Zaino plans...

[Meder]

I am new to zaino and plan to do a full detail within the coming weeks. I am not sure if I have this down correctly, but the plan is...

Z-7 Wash
Z-18 Clay
Z-FX(whatever it is) - Base
Z- 5 - polish I have some extremely light swirls, do I need this really? You can not actually see them, but I am sure I have some as we all do.
Z-2 polsih x2 - Ive read this polish is more for the lighter colored cars, and my car is white, so I figured this would be my final polish.
Z-CS - what is this, is this just a wax/sealant?


Do I need z-5 before z-2? I am sure I have some light swirling, but I am unable to see it. Another thing, hand or machine polish? I do not have a PC or flex, is zaino worth while by hand? I will be getting one, but I am not sure if I want to shell out the money now.

If I do not need z-5 as I am happy with my current finish, i maybe replace fx with zaio as a base. The reason why I had fx in there was because of the multiple coats and as far as I understand it you need fx or zaio as a base. You also need to use fx between polishes.

Bottom line, can I skip z-5, throw in zaio and 2 coats of z-2 done by hand and get GOOD results? I have no experiance with a PC or flex but I am sure I will not have a problem using them. The problem is money. Can I skip the pc/flex for now and get these zaino results I see here and online by hand?


After some more reading, it seems that z5 and z2 are not actually polishes, and z5 does next to nothing for filling in small swirls and what not. Since I feel i dont need a filler anyways, I am going to skip z5 and apply 2 coats of z2 instead. Now it seems as simple as wash,clay,zaio,z2/z2/ and cs (basically a sealant, correct)? Do I have this down?

[MadOzodi]

From what I know of Zaino, that looks about right. I've read that z5 is usually for darker colors so I don't see it making a difference on a CWP. If you're not going to use the ZFX, I'd make sure you let each coat of z2 cure before you apply the next layer. What that cure time is, I have no idea.

You can definitely skip the PC and Flex for now. What you have to remember is that pictures are highly subjective. Joe Blow walkin down the street probably wouldn't know a clear coat swirl if kicked him in the nuts. The best thing you can do, after you've slapped the Zaino on, to keep the paint from getting any new swirls, is to maintain it properly until you can afford the PC or Flex to physically remove the swirls....2 bucket washing method, non-marring microfiber towels...try to be the least invasive you can.

The wash, clay and 2 layers of sealant will do quite a bit towards maintaining the current state of your paint.

GL and have fun detailing!

[Haltech]

As much as ive heard it said, Zaino doesnt do a very good job of hiding swirls. So, any of these imperfections you currently have on the car, i would work to get them out before the Zaino process.

I would start with the Z flash mixed with the Z5 Pro polish first. You will need to mix ZFX with 2 ounces of polish, times 3 coats. After wiping down each coat, spray with Z6, than start another. Once you finish with the Z5 base coat, move on to the Z2 Pro coats.. Mix enough to do 4 applications in one sitting. Afterwards, spray the car down with some on that CS if you bought any... than each week, do 2-3 coats of Z2 Pro with a Z6 wipe between each coat. Usually, within a month, you will really notice a difference. Another trick is.. change the direction to apply the product on each panel. For instance... fender... go vertical.. hood parallel.. doors parallel, roof vertical.. etc. change it up each time.. this changes the optics of zaino immensely.

They make a swirl remover, but ive never tried it. Their window polish is some amazing stuff too.

[Meder]

Yeah, ill be using aio as my base and fx doing 2-3 coats of z2, z5 has little to no filling properties and is nearly usless as far as a filler/paint correction goes from what I have been reading.

I see no marring under direct sunlight. I know how to wash my cars and there is always something somewhere, but at this points its nearly none if any at all. I am sure if I put a bright halogen light or something on the car I could find something, but they will be far and few between.

That being said, aio is actually a very mild abrasive and should take care of any light marring that I may have.

Haltech, do you really see much of a difference with that many coats? I would think after 3-4 the effect is minimal like most other products ive used. Are you able to hide moderate swirls with multiple layers of z5?

I did not get CS but I did pick up z8. I've heard of people using z6 between layers but it seems there isnt much of a diffrence. Is z6 a must? I did not order it.

[HiggyMS3]

In all honesty I think I would skip the whole Zaino process on lighter colour paint. It works wonders on darker cars, check out the Zaino thread in this section to see some amazing results including my old Black SRT-4. I got a really good finish on my CWP with using a clay bar, then a few coats of Meg's gold class paste finished off with a glaze. I did this in half the time that it would take to do a proper Zaino application and it cost way less. It gave a nice wet look that has lasted.

Colours like white and silver just dont have the same reflective properties as colours like black and dark blues. I dont think you would appreciate the results as much on white as you would the darker colours. It is also some pricey stuff.

You also have to maintain the Zaino regularly to keep it looking good. Its a ton of work to keep up on a DD. Its your car and your choice obvioulsy and if your hell bent on doing it I would love to see some pics when your done.

Good luck and keep us posted on your results.

[Meder]

Car is done, will be adding the 3rd coat very soon.


I wont bother with pictures until atleast friday when i rewash. The zaino really brought out the pearl in the paint and I did get good results, but it can be better. Zaino is indeed not the best on lighter color cars, but lighter colors are harder in general.

Dont get me wrong, the results are good and were worth the effort.

I washed/clayed/washed/ zaio/ z2 ( 3 coats w/fx) and finished with z8 spray. Trim, tires, wheels were done with 303 aerospace protectant, blackwow, and poorboys wheel sealant.

[FearUndersteer]

Great work. If nothing else Zaino is hard to beat for the durability. Mine beads water from my application in August all the way to the begining of the good spring weather. You shouldn't need to do another layer for atleast 6 months with weekly washings.

[jacklaw]

Sounds good to me. Post your pics. when your done.

[AmillieMS6]

does anyone know any product that removes swirls?

[FearUndersteer]

The only success I have had removing scratches or swirls with with a random orbital buffer and Menzerna polish products.

[wruss64]

Definitely use Z6, makes the Z2 and/or Z5 go on easier, not that it is hard to begin with. Zaino is probably one of the easiest products to apply and take off. And it is not just for shine, protection is great also.

I disagree with the comment that it is a ton of work to keep up on a DD. That is why the Z6 is good for. Takes just a couple of minutes to apply and is easy. You don't have to do it, just maintains the ultimate in high quality shine if you do. Mine has been sitting in my garage for 2 months now since it is winter time. I did drive it this weekend, it looked awesome outdoors. But yes, had I take about 3 minutes to "refresh" with Z6 it would have looked a little better.

[ZoomZoomVT]

Get that 3rd coat on yet?

[Regulator]

Post pictures when you finish for suuuure

[racersky]

The enhancer spray is pretty awesome on dark colored cars. It brings out a deep gloss like no other.