AndrewEclipse

Well I just got finished detailing my CL55 and I am really tired. Cleaned it really well inside and out and conditioned the leather using Z10. After I dried the outside using the blue waffle weave towel (Thanks AlBoston!), I decided to polish it up using Z2 and ZFX. Wow, does ZFX add some serious work. Because it accelerates the curing time, you can polish it multiple times. Well I did, I polished it up three times and I cannot feel my arms. The results were very impressive though. Zaino products really are great for a mirror finish on a black car.

awiner

Wait until you wash the car as see the water roll right off.

Did you use Z6 in between coats ?

AndrewEclipse

Ok, I'm hoping its worth the time I spent today. It took me about 4 hours to do the whole car.

And No, I did not use Z6 in between coats. Was I supposed to??

awiner

It's not mandatory. I find that it makes the coats layer a bit easier however. Z6 is one of my favorite products. Use it as a quick detailer. It also helps to repel static which in turn causes dust not to stick as easily.

The most amazing thing about Zaino, and I am sure you will find out soon, is the durability. With those three coats you will have about 6 months worth of protection in any environment.

What I do is apply a single coat of Z2 (non zfx'd) every couple of months after a wash to add to the durability, shine and lifespan of the protection.

Annually I re-clay the finish and start the process over. After you get the hang of it, you will find Zaino application is a lot faster than normal wax.

One of the reasons it is faster is also due to the fact that it leaves no residue when removing the product.

In the old days when I used to use wax, most the time was spent getting all the white residue out of every little crack and joint.

AndrewEclipse

Thanks for the advice Adam.

I will have to try the Z6 out next time in between coats. In the meantime, I'll use it in between washes like I use to use Meguiars Quick Detailer.

So you don't use ZFX? I thought you did. I am definitely liking the Zaino products. You just don't realize how big the CL really is until you polish it up a few times. Have you used the waffle weave microfiber towels? These things definitely help out in the drying process. It was much easier for me.

awiner

I do use ZFX after a complete stip and re apply or when I want to layer more than one coat in a day. The thing is that after the initial 3 coats using ZFX, I usually just do 1 coat at a time everyso often. When you just do1 coat, there is no need to use ZFX.

I do not use microfiber towels. I am still using good old cotton.

ctemkin

When you apply another coat of Z2 and ZFX after the first set of coats, do you wash it first? and, if so, with what?

Before I used Zaino the first time, I followed the instructions and washed the car with dishwashing liquid and water, which presumably took off any old wax, etc. But I assume that using the dishwashing liquid again will take off the coats of Zaino which are on the car, so what do I use to wash the car? The Zaino cleaner?

bmms8

well depends, whenever i put zaino on, i do 3 layers a day...if your doing it the same day, like one after the other, then just put it over the top after you buff it off, if you wait a week, wash with z-7..if i remember right thats the wash..then do zaino again

ctemkin

Thanks. I didn't ask the question clearly enough. Let's say you went through the initial routine and put on several coats of Zaino. A month or two later, you want to wash it and put on another coat. I take it that the answer is that you wash the car with Z7, since that will leave on all or most of the Zaino sealant that is still on the car.

awiner

Yes, you can simply layer on top on Zaino. Just be sure not to apply more than 3 ZFX'd coats fo Z2/Z5 in a 24 hour period.

Clay is really the best way to strip Zaino. Dawn will not strip Zaino.

Kar don

clay does not completely strip zaino... only way to do it is with 70/30 mix of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water.

ima55r2

I agree here. The clay just takes off the contaminants that sit on top of the Zaino. Just use the Z6 for the clay lubricant and compatability issues. I water it down to a 50:50 mix because it is so concentrated.

I don't think you have to ever completely strip off the Zaino. I know Zaino fanatics that have 20 to 30 coats on their cars. They will mix in some ZFX every 10 coats or so to help with the bonding but I think that is just a way to use it up after paying 20 bucks for a couple of drops.

I don't know if you ever figured it out but the ZFX comes out to over $30,000 a gallon!

Kar don

lol ya, the mark up on it seems ridiculous, hehe. Imagine if they knocked a large container of ZFX on the floor and broke