So I'm a n00b on this forum, but I've been researching a bunch of forum groups and learning. This one has been the most informative. I've already got some Stoner Invisible glass, microfiber towels, and Meguiars QD to mention a few. I am still awaiting my first shipment from Auto Geek. I'm collecting products and knowledge ready to take care of my asset.

So thanks for the great info.

Now my first question:

I think I'm ready to step in the Zaino world and plan to buy a kit and tackle the project over the Labor Day weekend. But before I do, should bother? I, like many others, have small paint chips on the hood and nose as well as a couple on the sides. No dings and bare metal/plastic, just to the gray primer. Should I get these fixed BEFORE I Zaino or can I go ahead and Zaino till the cows come home?

 

welcome to this board!!

you can zaino first and repair later or repair first and zaino later...
if you are gonna repair, it might be easiest to repair first cause you gotta rezaino after the repair.

before zaino, feel the car to see if there is any roughness to the surface. if so, it needs to be clayed. if no significant swirls or light scratches you are ready to go (if not you need to polish)

zaino is a great protectant- i use it on all exterior except the rubber!!
it also layers well and does even better when covered by a coat of carnauba.

 

We often make references to Zaino, But Zaino is a Product line, not a specific product (like wax, or polish). What are we referring to in this post?

I would probably go buy some touch up paint, and use one of the touch up paint method's mentioned in other post (I like to blob it above the surface, then go back and wet sand it down smooth after two weeks) So I would probably apply the touch up paint, let it dry a day, then Zaino, and then after two weeks or so, go back and repair the touch up paint, so its not even noticable.

 

Well, of course it would be possible to wait until all the paint chips are repaired. But here's another way of looking at it. Why wait to protect the finish of your entire car over just a few chips? Those can always be touched up and re-zaino'd later on. In the mean time, clay the whole car and get some protection on there. It'll look great and give you even more reason to perfect the finish by fixing the chips.

Most importantly, take lots of pictures.

 

I'm not saying wait to apply the zaino. I'm saying do the touch up paint, let it dry for like... a few hours (Or a day), and then Zaino it. And just go back and finish the touch up paint later.

 

you can see that some of our regulars will always keep me in line!!

yup, we love pics... and i should be remembering to ask for them-
and if you post em up, all you gotta do is pm me and you will be eligible for the wacko badge that we all wear around here (proudly )

 

Frankly, I do not feel comfortable trying to touch up the car - especially after reading some instructions posted on this site and on the net. I'm afraid that even with the best intentions by following the instructions I will make the problem worse. I'd rather live with whats there instead of risking damaging my finish more.

As for which Zaino products... Here is a 'brief' summary of what I understand from the application guide on Zaino's site:

Correct me if I'm wrong?

 

And OF COURSE I will take pics! Have to record your hard work...

 

You could combine a couple steps there..

Wash the car with CAR WASH, not DISH washing detergent. (They say use dawn because it helps remove the wax, but you want to use car washing liquid in collaboration with the Dawn, use only a small amount, clay barring will help remove the wax)

When you are claying you can use your Car Washing Solution as bar lubricant, unless the Zaino Bar says otherwise (Some bars say you can use either/or)

and thats as far as my knowledge on Zaino goes. I used the Z-AIO, and it worked pretty well sofar...

 

If I was going to redo the Zaino thing I think I'd want to try their new Z-CS. This looks very similar to Jeff's Acrylic Jett Trigger.

If wanting to stay all Zaino I'd use Z2 w/ZFX for a couple of coats and then finish off with ZCS. I used to be a long time Zaino user and still recommend it to friends simply because of its durability. It's a nice, low maintenance sealant that looks pretty good. Jeff's products are supposed to have great durability but I've never used them so I can't go off of any personal experiences.

I'm with Jaeden on this one, forget the dish washing detergent. I know it's still listed as a recommended procedure on Zaino's site but there are better alternatives to dish soap (clay being one of them). Zaino also recommends cotton terry towels/applicators, both of which are easily outclassed by current micro fiber towels and applicators.