Detailing & Automotive Care Use this forum to discuss detailing, cleaning and automotive care to maintain the beauty in your Mercedes-Benz.

After Zaino lots of flaws visible

Old Jan 13, 2008 | 01:45 PM
  #1  
acrafton's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
After Zaino lots of flaws visible

Ok, I have an 06 MB in black that I bought used a while ago and since then have used Blitz Polish and Blitz Wax (carnuba) on it and it looked good. I decided to go Zaino for better protection and had a local detailer do a full fob on it:

1. Dawn Wash
2. Claybar 2x
3. Dawn
4. Z2
5. Z5 3x
6. Z6

The car overall looks great and the black is deep and reflective but the hood has lots of rock chips and swirling that were not visible before. The detailer said that as Zaino has no fillers, they were most likely filled in with dirt/wax/etc. . .and that Zaino is not going to hide them.

So, my question is. . .do I abandon Zaino and go back to my old products or what? I guess I could go over it with ZPC and then redo?
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 02:57 PM
  #2  
Jayhawk's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,098
Likes: 0
From: Lawrence, KS (USA)
S500/W220/2000
I don't know the answer but will be interested to see what the pro's have to say... My mobile detailer always uses Zaino on my Bright Silver and it always looks great, but I know black is the toughest color to get right. I think using Dawn on a car's finish is a big mistake. It belongs in the kitchen, but I'm not sure it would cause the problems you describe.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 03:08 PM
  #3  
Wobert's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Denmark
Happy owner of '98 CLK 320
I admit, I am a newbie at detailing, but it strikes out to me, that he didn't use a real polish.
As far as I can tell, both z2 and z5 are in fact sealants.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 03:18 PM
  #4  
raymond g-'s Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
i am of the belief that the judicious use of Dawn can be very appropriate, as
long as you are clear as to the cleaning properties of this detergent. the
recommendation for this has to do with deep cleaning and removal of old wax
so that you're back to a solid foundation of clear coat....then atop that,
your preferred protectorant(s). just don't use this on a regular basis
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 03:38 PM
  #5  
Jayhawk's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,098
Likes: 0
From: Lawrence, KS (USA)
S500/W220/2000
Originally Posted by Wobert
I admit, I am a newbie at detailing, but it strikes out to me, that he didn't use a real polish.
As far as I can tell, both z2 and z5 are in fact sealants.
I think my guy uses Z Fusion--a dual action paint cleaner and swirl remover.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 04:08 PM
  #6  
Jay9722's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Big and Heavy 03 CL
Originally Posted by acrafton
Ok, I have an 06 MB in black that I bought used a while ago and since then have used Blitz Polish and Blitz Wax (carnuba) on it and it looked good. I decided to go Zaino for better protection and had a local detailer do a full fob on it:

1. Dawn Wash
2. Claybar 2x
3. Dawn
4. Z2
5. Z5 3x
6. Z6

The car overall looks great and the black is deep and reflective but the hood has lots of rock chips and swirling that were not visible before. The detailer said that as Zaino has no fillers, they were most likely filled in with dirt/wax/etc. . .and that Zaino is not going to hide them.

So, my question is. . .do I abandon Zaino and go back to my old products or what? I guess I could go over it with ZPC and then redo?
This is going to sound crazy but it works. I had a black Z06 that got damaged from a lawn sprinkler that sprayed on the car and then dried in the sun. Needless to say I had really bad water spots with lime and other minerals that etched into the clear coat. I always used Zaino products and loved them. The only thing that really cleared up the spots was the use of cheap, Turtle wax "color" wax. I bought a bottle of the black liquid wax and mixed it in with either Z 7 or 5, I can't remember...point is it worked AWESOME! Give it a try. It is thick and glossy and fills everything in.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 06:25 PM
  #7  
Jayhawk's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,098
Likes: 0
From: Lawrence, KS (USA)
S500/W220/2000
Originally Posted by Jay9722
This is going to sound crazy but it works. I had a black Z06 that got damaged from a lawn sprinkler that sprayed on the car and then dried in the sun. Needless to say I had really bad water spots with lime and other minerals that etched into the clear coat. I always used Zaino products and loved them. The only thing that really cleared up the spots was the use of cheap, Turtle wax "color" wax. I bought a bottle of the black liquid wax and mixed it in with either Z 7 or 5, I can't remember...point is it worked AWESOME! Give it a try. It is thick and glossy and fills everything in.
How long did you do that and to what kind of weather has it been exposed. I have read horror stories about those "color wax filler type coatings." They look fantastic for a while, but wear very badly, and often permanently damage the clearcoat finish after a time and after bad weather. I hope that doesn't happen to you, but you might want to check w/ a detail pro before too long.
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 06:47 PM
  #8  
enzo ferrari's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: augusta, ga
2001 amg e55
zaino

sounds like a rotary buffer has fallen into the wrong hands, if you ask me.



from the zaino site.. do i see fillers?

Z-5 PRO is the perfect choice for detailing enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals alike. Thanks to its advanced, non-abrasive, micro-filler polymer technology, Z-5 PRO fills and hides minor surface imperfections even better than before - owners of dark cars (black, blue, green, red) will take delight in knowing that with just a few simple applications, swirl marks, spider webbing, and other surface headaches will become nothing more than a distant memory.

get a pc and fix it yourself
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 09:16 PM
  #9  
acrafton's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by enzo ferrari
sounds like a rotary buffer has fallen into the wrong hands, if you ask me.



from the zaino site.. do i see fillers?

Z-5 PRO is the perfect choice for detailing enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals alike. Thanks to its advanced, non-abrasive, micro-filler polymer technology, Z-5 PRO fills and hides minor surface imperfections even better than before - owners of dark cars (black, blue, green, red) will take delight in knowing that with just a few simple applications, swirl marks, spider webbing, and other surface headaches will become nothing more than a distant memory.

get a pc and fix it yourself
PC= porter cable?

Can you direct me to a site with some info on properly using one to fix this?

Thanks
Adam
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2008 | 09:29 PM
  #10  
Jay9722's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Big and Heavy 03 CL
Originally Posted by Jayhawk
How long did you do that and to what kind of weather has it been exposed. I have read horror stories about those "color wax filler type coatings." They look fantastic for a while, but wear very badly, and often permanently damage the clearcoat finish after a time and after bad weather. I hope that doesn't happen to you, but you might want to check w/ a detail pro before too long.
Exposed to zero weather and was always garaged. I never took the car out in bad weather, including rain. The color wax was applied after all else failed to get out the water spots, including compounds. I used it sparingly when mixing it with Zaino. The clearcoat had damage from hard water so I really didn't see an issue using a color wax...couldn't get much worse. The detail/pro who who buffed out my car suggested I try it. He is specializes in Corvette finishes. The color wax was a one coat application in a 7 or 8 step waxing process. I usually applied close to 5 coats of wax on my vette. I upgraded to a CL500.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2008 | 07:48 AM
  #11  
enzo ferrari's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: augusta, ga
2001 amg e55
buff

you will find a ton of info here.

http://www.autopia.org/

this works very nice as well

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1

in a nutshell, the rotary can remove defects at blazing speed when compared to an orbital. but whereas the rotary can cause damage on its own, you have to try very hard to screw up something up with the orbital.

i buff first with rotary to remove defects, second with rotary and polish, and lastly pc/griots to remove micro-marring/light swirls. of course, this is on a car with deeper defects. on near perfect cars, i might leave the rotary in the cabinet

some of my favorite rotary juices:

http://optimumcarcare.com/optimumpolish.html

Last edited by enzo ferrari; Jan 14, 2008 at 08:02 AM. Reason: add
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2008 | 08:26 AM
  #12  
TOGWT's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 880
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
See Rotary - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1823206
and http://www.detailuniversity.com/foru...orrection.html
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2008 | 05:26 PM
  #13  
GEAUX's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Houston
2014 E350
Ive used Zaino for years. Primarily on my vettes before coming over to the E55.

I love Zaino, but if you have flaws, it will show them. It is a polish primarily so it will show.

Black is tough. Zaino wont hide imprefections, you have to fix them first, then the zaino shine is a hard one to beat.
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2008 | 01:46 PM
  #14  
150shot's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 691
Likes: 0
From: Southern CA
08 CLS63, Honda Accord, 04 911
Originally Posted by GEAUX
Ive used Zaino for years. Primarily on my vettes before coming over to the E55.

I love Zaino, but if you have flaws, it will show them. It is a polish primarily so it will show.

Black is tough. Zaino wont hide imprefections, you have to fix them first, then the zaino shine is a hard one to beat.

This is correct. I have a black car that looks incredible in the shade or off direct sunlight. Everyone thinks its brand new. It has had nothing but Zaino for 5 or so years...BUT put at the right angle, swirls, fine scratches, and all kinds of stuff come out ( at least I notice )
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 04:57 PM
  #15  
NdnMbLova's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,913
Likes: 1
From: Joisey
1999 C280
swirls are a result of a mediocre job on the detailers part. IF you want a detail done properly, i suggest sitting down and doing some SERIOUS reading.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2008 | 05:40 PM
  #16  
ima55r2's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 11
From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
If your guy did Z2x1 and Z5x3 in one day then he should have used the ZFX. If he didn’t, you have one coat on the car since each application wouldn’t have had time to cure....dry yes, but not cure.

Z5 can act as a filler for swirls but not rock chips and Zaino recommends only 3 coats of anything in one day even with the ZFX.
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2008 | 05:24 PM
  #17  
acrafton's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ima55r2
If your guy did Z2x1 and Z5x3 in one day then he should have used the ZFX. If he didn’t, you have one coat on the car since each application wouldn’t have had time to cure....dry yes, but not cure.

Z5 can act as a filler for swirls but not rock chips and Zaino recommends only 3 coats of anything in one day even with the ZFX.
He did use Z-FX.

I think I am going to touch up the chips and then do Z-All In One which does have mild abrasives to get rid of swirls. If that doesn't do the trick I will try ZPC Fusion to go after the swirls.

Thoughts/comments?
Reply
Old Feb 18, 2008 | 10:27 PM
  #18  
ima55r2's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,436
Likes: 11
From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
The ZPC will work better on the ceramic nano paint than the AIO.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2008 | 11:49 AM
  #19  
lkirchner's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Several MB's Superperformance MK III Cobra
Originally Posted by ima55r2
The ZPC will work better on the ceramic nano paint than the AIO.
The thing that I found to work best in removing swirls on the Nano clearccoat has been Menzerna, specifically 106FF. It is best used with a machine---Rotary is best but will work with a Porter cable type. ZPC comes in a distant third in my opinion.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:29 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE