i8hotdogs

Hello All - I just applied Zaino for the winter. Check it out.

norb

Did you Zaino the wheels?

sf49ers79

real nice and clean...

lorinsertuned

nice and slick!

Kar don

Looks beautiful!!!

Nanky

Good Job!! Really looks nice. Do you need a buffer to use zaino?

rdtjr

Nanky -

No, you just put it on a applicator, wipe it on, let it dry for a few minutes and buff it off manually. Repeat several times. Could not be easier. I like the results a lot, but I am very much an amateur detailer. I also clayed and washed the car with Dawn before application.

The company has a website outlining the procedures and other products. I learned about them from Autopia.com forums (a tremendous site for learning about detailing your car).

Hudson

I too Zainoed my new E500 this past weekend. Although goes on easy, I'm still sore after the workout from 2 applications. I was initially concerned about washing the car with Dawn dishwashing detergent to remove any wax the dealer applied before using but no worries - came out really nice and wet looking. I highly recommend the ZFX (w the #2 polish for clear coat) and the #6 buffing spray to use between applications and after washes going forward. Also I found the experience really educating since I got to become really intimate with every nook and cranny of the car. The downside of this is that I unfortunately discovered a minor chip in the paint (only after one week)

Nanky

Hudson & rdtjr, thanks for the detailing tips. I will will check out the site and suggested products. How long did the detailing process take?

Nanky

I found autopia.com to be a dental practice management software site.

Hudson

just do a search on Zaino to find their home page. Products are purchased through site or you can send them an email to find a shop that retails them in your area (that's what I did and saved the shipping cost). Process takes a good 4+ hours for a first time application since need to wash w/Dawn or use clay bar, and apply/take off wax twice. Also will depend on drying time since wax takes longer to haze in colder temperatures. After you get done w/this base of Zaino it's much easier after. Every few months just apply another layer after washing. IMO minimum products are Z2 (the polish for clear coat finishes) - I think there's a special one for black cars also, ZFX (like an accelerator/enhancer for the Z2), Z6 (the buffer spray), and the car wash (forget what number), also get a couple of applicators. All together about $50 but worth it.

Nanky

Thanks, Hudson! I will give it a try.

Kar don

why dont you guys check out the MBWorld detailing forum? Lotta great tips and we are now sponsored by classic motoring accessories (properautocare.com)!

nguyent281

do you have anymore pictures i8hotdogs?? i'm thinking about getting the same wheels also. thanks

i8hotdogs

nguyent281 - Let me know which picture you would like and next time it is clean I will take the shot for you.

rdtjr

Nanky -

http://www.autopia.org/forums/forumd...?s=&forumid=58

I agree with Hudson's comments. I would just add that you can apply up to 3 coats per day in good conditions. Zaino is also not a wax but a sealant. After the prep and first coat, additional coats take only about an hour each, including the time you wait for it to dry.

I think the shampoo is Z-7 and is recommended to use in conjunction with the other products. I believe many users also top off with wax to get more pop but you have to Dawn wash to remove the wax before you do more Zaino coats. It doesn't adhere to wax.

IluvS500

If say I put wax on top of three layers of zaino. When I dawn wash, what will happen to the zaino?

IluvS500

If say I put wax on top of three layers of zaino. When I dawn wash, what will happen to the zaino?

Hudson

IluvS500 - I don't think you should use Dawn again once you've base coated with the Zaino - I would just continue to add more Zaino polish periodically (every 6 mos. recommended by manufacturer) after a wash. Dawn is used only to remove silicon and cannuba based waxes which Zaino is not. Rdtjr - you say "you have to Dawn wash to remove the wax before you do more Zaino coats" - I think this relates to when some users use wax with their wash for the extra "pop". Never heard of this and not sure why this would be done. Sort of defeats the purpose of the Zaino. Zaino is supposed to be a substitue for over the counter waxes not an addition to. Just my thoughts.

rdtjr

IluvS500 -

Nothing happens to the Zaino after Dawn washing. Hudson is correct in that you only use Dawn in certain circumstances. Use a good quality car shampoo. Zaino recommends their shampoo for use on their sealant. No idea if it works better than others. Seems like a good product regardless if you use the sealant or not.


Hudson -

Many of the guys at the Autopia forum are really into detailing. They are always looking for that marginal increase in shine, durability, etc. There are long discussion threads debating the effect of topping this product with that product, which products look best on what color cars. It's just a whole level or two above what most of us would do. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I am quite happy to use the Zaino by itself.

IluvS500

Okay and one more question, say I put three coats of zaino on. Since its winter its way to cold to wash. I usually run the cars through those automatic washes, where it: lightly sprays the car, then it soaps it, then it sprays it really hard, all without touching the car. Well Im sure most of you know what these are and have expirienced them. How many washes before the zaino is almost gone?

IluvS500

Okay and one more question, say I put three coats of zaino on. Since its winter its way to cold to wash. I usually run the cars through those automatic washes, where it: lightly sprays the car, then it soaps it, then it sprays it really hard, all without touching the car. Well Im sure most of you know what these are and have expirienced them. How many washes before the zaino is almost gone?

IluvS500

Okay and one more question, say I put three coats of zaino on. Since its winter its way to cold to wash. I usually run the cars through those automatic washes, where it: lightly sprays the car, then it soaps it, then it sprays it really hard, all without touching the car. Well Im sure most of you know what these are and have expirienced them. How many washes before the zaino is almost gone?

IluvS500

sorry for triple posting.

LIONHEAD

I've been using Zaino for the last 6 years on my C5 and the shine is great. I do notice everytime I wash the car the shine diminishes noticeable so I usually wax every time I wash. Can't wait to put a coat on the E500 once it arrives. There is alot to learn in detailing. Here is what I do and please let me know what I'm doing wrong or if there is additional steps I need to include:

1. Dawn/Wash
2. Claybar
3. HD Cleanse
4. Zaino Z2 Polish (With ZFX) and apply with Z6
5. Zymol Wax Carbon
6. Zaino Z2 Polish (with ZFX) and apply with Z6
7. Zymol Wax Carbon

Here is Zaino's site: www.zainostore.com Hope this isn't dupe.

I also like their Z6 for in between washes/waxes.

---Always use Micro Fiber Towels.


Here is a pic of my C5 after 1 coat of Zaino