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 cRaZy shine - or if you are planning on Zainoing in a cold or very humid climate
Z2 Clearcoat Polish (you can swap Z2 for Z5 if you want to save $; see next)
Z5 Swirl Remover & Polish (esp 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 Claybar (prep for the whole deal)
Z16 Tire Gloss (good on tires and on flat black exterior trim)

Sal reccommends:
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.


[b]Quantity Tips[b]
If you're inclined to order mutiple quantities, keep in mind you'll use 2x to 3x more Z6 and Z7 than anything else. And, 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.

FAQ's
http://www.zainobros.com/files/faq.htm
http://www.zainobros.com/files/tips.htm
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/6...1/zainofaq.html
http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/zainofaq.php

Keep adding to this thread. Your tips your tricks, your shine! s2ki wants to develop our own FAQ for the library. For future use.

 

I know several people, with new cars, that just use Z5, no Z2. They claim is shines just as well and Z5 has some swirl filling properties.

As far as saving $, you use so little Zaino product, except Z6 and 7, that I actually think that Zaino is one of the more cost effective car care lines out there.

 

I disagree that you can't tell the diff. between Z-5 and Z-2. Everytime i wax my car i at least put 2 coats, always Z-5 first and always do Z-2 as my last coat before i roll. I believe that Z-5 has a deeper shine, and Z-2's shine is def. a wetter looking shine which i think looks better than leaving Z-5 as a last coat. I can def. tell the difference as soon as i follow up with Z-2, this is just my own observation and opinion.

 

Here's another vote for the claybar. Even if you have a brand new car with immaculate paint, you will be overly surprised as to how much contaminants are on the vehicle. The clay bar will be able to remove any form of airborne contaminant build up, leaving the paint smooth to the touch.

Another tip I find works well, is when you are applying the product, especially the Z6. When wiping the Z6 on vertical body panels such as doors or rear quarter panels, use an up and down motion. Horizontal panels such as the vast expanse of hood we have on our cars should be wiped in a front to back motion. The optics of light reflection will yield a much more exhuberant shine if this method is used.

Finally, for buffing any product out, Zaino or otherwise, use a 100% cotton cloth, or better yet, a MicroFiber cloth. When buffing, ensure that the surface touching the paint has no creases in it. This will prevent the formation of light scratch/swirl marks. Rotate the cloth frequently to eliminate build up of excess product on the cloth, which too will eventually scratch the finish.

Just my 2c. Okay, maybe 8c
Asif

 

I will be applying Zaino for the first time tomorrow. Fortunately, Zaino's web site has a lot of great information; unfortunately, it is spread across multiple links. I put the following "plan" together based on information from the Zaino web site and some of the suggestions I have read in this forum. Hopefully, this will help some other Zaino newbie...

The Full Process (Once a Year)
o Clean tires with brush then sponge brush on tire cleaner
o Wash wheels
o Wash Car with Dawn (removes old wax) then dry
o Use Clay Bar
---->In a spray bottle, mix

 

Wow that is a lot of good information. Thanks everyone.

 

Apply Z1 in a circular motion? Why? Is Z2 also applied in a circular motion?

 

Thats what Zaino's web site direction said to do. Probably get better coverage. Z2 gets applied differently; on top of the car from bumper to bumper; sides of the car up and down.

 

Definitely use the clay bar on your new car!!! I did and it made a huge difference. You will be surprised at what it removes from the finish. Result is an absolutely smooth surface and a mirror like finish .

 

I bought ZFX, Z2, Z5,Z6 and Z7.

Since I am not using Z1, do I apply Z2 on top of 'hazed' ZFX (mixed of blue ZFX and Z2) or do I wipe off the 'hazed' ZFX then apply anther coat of Z2?