StephenK

Are there any downsides to using Zaino products?

Also any downside to using Z5?

pimpitcharlie

yes, it takes a LONG time to detail your car using all the products

StephenK

Other than the time issue any downside to this system?

lkirchner

From my experience they are a dust magnet. On your black car one trip around the block and you will be wiping it down.

agentf1

This is a MYTH. The only thing that takes time is the prep work and this should be done no matter what product you use. If your paint is already nice it should not take long at all. I can Zaino my cars in less than 30 minutes and that includes a Z6 or Z8 spritz when I am done.

I have not yet found any downside to using Zaino, it goes a long way making it cheap to use, last forever, and looks better than any polish I have ever used. Customer service is even excellent.

TOGWT

Let’s see-
1.It the only optically clear polymer that won’t occlude (cloud or yellow)
2.It’s easy to apply
3.It’s very durable, outlasting any other polymer sealant
4.Considered by pro detailers / chemists to be the ‘benchmark’ for polymer sealants
5.The Zaino system (Z2, Z2PRO, Z5, Z7 and Z8 + the new paint prep) is complete and compatible with any paint type
6.Using the correct amount of product its very inexpensive to use
7.Application information is available from Zaino’s website, e-mail, detailing forums and detailing books
8.With the correct pre-preparation it will provide a concours d’élégance optically perfect shine
9.Customer service is amongst the best in car care products

Q: Are there any downsides to using Zaino products?
Uh!...NO

JonM (Ex Klasse AIO / SG and Zymol as an LSP (40 years) but then something much, much better came along…)

rbridges

I agree. The only thing I was disappointed with was the Z5. It's made for fine scratches, but I honestly can't tell the difference b/t it and the Z2.

I bought it b/c it lasts forever (much longer than any wax) and is completely non-abrasive.

StephenK

I tried the Zaino product line today on my older SL to see how it worked before using it on the SL600. Even though I need to look at the car outside in the daylight tomorrow, in the garage it looks great this evening.

I used there ZFX with both Z5 and Z2 and Z8 in between.

I am curious what mix of products and how many coats of each other people have found to work well to obtain the desired results.

revstriker

To me, the only downside to Zaino is it's availability. It would be nice if I could go to the local auto parts store, or even Walmart/Target to pick up a bottle when I run out. Because you can only order through the mail, I have to wait until I need a few things or the shipping charges are too high.

I agree with the poster that said the time issue is a myth. In fact, I spend less time using Zaino than I did with other products. Also, the time that I do spend using Zaino products is better spent because of the ease of application.

Black cars are dust magnets no matter what you use.

Z5 is really just supposed to help "hide" swirl marks (not sure if you consider these fine scratches). I have found that this product does help in this regard, but I don't think the "shine" is as deep with Z5 as it is with Z2.

agentf1

They are habit forming.

tuscanraider

Not for me...the headquarters is the next town over!!

King320

Post up some pics when you get it outside! If you look on the zaino website there are pics of cars that have used it and often they denote how many coats they used, ive seen as high as 50 (done on a purple 350Z, by someone with way too much time). I normally use Z5 first (2-4 coats), then Z2 with a similar number of coats with Z8 inbetween. Think that if you do it right you can get away with 2 of each and use a carnauba wax over top (i like zymol). I will hopefully be washing and waxing mine tomorrow, ill let you know how the zymol enhances (or doesnt work with) the zaino.

MDCLS

Agree
After using it for 7+ years Dummy here finally got some common sense and got around around to keeping the products in stock. Nothing like running out of the detail spray when you really need it.

Another negative I have heard from some people is that it is streaking. I can almost 100% guarantee they put it on too thick or did not strip their old wax with Dawn 1st. Read the instructions Put on lightly. Have never seen streaking.

r3v1ls

Stephen did u use the Zaino products with an orbital buffer or by hand? I'm about to purchase their starter kit cept i don't have an orbital buffer (still considering it). Does anyone know if i'll get good results by doing this by hand? And is there any part on the car that i should avoid using the polish on?

StephenK

I did mine by hand, and the results were and still are fantastic.

r3v1ls

that's good to know . Did you also use it on the bumper and the sideskirts?

StephenK

Yes I used it on them too. For your information, I also used this on my old 96 SL where I thought the rear bumpers paints was finished. The previous products made no difference at all to it, but Zaino brought it back to life, it now looks great. What a relief, I thought I was going to have to get it painted.