I know I'm gonna get spanked for this, but I can't resist asking -
I called the tech number today and I spoke to this guy, he may have been the owner/inventer because he referenced once "when I made this". Anyhow, I asked him some questions and he sounded kind of "Put upon" he kept asking me "is that it"? I thought it was my dime but you couldn't tell in this conversation. So, I have 2 questions - first, Do you think that perhaps the directions on the products could be just a little bit better? as an example - the ClayBar directions say "Using adequate pressure" huh? what the hell is "Adequate"? next time I write a script I'll put "Take an adequate amount of tablets every adequate hour for an adequate amount of days". just to see if it's me. This guy on the phone said it means very lightly - if you push too hard you will damage the finish. Well that was an adequate answer to why I have those wispy scatches after using the ClayBar and Z5! Secondly, I don't have a problem removing Z2 with a towel when it dries but the Z5 seems to take much longer to dry and tends to smear like its not dry even when I let it sit on the car over night(in the garage - 55% humid). Does anyone experience this? Now I know Mr. Zaino is a deity to some so please don't set me up with something that will yield a long prison term or get me banned at Corvette Carlisle next week. I am sure he's a nice guy, I just was curious to hear from others out there.
The directions are a little long but informative. I think they could be simplified however. The product is good, I tried it, but I also read on this board that other products which are easier to use and less time consuming are just as good.
I got a few of those scratches from not using the claybar correctly, and I put the Z5 on too heavy. So I finally went to a detailer who used something other than Zaino that he said is available only to dealers (can't remember the name of the product). Car looks very wet and scratch free. Of course he had all the right power buffers with different speeds and micro fibre clothes that have some oil in them. The point here is that he said not to wash the car for a week while the polish "cures". Then, only wash with water, no soap of any kind. I will try to get some pics of the car before I leave on a trip Sat. morn. But some detailers really know what they are doing. I am very pleased. It did, however, set me back $200.
one of the tricks is not to apply too much Zaino, it should be light applications...
The thinner the better, in fact the amount of polish you actually use when applying the optimum volume is so small it seems to last forever. Also I 've been told the instructions from the West Coast distributors Ira and Robin were editted from the original and are far more clear than the ones supplied by Zaino Bros.
What was nice was that if you call Ira and Robin may be available if you want to go pick up the Zaino in person and not have to wait for shipping, if you live anywhere within driving distance of Santa Monica. In a Vette that is anything within 200 miles.
It's not a perfect system , there are many other polishes that will produce more than satisfactory results for most people.
A lot of people over-complicate what is required in the Zaino method.
I found it a bit irritating that i scuffed my paint with the claybar because there was not adequate info about the pressure. Nothing more serious than scuffs but still damage to new paint. But it does quickly teach one to use light pressure. Having said that, I now have about 5 coats of Zaino on and am very glad I tried it. I did not buy the swirl remover initially but intend to pick some up at Ecklers the next time there. Hopefull this will minimize most of the scuffs.
I just use the Z-2 polish and their version of a spray detailer, Z-6. This is the EASIEST product to use. My cars look better than they ever have. I skipped all the other long winded steps. The Z-2 comes off easier than anything I've ever used as long as it's not too humid. Why make it any more complicated?
I know I'm gonna get spanked for this, but I can't resist asking -
I called the tech number today and I spoke to this guy, he may have been the owner/inventer because he referenced once "when I made this". Anyhow, I asked him some questions and he sounded kind of "Put upon" he kept asking me "is that it"? I thought it was my dime but you couldn't tell in this conversation. So, I have 2 questions - first, Do you think that perhaps the directions on the products could be just a little bit better? as an example - the ClayBar directions say "Using adequate pressure" huh? what the hell is "Adequate"? next time I write a script I'll put "Take an adequate amount of tablets every adequate hour for an adequate amount of days". just to see if it's me. This guy on the phone said it means very lightly - if you push too hard you will damage the finish. Well that was an adequate answer to why I have those wispy scatches after using the ClayBar and Z5! Secondly, I don't have a problem removing Z2 with a towel when it dries but the Z5 seems to take much longer to dry and tends to smear like its not dry even when I let it sit on the car over night(in the garage - 55% humid). Does anyone experience this? Now I know Mr. Zaino is a deity to some so please don't set me up with something that will yield a long prison term or get me banned at Corvette Carlisle next week. I am sure he's a nice guy, I just was curious to hear from others out there.
he may have been the owner/inventer because he referenced once "when I made this". Anyhow, I asked him some questions and he sounded kind of "Put upon"
Don't take it personally...that was probably Sal (yes owner/inventor) and comes off like that to everyone...he must be German...blunt and no nonsense but does put people off
Michael
As I understand Zaino, it’s for guys who LOVE to spend HOURS & HOURS waxing their own cars! That’s just wonderful and fulfilling, I’m sure! God bless them and all their little children.
Personally, I would wash and wax a car when hell freezes over. Driving a vette and washing one are two different things.
I will be taking my vette to the regular car wash places who do regular waxing .. and, if the paint falls off because of this, so be it. But, when I get a hot and sweaty body, it won’t be from waxing!
Ah, yes. I can hear the responses now. And, most will have to do with the horse I rode in on. Others will simply have to control their projectile vomiting.
I just use the Z-2 polish and their version of a spray detailer, Z-6. This is the EASIEST product to use. My cars look better than they ever have. I skipped all the other long winded steps. The Z-2 comes off easier than anything I've ever used as long as it's not too humid. Why make it any more complicated?
I do the same. It is the easiest wax I have ever used. Wax in sun or shade. I apply the polish in about 15 minutes. allow to dry and remove. Done and beautiful. Contrary to other posts, it does not have to be the all day project.
I apply mine and allow it to dry overnight...then the next day take it off. 6 coats so far and the finish is like glass. I just used some of their new Z8 gloss sealer and WOW!! I also use their tire finish which I think is the best!
As I understand Zaino, it’s for guys who LOVE to spend HOURS & HOURS waxing their own cars! That’s just wonderful and fulfilling, I’m sure! God bless them and all their little children.
Personally, I would wash and wax a car when hell freezes over. Driving a vette and washing one are two different things.
I will be taking my vette to the regular car wash places who do regular waxing .. and, if the paint falls off because of this, so be it. But, when I get a hot and sweaty body, it won’t be from waxing!
Ah, yes. I can hear the responses now. And, most will have to do with the horse I rode in on. Others will simply have to control their projectile vomiting.
Big Jimm
So. Fla.
a) My method used to be Mequiars carnuba many years ago -- worked great, but tons of labor, difficult to manage swirling, (hand applied only), and difficult to not get it into areas it should not be, leading to issues with more labor to remove... a day's work & completely pooped out when done!
b) Went to 'NuFinish' or whatever the polymer based stuff in orange bottle is after that. Works great, minimum effort, lasts six months, easy to remove if you overshoot the panel...used quite a few years... can get it done in an hour and 1/2.
c) Used Zymol for a couple of waxes on Porsche, a little easier in all respects from straight carnuba, but similar issues, effort, and time. Good result, though.
d) I will almost certainly stay with a one-step, polymer-based product on my C6 when I get it.
e) With those multi-step products requiring scrupulous and frequent application, including prep-work, you are right, it can approach fetishism -- but more power to those who like it. Me; I want max bang for buck, and do not feel the need to obsess over it.
f) No matter which wax/polish I used, when I want the car or bike to look particularly spiffy after a wash, in between wax applications, I used some aerosol I was given 15 years ago (and the original can is still 1/2 full -- you don't use much to apply it!) It is called "MTK Soil Repellent Coating", made by Mantek (?), given to me by a friend who ran the Harley shop. I have not seen it advertised or heard of anyone else using it, but it is amazing in it's ability to shine, and keep dirt off, with no more effort than Windex.
I know I'm gonna get spanked for this, but I can't resist asking -
I called the tech number today and I spoke to this guy, he may have been the owner/inventer because he referenced once "when I made this". Anyhow, I asked him some questions and he sounded kind of "Put upon" he kept asking me "is that it"? I thought it was my dime but you couldn't tell in this conversation. .
I'm really sorry if I came off that way. I do apologize.
I answer over 75 phone calls per day... and it's really hard to please everyone, especially when some customers want me to go over everything step by step. There is just not enough hours in a day. I know it's not an excuse but sometimes I get a little burnt out...
__________________
Thank You,
Sal Zaino
(732)833-8800 www.zainostore.com
Proud Manufacturer of "VOC" compliant products.
the new Z-8 is awesome stuff. While I am only at one coat of zaino on the new vette, here is a picture of my friend's 350Z after 75 coats of zaino. He is up over 100 now, and a certified zaino-holic! I think he finds it therapeutic to spend time after work.
Also, I find ZFX is unnecessary here in atlanta for me, the stuff does well without it.
He is up over 100 now, and a certified zaino-holic!
I hate to break it to you, but your friend doesn't have 100 coats of anything on his car. He might have applied it 100 times, but that doesn't mean 100 are on the paint.
Corvette Store
About the Zaino Guy
but I can't resist asking -
he kept asking me "is that it"? I thought it was my dime but you couldn't tell in this conversation. So, I have 2 questions - first, Do you think that perhaps the directions on the products could be just a little bit better? as an example - the ClayBar directions say "Using adequate pressure" huh? what the hell is "Adequate"? next time I write a script I'll put "Take an adequate amount of tablets every adequate hour for an adequate amount of days". just to see if it's me. This guy on the phone said it means very lightly - if you push too hard you will damage the finish. Well that was an adequate answer to why I have those wispy scatches after using the ClayBar and Z5! Secondly, I don't have a problem removing Z2 with a towel when it dries but the Z5 seems to take much longer to dry and tends to smear like its not dry even when I let it sit on the car over night(in the garage - 55% humid). Does anyone experience this? Now I know Mr. Zaino is a deity to some so please don't set me up with something that will yield a long prison term or get me banned at Corvette Carlisle next week. I am sure he's a nice guy, I just was curious to hear from others out there. 
I do apologize.
