How To Buy Zaino Products

[patrick_y]

I am a fanatic about keeping my car clean. I often take my autos to my local dealership and have them handwash them very carefully (since they're black) and I wash them personally myself as well. I also clay the car and wax the car. To this date, I've always used Zymol wax, but I've heard that Zaino wax is supposedly superior. However, I'm having difficulties obtaining this Zaino wax at a reasonable price. Where should I look at? I'm in the Silicon Valley area and I haven't found a single authorized dealer of Zaino products.

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[Trekman]

you can only order Zaino online @ Zainostore.com

[patrick_y]

That's a bummer.

Their website isn't very friendly. I can't even tell what product does what.

[patrick_y]

What am I supposed to buy from Zaino? Everything is so complicated.

I'm looking to wash the car, clay the car, wash the car again, seal the car, then wax the car.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Just finished Zaino'ing the Mrs.' 5 year old BMW. See attached pic.

What you need to use, Zaino-wise, depends on how anal you are and how much time you're willing to devote to the task.

I would recommend, to be happy with the outcome, to do the following:

1. Wash with Dawn (strips old waxes, greases, oil, etc.)
2. Clay bar (Z-18). No, you can't buy this seperately at Chief Auto for less.
3. Wash car again (remove clay debris) with a clear-coat safe carwash. (Zaino's is Z-7, I think, but I just use the plastic jug of cheap **** from Chief Auto).
4. Z-1 Show Car Polish Lock (fills in swirls, helps Z-2 to bond to paint).
5. Z-2 (with ZFX additive) *VERY* lightly. If you can see it going on, you're using too much.
6. Allow to dry.
7. Buff/remove Z-2 after it is dried.
8. Repeat steps 5,6,and 7. Repeat 8 if desired.

If you are less anal and just want basic protection without the awesome reflective finishes, just do steps 5-8. But if you're going to do step 1 or step 2 or step 4, you should do all the steps 1-8 and not just the clay bar or z-1. You will be wasting your time. It is all steps 1-8 or just steps 5-8.

P.S.- See sticky threads at the top of this detailing forum (http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37) for additional details.

P.S.S.- You can ONLY order Zaino from Zainobros.com (aka zainostore.com).

P.S.S.S.- Here're the pics from last week's Zaino work on a 2001 BMW. The moisture on the car was generously provided by the moist overnight coastal dew. One pic is a close up of a dime. You can see how tightly the Zaino allows micro-beading of the moisture. This will last for 6-12 months, FAR longer than any carnauba wax. Of course you can see the striping from how how I applied the Zaino last weekend. And you can see some imperfections in the paint that would be removed had I washed the car before snapping the photos, lol.

The second pic is a macro of the dime on the roof of the car. Keeping in mind the car is over 5 years old, you can see the reflection of my neighbor's trees pretty well...despite how gloomy and cloudy it is out. And despite the car having been outside overnight every night for a week and due for a new wash. Imagine if the sun were out! Imagine if I'd clay'd or Z-1'd the car too!

Anyhow, that's just two coats of Zaino over a washed car. Nothing special. No clay bar, no Dawn detergent stripping of older waxes, no Z-1 show car polish lock to remove swirls, etc. Just two plain old coats of Z-2 Zaino.





Cheers,

EDJ

[patrick_y]

Thank you very much. That was very helpful.

[vader]

Well I have been driving and keeping my cars waxed and clean for over 30 years and I just put 3 coats of Zaino's on my 04 E55...this stuff is a miracle...It is the best thing I have ever come across. It goes on and off so easy it's a joke...and the finish has to be seen to be believed ...WOW....

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by vader

Well I have been driving and keeping my cars waxed and clean for over 30 years and I just put 3 coats of Zaino's on my 04 E55...this stuff is a miracle...It is the best thing I have ever come across. It goes on and off so easy it's a joke...and the finish has to be seen to be believed ...WOW....

[vader]

If you insist !!! No B.S....I an't believe how easy this stuff is to use and the results are sick. I'm hooked.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Very nice! Now throw some on those non clear-coated classics of yours and lets see how they turn out

EDJ

[vader]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Very nice! Now throw some on those non clear-coated classics of yours and lets see how they turn out

EDJ

I plan on trying that soon !!! I bet they come out awsum !!!

[Mister Brenton]

What kind of applicators do you use in Joe's 8 step process above? Does the product come with cotten rags or some such, or do you have to get these elsewhere?

By the way, the Zaino store is located about 30 mins from my house. Maybe I can save on shipping.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Most orders from Zaino come with a square sponge that is wrapped and sewed in a terry cloth. It is about twice the size as a bar of soap. I spread a little QD Z-6 on it to help the wax go on smoothly. YMMV.

EDJ

[Jakpro1]

WOW Vader....that was incredible!!!

Diablo posted his method....what's yours???

I am begging for the info!!

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

I would recommend, to be happy with the outcome, to do the following:

1. Wash with Dawn (strips old waxes, greases, oil, etc.)
2. Clay bar (Z-18). No, you can't buy this seperately at Chief Auto for less.
3. Wash car again (remove clay debris) with a clear-coat safe carwash. (Zaino's is Z-7, I think, but I just use the plastic jug of cheap **** from Chief Auto).
4. Z-1 Show Car Polish Lock (fills in swirls, helps Z-2 to bond to paint).
5. Z-2 (with ZFX additive) *VERY* lightly. If you can see it going on, you're using too much.
6. Allow to dry.
7. Buff/remove Z-2 after it is dried.
8. Repeat steps 5,6,and 7. Repeat 8 if desired.

I agree with EDJ, but would like to add a few things: On step 4, you do not need to apply Z1 if you are going to use the ZFX additive in step 5. Also, Z1 does not fill in swirls. If you have swirl marks, replace the Z2 in step 5 with Z5. Repeat until the swirl marks are no longer visible and then finish off with 1 or more coats of Z2.

Between coats of Z2, wipe the car down with some Z6. You can also use this as a final wipe down. You can also use Z8 as the final wipe down. Both of these products will enhance the shine.

I also recommend the Z16, tire gloss. For cleaning and conditioning your leather, I recommend the Z9 (cleaning) and Z10 (conditioning).

When you place your oder, it's a good idea to pick up a few bottles of the Z7 car wash. If you wash your car each week, you will go through a bottle of this stuff pretty quick.

And lastly, and I can't stress this enough: If you are going to use Zaino products on your car, then you need to stay away from the car wash, both automatic and the manual ones. Regular hand washing is a must.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by patrick_y

I'm looking to wash the car, clay the car, wash the car again, seal the car, then wax the car.

I would advise to not apply any kind of a wax over the zaino if you use it.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by patrick_y

I am a fanatic about keeping my car clean. I often take my autos to my local dealership and have them handwash them very carefully (since they're black) and I wash them personally myself as well.

If you have good luck with the hand wash at the dealership, then I think you are lucky. Most of the people working at the dealerships that I've been to don't know the first thing about hand washing a car. I'm not even sure what kind of detergent they are using.

Anyway, I avoid the washes that the dealerships offer like the plague.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I agree with Rev's usage of the Z-16 tire gloss, the Z9 and Z10 leather products, and the Z-6 QD. I also use the Z-18 clay bar, but I was trying to keep the Zaino instructions and ordering down to a quick and dirty simplistic method (and cheap). Thanks for the corrections on the Z-1 and Z-5, I actually don't use either one. And instead of Z-7 car detergent, I use the "clear coat safe, won't strip wax" cheaper stuff from Chief or Trak auto. Or the Macguiers Gold wash soap.

Good luck!

EDJ

[DreamCast]

I read the STICKY and have some questions about zaino and how to apply it,


I first wanna know if i have to strip the permaplate off my car that i got 6 months ago? or just after washing the car with water apply the zaino?

If so do I use Dawn soap and will it really take the permaplate right off?

more questions:

How long does Zaino last before replying it?
Should I wax my car early in the morning to avoid the sun? is it bad to wash and wax your car in the day light?
Is applying Zaino complicated?
what do I use to apply it? and can I use a buffer to polish it?

thanks

[DreamCast]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Just finished Zaino'ing the Mrs.' 5 year old BMW. See attached pic.

What you need to use, Zaino-wise, depends on how anal you are and how much time you're willing to devote to the task.

I would recommend, to be happy with the outcome, to do the following:

1. Wash with Dawn (strips old waxes, greases, oil, etc.)
2. Clay bar (Z-18). No, you can't buy this seperately at Chief Auto for less.
3. Wash car again (remove clay debris) with a clear-coat safe carwash. (Zaino's is Z-7, I think, but I just use the plastic jug of cheap **** from Chief Auto).
4. Z-1 Show Car Polish Lock (fills in swirls, helps Z-2 to bond to paint).
5. Z-2 (with ZFX additive) *VERY* lightly. If you can see it going on, you're using too much.
6. Allow to dry.
7. Buff/remove Z-2 after it is dried.
8. Repeat steps 5,6,and 7. Repeat 8 if desired.

If you are less anal and just want basic protection without the awesome reflective finishes, just do steps 5-8. But if you're going to do step 1 or step 2 or step 4, you should do all the steps 1-8 and not just the clay bar or z-1. You will be wasting your time. It is all steps 1-8 or just steps 5-8.

P.S.- See sticky threads at the top of this detailing forum (http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37) for additional details.

P.S.S.- You can ONLY order Zaino from Zainobros.com (aka zainostore.com).

P.S.S.S.- Here're the pics from last week's Zaino work on a 2001 BMW. The moisture on the car was generously provided by the moist overnight coastal dew. One pic is a close up of a dime. You can see how tightly the Zaino allows micro-beading of the moisture. This will last for 6-12 months, FAR longer than any carnauba wax. Of course you can see the striping from how how I applied the Zaino last weekend. And you can see some imperfections in the paint that would be removed had I washed the car before snapping the photos, lol.

The second pic is a macro of the dime on the roof of the car. Keeping in mind the car is over 5 years old, you can see the reflection of my neighbor's trees pretty well...despite how gloomy and cloudy it is out. And despite the car having been outside overnight every night for a week and due for a new wash. Imagine if the sun were out! Imagine if I'd clay'd or Z-1'd the car too!

Anyhow, that's just two coats of Zaino over a washed car. Nothing special. No clay bar, no Dawn detergent stripping of older waxes, no Z-1 show car polish lock to remove swirls, etc. Just two plain old coats of Z-2 Zaino.





Cheers,

EDJ

HOLY COW!

that is complicated as hell and seems to take a ton of time? do you really need all those products mayb ei should just use this zymol stuff.

how long does that take? and how many times do you have reapply in the course of a year.

[ElDiabloJoe]

If I start early in the morning (7,8, or 9 o'clock) I usually finish the whole thing including claybar etc. by 2,3, or 4 o'clock in the evening. Keep in mind, I only do that once every coupla years or so. Every six months after this initial whole-day affair, it only takes me an hour to wash the car, and an hour or so to wax it. I re-apply every six months or so (usually spring and fall so I have fresh coats for summer and winter months). It takes me longer if I do the wheels, do the interior, do the leather, etc.

Think of it this way. say 1/2 hour to quickly wash the car with Dawn. 1/2 hour to clay bar. 1/2 hour to re-wash the car (to remove clay bar and particulates from the clay bar). then 1/2 to wax the first coat. Then it dries for a while. Then 1/2 hour to remove the first coat. Then a 1/2 hour to wax the second coat. Then it dries for a while. Then a 1/2 hour to remove the second coat.

Future waxings (the six-month ones) go VERY quickly as I only wash the car with non-Dawn (1/2 hour), let it dry, then put two coats of wax on (2 hours not including hazing/drying time).

The biggest time suck, in my opinion, is waiting between the car wash and the waxing for the car to COMPLETELY dry. Some use an air compressor to assist. But I find it takes forever for the water to drip-dry out of the moldings, side-view mirrors, under the trunk and hood lids, around the tailights, etc. You could use a can of compressed air to help speed things along. During this time I do other stuff around the house or sit around with a beer.

It is NEVER a good idea to wash or wax your car in the direct sunlight. Early morning I hustle to take advantage of the June Gloom or May Gray overcast to do all the washing before the sun pops out. Then I move the car into the garage for the waxing. That is also partly why it takes so long for it to dry for me.

You have to decide for yourself if the results and the protection are worth it in your opinion. My photos speak for themselves, despite how half-assed that wax job was (i.e.- no clay bar, no multiple washings, no Z-1 or Z-5, etc.)

I can't help you with Permaplaque, I know not what it is.

HTH,

EDJ

[Mister Brenton]

This is all too complicated.

Revstryker stated once you go Zaino, only hand washing will do. Why is that? My local brushless wash is pretty good.

[revstriker]

I think it sounds more complicated than it is.

As for amount of applications, I have found that a good base of 3 coats gives my black car a nice deep shine. You do not have to do all three at one time, you can do one each week. After that, I wash about once per week, and apply a new coat of Zaino about every 3-4 months. I "start over" with a dawn wash and clay every 12-18 months or so.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by RBrenton88

Revstryker stated once you go Zaino, only hand washing will do. Why is that? My local brushless wash is pretty good.

Your local car wash most likely uses recycled water which has already been used, but just filtered to remove any sediment. They also normally use a fairly heavy duty detergent and high pressure which can break down the zaino even quicker. Not to mention that dirty water and high pressure are not a good combination for a finish.

One other thing: most car washes use a spray wax which will not bond very well to the zaino finish, and of course, your next coat of zaino will not bond very well to this.

[DreamCast]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

If I start early in the morning (7,8, or 9 o'clock) I usually finish the whole thing including claybar etc. by 2,3, or 4 o'clock in the evening. Keep in mind, I only do that once every coupla years or so. Every six months after this initial whole-day affair, it only takes me an hour to wash the car, and an hour or so to wax it. I re-apply every six months or so (usually spring and fall so I have fresh coats for summer and winter months). It takes me longer if I do the wheels, do the interior, do the leather, etc.

Think of it this way. say 1/2 hour to quickly wash the car with Dawn. 1/2 hour to clay bar. 1/2 hour to re-wash the car (to remove clay bar and particulates from the clay bar). then 1/2 to wax the first coat. Then it dries for a while. Then 1/2 hour to remove the first coat. Then a 1/2 hour to wax the second coat. Then it dries for a while. Then a 1/2 hour to remove the second coat.

Future waxings (the six-month ones) go VERY quickly as I only wash the car with non-Dawn (1/2 hour), let it dry, then put two coats of wax on (2 hours not including hazing/drying time).

The biggest time suck, in my opinion, is waiting between the car wash and the waxing for the car to COMPLETELY dry. Some use an air compressor to assist. But I find it takes forever for the water to drip-dry out of the moldings, side-view mirrors, under the trunk and hood lids, around the tailights, etc. You could use a can of compressed air to help speed things along. During this time I do other stuff around the house or sit around with a beer.

It is NEVER a good idea to wash or wax your car in the direct sunlight. Early morning I hustle to take advantage of the June Gloom or May Gray overcast to do all the washing before the sun pops out. Then I move the car into the garage for the waxing. That is also partly why it takes so long for it to dry for me.

You have to decide for yourself if the results and the protection are worth it in your opinion. My photos speak for themselves, despite how half-assed that wax job was (i.e.- no clay bar, no multiple washings, no Z-1 or Z-5, etc.)

I can't help you with Permaplaque, I know not what it is.

HTH,

EDJ

I think ill have a super hard time doing that! especially since my car would get alot of dust on it cause my drive way gets dusty! so if i leave it to dry after putting the clay or the wax the dust would go on the car so it would be tough and i cant put the car in my garage cause its to smal.

wow maybe i should just take it to a detailer!

ya thats a long time...but why do you have to wash the 2nd coat of wax off?

and permaplate is a polymer the dealer put on my car it cost like 250 to put on.