| cbarry |
To users of Zaino's ZFX,
Be very careful to keep the ZFX very TIGHTLY sealed, and do not allow it to be exposed to air or moisture.
I bought ZFX about a year ago, and had only used it once. I went to use it yesterday, with Z-5, and the ZFX had solidified. I thought I kept it moisture and air-free. I called, and Sal Zaino told me that air and moisture cause the ZFX to harden, and he was sorry but could not replace the ZFX. He said it was ruined once it hardened, and no way to make it liquid again.
I ended up using Z5 without the ZFX, and it dried fast anyway, due to the heat in Atlanta. I will think twice about buying ZFX again, but I wanted to warn others out there who have ZFX to keep it VERY WELL SEALED!!!
cbarry |
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| kimsta |
| Thanks for the heads up info. |
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| jswift2000 |
| Thanks for the fyi... |
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| DaleB |
| I went the ZFX route myself, and for living in a temperate to warm climate I am not so sure it is worth the extra hassle or bucks. |
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| TheWorm |
I agree w/DaleB. I don't think I'll be buring another thimble once mine is gone. Had smearing problems when going for the promised 3 coats, and really didn't see the dry time benefit out here.
I think if you're in a colder or humid climate it might be worthwhile for the curetime, but otherwise a THIN coat will dry in 5-10 minutes anyway.
Thanks for the headsup, cbarry, on the "spoil potential". A bit disappointing that Zaino wouldn't send a free (or at least discounted) replacement; I don't recall any warning or indication that it can become unusable. |
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| DEZRVIT |
| I agree, I didn't really notice a huge drying time difference; however I will be checking my ZFX for cap security. Thanks for the tip. |
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| amazent |
| I have been using ZFX with Z5 with no problems since I learned to use VERY little. No smearing, drying in about 20 minutes. I use ZFX when I want to apply more than 1 coat in a day. Last weekend I applyed 3 coats in about 3 hours with ZFX. I keep the liquid gold (ZFX) in the original container inside one of the 2 oz. containers that came with the ZFX. That way its double contained and also easiler to find when needed. |
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| BaldEagle |
cbarry, thanks for the heads up on ZFX. I'm going to check my bottle to make sure the lid is very tight.
I still would get the ZFX if I had it to do over again. With it I was able to apply a coat of Z5 in January with the temperature under 50 degrees. Dry time was less than 1/2 hour.
Also ZFX is a time saver if you want to do multiple coats.
The expense is not that great considering that Z1 is unnecessary and the one bottle I purchased will last me for years if it doesn't go bad. |
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| cbarry |
I had another phone conversation with Sal Zaino (owner of Zaino Bros). Sal is a genuine, considerate person, who really cares about the products he sells (a rarity in today's business world). Sal explained all of the extensive testing his products undergo before he releases them. It sounds like his quality control rivals the FDA!
Sal did say that with ZFX, it is very important to keep it tightly sealed to protect the product from moisture and air. He said it is better to keep it at room temp also.
After talking with Sal today, I thought- "How many other companies can you call and talk with the owner about his products?"
Sal told me he will send me a new ZFX in exchange for mine that froze up. I will definitely make sure to keep the new ZFX tightly sealed in its container at room temperature.
This is just another example of why Zaino is such a great product-- excellent customer service.
Thanks Sal.
cbarry |
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| DEZRVIT |
| Thats great, Sal also responds to e-mails very quickly. I have sent him several e-mails with questions about his products and received an answer within a few hours or less. Way to go Sal :6: |
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| octavian |
Well, whaddaya know....I checked out my ZFX and sho' 'nuff it dried out too. Fortunately, I only had about 6 drops left from my last Zaino-ing 2 months ago. It was about a year old.
So I just went the Z2 route sans ZFX and it was ready for buffing in about 15 minutes. 85 in muh garage today. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by octavian
.... 85 in muh garage today.
In 'muh' garage also today...it cooled off from earlier in the week. Talk about working up a sweat! |
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| TheWorm |
Just bumping this one up again...my ZFX is now toast. It's about 2 yrs old and shot completely. It had gelled about 5 months ago but was still usable (barely). Tightly double-sealed in the little vial AND in a larger container.
Based on the experiences here, it looks like the shelf life of this stuff is about 12-18 months.
I'll be Zaino'ing sans ZFX from now on. IMO, $20 for something that only lasts that long ain't long enough.
(BTW, I'm now topping Zaino w/S100 wax and love the look).
FWIW. |
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| octavian |
| After my first batch went bad, I resorted to putting the teeny, tiny ZFX vial in a FoodSaver bag and sucking all the air out. 8 months later, it still is good. Of course, I could not get the air out of the vial, but I will keep ya posted on how long this process can preserve the ZFX. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
(BTW, I'm now topping Zaino w/S100 wax and love the look).
FWIW.
Interesting! Could you buy locally? I just read about S100.
My only complaint about Zaino, it's like maintaining a small set of chemicals on your shelf, instead of just one good polish and maybe a detailer. |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Interesting! Could you buy locally? I just read about S100.
My only complaint about Zaino, it's like maintaining a small set of chemicals on your shelf, instead of just one good polish and maybe a detailer.
S100 is available through most Harley Davidson shops. It's the same as P21S but le$$.
I might give Meg's NXT a shot after I blow through my current Zaino supply...it's closer to a one-step with a quick detailer. You still need to prep the finish but you do avoid the Z1/ZFX part. That'll be awhile, though, as I'd say I've still got a year's supply of Z left. |
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| Captain MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
S100 is available through most Harley Davidson shops. It's the same as P21S but le$$.
I might give Meg's NXT a shot after I blow through my current Zaino supply...it's closer to a one-step with a quick detailer. You still need to prep the finish but you do avoid the Z1/ZFX part. That'll be awhile, though, as I'd say I've still got a year's supply of Z left.
You can top NXT on top of Zaino if you want. It's a sealant that is use as a last step product (like carnauba wax). |
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| Jim03MDX |
I'm sure this info is available somewhere on this site but just in case someone was wondering this is what the distributor I buy my Zaino from told me. He says he got it directly from Sal.
When stored in a cool dry place. Avoiding extreme heat or cold. Shelf Life is as follows.
Z-1 For optimum results use before 3 years.
Z-2 For optimum results use before 3 years.
Z-5 For optimum results use before 3 years.
Z-6 5 years +
Z-7 5 years +
Z-9 5 years +
Z-10 For optimum results use before 2 years.
Z-12 For optimum results use before 2 years.
Z-14 For optimum results use before 2 years.
Z-16 3 to 5 years
Z-18 5 years +
ZFX For optimum results use before 3 years |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Jim03MDX
I'm sure this info is available somewhere on this site but just in case someone was wondering this is what the distributor I buy my Zaino from told me. He says he got it directly from Sal.
When stored in a cool dry place. Avoiding extreme heat or cold. Shelf Life is as follows.
Z-1 For optimum results use before 3 years.
Z-2 For optimum results use before 3 years.
Z-5 For optimum results use before 3 years.
Z-6 5 years +
Z-7 5 years +
Z-9 5 years +
Z-10 For optimum results use before 2 years.
Z-12 For optimum results use before 2 years.
Z-14 For optimum results use before 2 years.
Z-16 3 to 5 years
Z-18 5 years +
ZFX For optimum results use before 3 years
Curious if your distributor is 'Steve'. He was mine when I lived in San Jose, and he drives a blue 'Vette. |
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| TheWorm |
Yea, Steve is my local distributor, too. All those numbers seem about right, but we've pretty much debunked the ZFX life of 3 yrs, unless that assumes the bottle is never opened.
Cappy -- I'm not sure whether the NXT can be used as a Zaino topper; latest indications from autopia.org were that NXT has some cleaning properties (non-abrasive, presumably) which conceivably could remove the Z underneath. Even if it leaves the Z intact, I'd just assume use a single polymer rather than topping one poly with another. Seems to defeat the purpose of a polymer as the "basecoat" if you're gonna put another long-lasting one on top, no?
The S100 is a great wax. On/off like butta. Only lasts 6 weeks in my experience, though, but definitely adds some depth. |
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| Jim03MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Curious if your distributor is 'Steve'. He was mine when I lived in San Jose, and he drives a blue 'Vette.
:29: Yes sir! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Jim03MDX
:29: Yes sir!
Excellent, a good man! |
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| msu79gt82 |
Join this thread; it needs expert commentary: http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...&threadid=16050
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
I might give Meg's NXT a shot after I blow through my current Zaino supply...it's closer to a one-step with a quick detailer. You still need to prep the finish but you do avoid the Z1/ZFX part. That'll be awhile, though, as I'd say I've still got a year's supply of Z left.
quote:
Originally posted by Captain MDX
You can top NXT on top of Zaino if you want. It's a sealant that is use as a last step product (like carnauba wax).
I thought NXT was a two step process; the Tech Wax and the Tech Protectant?? |
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