WesternNY

I used all the steps on my black vette years ago but stopped using it when I sold the car. I really liked the way the Z-5 filled in the minor swirls and made it shine.

I have a black car again with a lot of swirl marks that pop up after a couple washes. I liked being able to layer the Z-5 and use in between washes to help with the swirls.

Can I just use the Z-05 or do I need their base AIO or something? And does the Z-5 offer any protection?

Thanks

Luster

Z5 does offer protection, as it is a really excellent sealant. However, for the best appearance, you should have the swirlmarks removed by polishing.

If you don't have a polisher, you can have a detailer polish your car, then you can start layering Z5.

Polishing is not absolutely mandatory, but it will definitely look better.

steve8

Z5 is great stuff but offers very little ability in hiding/filling swirls.
You need to machine polish your car then use Z5.

JJU

Z-5 by itself does offer some protection provided the paint is prepared properly.

To get the maximum protection you would need an activator product either ZFX, Z-AIO or Z-CS.

WesternNY

I did have it buffed out last year but the paint is pretty beat and shows lots of little scratches that I wanted to touch up.

I wanted to use Z-5 but didn't know if I needed to use a base coat of Zaino for it to work. I've heard mixed things on that.

Onyasix

Good advice above. Z-5 used alone on a regular basis will protect and keep your finish shiny, but as with any protectant, preparation is a fundamental step necessary for good bonding and shine. If the finish has not been cleaned and buffed RECENTLY (washed, clayed and machine polished), you should do this to get the maximun shine out of the finish (paint/clearcoat). Then using Z-5 on a regular basis should be OK to retain that level on shine. Depending on the level of departure from the manufacturer's recommendations for preparation will effect the bonding of the Z-5 which in turn determines how long it will protect and maintain its shine.

steve8

ZAIO is one of the few Z products I have not used, but in your case it sounds like just the right product. Follow with regular use of Z5 and you should be good to go.

Sleper

short answer is yes

Blue Demon Owner

BUT......

Z-AIO makes a great base, then as many coats of Z-5 as you want but, as Sal Zaino says, the final coat should be Z-2 as it has higher reflectivity than Z-5. Oh, and Z-6 spray in between. I like to finish all of the above with a coat of Z-CS clear seal, the easiest of all. Just wipe it on and let it dry. I get 8 to 9 months durability this way.

WOLFDOGS, step on in here! The Forum's resident Zaino expert, with the greatest shining black 'Vette I have ever seen!

WesternNY

I'm asking if I can get away with just one step and you are adding 5 more. You're going the wrong way.

I'll do the AIO if I need it but didn't want to waste too much time and money on the daily driver.

Onyasix

The Z-AIO was produced for those that do not want to go through the more lengthly procedures involving Z-2, Z-5, ZFX, etc. AIO alone may be your best choice for your daily driver.

Luster

True...

Chets LS3

I used zpc to get some water spots off my GFs ca, then added 2 layers of just Z-5. called it a day