pad. Removed by microfiber buffing cloth
Pass #1, #2, #3> looks better and better and better. Highly reflective, slightly "soft" to touch
This took the bulk of a day, but I was extremely happy with my results, I waited a week to do the next step to get a good comparison.
Weekend #2
Decided to top off the Zaino with a coat of s100 carnuba wax based on the reviews of some of the board members
Washed with Pinnacle Car Wash
topped with Z6 to make sure it would be a fair comparison
s100 carnuba wax
applied by foam applicator pad. Removed by microfiber buffing cloth
Results -
first of all, it went on as easy as anything I have ever applied, including Zaino or any liquid wax
Removal was not as easy as a second or third coat of Zaino, but still very easy. Look was subtley, but not obviously, better than Zaino under the florescent light of my garage, but when I took it outside, the difference was more dramatic. It made the finish look smoother, glassier, and deeper/wetter. I am sold. In all fairness, based on my observations, Zaino's claims about optical clarity seem to hold up, but I guess I just prefer a warmer, glassier finish. I won't replace Zaino, because it's a great sealant - the best look/protection combo out there in my limited experience. I guess the question is, will I apply s100 after each wash now instead of Z6?
Hope to post some pictures...
Lotta hard work there, let's see some pics! I'm doing my FRed S2K with Zaino from scratch this weekend for the first time. Claying first, then Z6 x's 2 and Z2 x's 2. Will post pics
excellent post!!
your procedure is perfect...
i have never used menzurna-
your thoughts on it vs. 3m swirl remover?
btw, i prob would not have used the alcohol, as the menzurna would remove the zaino too- but your method is more of a perfectionist's method, which i fully respect.
now i wana see some photos!!
Working on the pics...it rained on me
My information is second hand. When I first started looking at purchasing Zaino, I read a number of posts here on the board that indicated that MY00 does NOT come with clear coat and that I should order Z3. It subsequently may have proven to be a false rumor or something...but the number of chips on my front lip seem to support the supposition (time for a repaint)
Zaino Z3 certainly works well...
Originally posted by wanabe
i have never used menzurna-
your thoughts on it vs. 3m swirl remover?
IMO, the Final Polish spanks 3M's finish no problem. I have seen it next to my bros black Land Rover that we used 3M on and Menzurna is on a whole different level. But it doesn't get out quite as many swirls because it's a finer polish. It supposedly doesn't use solvents or fillers either, but burnishes the finish. Great on spider webbing too.
As for the Intensive Polish, results were very similar to 3M in terms of the swirl removing power and over all finish. I like it better than 3M Swirl Remover for 2 reasons:
1> Water based. Just wiped down with a damp cloth and residue comes off easily. I had issues with 3M when I first used it, and it was a bit painful to remove residue if you left it on too long or short. But if you have experience with 3M, that's probably not an issue for you. Menzurna was definitely more forgiving.
2> Burnishes the finish instead of treating it with solvents or fillers. When I wiped down 3M sections to remove excess polish, some of the finish seemed to come off with the recommended alcohol/water spray, leaving some slight hazing. With Menzurna, it was there to stay.
I would consider trying the Final Polish if you are happy with 3M and are experienced in it's application, but the Intensive Polish would probably be unnecessary.
Finally got a chance to wash and apply a second coat of s100. A couple of shots aren't in the best focus, but I think you get the idea. This is a 3 yr old car with 25K+ miles on it, although she is a garage queen Photos were not altered in anyway, only resized down to 1024X768