| Captain MDX |
| Seems to me that 70% of the people here use Zaino, 20% use Gold Class and 10% use other products. I'm not saying Zaino sucks (it's very good actually) but do you guys ever try anything else other than Zaino?? I got a Porter Cable 7424 polisher, Menzerna twins, Klasse twins, Lexol twins etc, etc few days ago from autogeek. It's like, I'm in another world if you're talking about detailing :D. I actually want to get Zaino but if you're talking about $$/oz ratio, Zaino it's too expensive and too many steps (espeacially if you're talking about ZFX) for my taste. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Captain MDX
Seems to me that 70% of the people here use Zaino, 20% use Gold Class and 10% use other products. I'm not saying Zaino sucks (it's very good actually) but do you guys ever try anything else other than Zaino?? I got a Porter Cable 7424 polisher, Menzerna twins, Klasse twins, Lexol twins etc, etc few days ago from autogeek. It's like, I'm in another world if you're talking about detailing :D. I actually want to get Zaino but if you're talking about $$/oz ratio, Zaino it's too expensive and too many steps (espeacially if you're talking about ZFX) for my taste.
If I invested in a buffer, or was given one, I might want to venture into polishing with other things. Not that there are not others as good as Zaino, I don't really know. But so far have not seen the results of anything really better. But as I stated under the other topic, I'd rather have just one polish/wax and maybe a detailer. And not Z-1, Z-2, an occasional Z-5, and Z-6 for detailing. Then throw in ZFX besides. |
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| TheWorm |
I'm using Z exclusively on the black X, and Z with an S100 topper on the G (diamond graphite...a dark metallic silver).
Probably will give NXT a whirl when the Z is finished.
I have the PC7424, too, but only use it for buffing w/3M products to remove swirls n scratches. Sometimes 3M swirl mark remover, sometimes more "aggressive" products like FinesseIt. |
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| MDXdogmom |
I have the same polisher and don't use Zaino - if it's not Carnuba it's not going on my $40K+ vehicle!!
On the daily drivers I use One Grand's Blitz Carnuba Wax, for the red Benz I don't use the polisher and usually use P21S products - very happy with their Concours Look Carnuba Wax but have also used Zymol for many years in the past - doesn't last long but wonderful shine and can treat the rubber window gaskets and lots of the other trim with it too (just don't let it dry before wiping off).
Cheers! |
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| tommyleon |
I've been gone for awhile :
I just answered an e-mail from Papawoolf about minor scratches.
He didn't want to use a buffer so I recommended Finesse-it II by hand.Its still classified as a glaze and because of the technology thats in it will do a great job of removing light scratches.I still think the Show Car paste is excellent even though it no longer contains the ASF polymer.Hopefully we'll get that back soon.It is relatively inexpensive and comes off fairly easily with no powdering.
I think the real key here is to use a micro finishing cloth for removal of glaze and wax,turning it often to avoid "swarf" buildup which will cause scratches.
Tom :2party: |
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| apple904 |
| Anyone have a good product they use to clean up all the crap that builds up on the paint on the lower body panels and doors? I applied Zaino Z5 last weekend, my X is black so you can't see it, but I can feel on the surface that there's a lot of tar and stuff down low on the paint. Should I just apply bug and tar remover down there? Will a clay bar do it? |
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| BLACK-BLING-MDX |
| clay bar it! |
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| apple904 |
Black-Bling -
I was intending to do that but I read an article on a site that really talked it down as being too abrasive so I was thinking maybe I should not take a chance. I've never clay barred before. I was intending to buy the Zaino bar and do that. Can you give me some advice on how to do it properly? Here's a link to the site so you can see what they said.
http://www.carcareonline.com/viewarticle.aspx?art=5 |
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| evoge |
I did the Zaino clay bar for the first time last fall and it is really, really amazing--but don't overdo it! It's almost too easy and your instinct is to work it a little too much. Just when you think that a couple extra swipes are needed, STOP, spray a new area, and move on before you "burn" the clearcoat. Start with a very clean car, washed with original Dawn. If you drop the clay on the ground, get a new one. While claying, use enough car-soap lubricant (Z-7 and distilled water, for mine). Spray, (edit) drag claybar back and forth, feel it glide smoothly, and then dry with a clean, high-quality cotton towel. I was intimidated by the whole process for 2 years before I tried it and I shouldn't have waited so long.
Remember, claying is only a once-a-year thing, and maybe less, if you keep up with the regular washing and polishing. |
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| tommyleon |
Some grease specks,and tar accumulate on the lower extremities during normal driving.The best way to remove this is with a good general purpose adhesive cleaner like 3M 08987.Its in an aerosol and comes out like a mist.You just spray it on and let it soak for several minutes and wipe off with a soft cloth. THis will remove not only grease and tar but also wax so you need to wash first and then rewax that area.Any prep sol type product will work here.
I think this is a better fix than using clay bar.
Tom |
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| Pauls MDX |
| I use Klasse and Zaino only. I recently tried Colinite and didn't like it at all. I did like the Colinite Leather conditioner. The Clay bar is a must to use also to keep very smooth. |
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| ironchef |
Dawn wash.
Clay.
Klasse AIO (x2 if I really feel the need).
Klasse SG (so far up to 3 coats).
I grew up w/ Klasse and love the stuff, just hard to find in stores and pricy.
Haven't tried Zaino yet.
Paul do you have a preference between zaino n klasse? |
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| Pauls MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by ironchef
Dawn wash.
Clay.
Klasse AIO (x2 if I really feel the need).
Klasse SG (so far up to 3 coats).
I grew up w/ Klasse and love the stuff, just hard to find in stores and pricy.
Haven't tried Zaino yet.
Paul do you have a preference between zaino n klasse?
I prefer Klasse All-In-One to prep before using Zaino as a final polish, I used to use Liquid Glass but Zaino is much better. I don't really like the Klasse Gloss. Actually before the Klasse you should clay bar the SUV also. That clay bar removes so much dirt and is a prep to the Klasse all-in-one. |
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| kseto007 |
My wife got me the Klasse kit as a gift and I finally had a chance to use it this week. I washed the X this pass weekend and gave it two treatments of the AIO as per the instructions. Lets just say wow !!:eek: This is by far the best stuff I`ve ever used.
I then put the car in the gargage and put on my first coat of the glaze. I notice that even with a damp sponge and using very little, it still leaves some streaking (no too bad). After my first coat to the entire car, I took a mirco fiber cloth and my bottle of Zymol finishing spray and did a once over to remove any streaking. The results were impressive. My wife even said the car has a nicer shine compare to my last waxing (Turtle wax emeral series caruba wax).
Now I`m hooked, I just finished my 3th coat of glaze yesterday.
I highly recommend this product.
Happy waxing everyone
:2: |
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| kseto007 |
My wife got me the Klasse kit as a gift and I finally had a chance to use it this week. I washed the X this pass weekend and gave it two treatments of the AIO as per the instructions. Lets just say wow !!:eek: This is by far the best stuff I`ve ever used.
I then put the car in the gargage and put on my first coat of the glaze. I notice that even with a damp sponge and using very little, it still leaves some streaking (no too bad). After my first coat to the entire car, I took a mirco fiber cloth and my bottle of Zymol finishing spray and did a once over to remove any streaking. The results were impressive. My wife even said the car has a nicer shine compare to my last waxing (Turtle wax emeral series caruba wax).
Now I`m hooked, I just finished my 3th coat of glaze yesterday.
I highly recommend this product.
Happy waxing everyone
:2: |
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| TranMDX |
Never used it before. However, I took all the positive feedback about the product and spent $125 worth on Zaino stuff. It should arrive today, and I plan to do some wax on, wax off this weekend!!!
The Zaino results on some of the darker cars are amazing. I want my car to look like a mirror too!!! I can't wait!!!:D
I'll take some before and after of my SBP. I plan to do one coat of Z5, 2-3 coats of Z2, and Z6 in between. I guess no golfing this weekend.:(
Look for the results on Sunday! |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by TranMDX
Never used it before ... spent $125 worth on Zaino stuff ... The Zaino results on some of the darker cars are amazing. I want my car to look like a mirror too!!!
I plan to do one coat of Z5, 2-3 coats of Z2, and Z6 in between.
I want mirror shine too (see: http://suv.truckmoxie.com/showowner...4&n=83889&pos=3 ) but not for $125 and the amount of work Zaino requires. I simply do not have the time. The referenced link is an NXT mirror shine from the NXT thread.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...&threadid=16050 |
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| MDteX |
I see comments about some people using the 100% cotton towels and others using microfiber towels. Any reason why one is better than the other?
I may on a purchasing mission this weekend and just want to get what works best! :cool: |
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| octavian |
| MDTex......waaal, I use the best of both worlds....cotton to wipe off the zaino and microfiber to wipe off the Z6. |
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| octavian |
Oh, btw, I have posted on this forum year(s)? ago how much time it takes me to apply Zaino.....msu79gt82, buddy, it is not what you think, or led to believe. Z2 and Z5 have been reformulated since 2002 and now go on and off verrrrrry easily and come off equally as easy. No streaking, as I have complained about in 2002 (along with Wormster). Basically,
10 min drive to self-serv car wash
10 min hand wash and spray
5 min bat out of hell drive home
5 min microfiber dry
10 apply Z5
go have coffee for 15 min
10 microfiber towel off Z5
5 min apply Z2 (I know Sal says do Z6, but I don't)
go have coffee for 15 min
10 microfiber towel off Z2
5 min Z6
70 minutes total for drive, wash, dry and 2 coats of Z? Not bad in my book. |
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| apple904 |
| After you get the initial application on, Zaino is much quicker than wax. It goes on very quick with no heavy rubbing and the removal is much easier than wax. It protects longer than wax. Also you must consider the fact that it leaves no dust or white residue under trim and on plastic pieces. No need to go back over the vehicle digging white dust from under the trim pieces. In fact I coat all black plastic and vinyl with Zaino. It keeps the trim black and new looking without being shiny. That eliminates the need for any additional application of vinyl treatment. A big time saver! I don't think anyone who uses Zaino would say it takes longer, the posters who say it does are usually giving a reason why they don't want to try it. |
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| octavian |
| The other trick which I brought up in prior posts but worth repeating is to Zaino (Z2 or Z5 or Z6) your windshield. It repels water almost as effectively as Rain-X, but without the hassles of applying and removing it. |
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| TranMDX |
I finished putting 6 coats of Zaino on the X and it looks great. Mirror like finished! I also waxed our 1998 commute car and it looks great too.
apple904: what Zaino product do you use on the plastic trims and the black trim between the doors? |
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| keremoner |
| I cannot tell the difference in shine between Zaino and Gold Class. Why spend the extra money on Zaino unless it is proven to protect the paint job better. Is it? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by keremoner
I cannot tell the difference in shine between Zaino and Gold Class. Why spend the extra money on Zaino unless it is proven to protect the paint job better. Is it?
Of all products I've used in the past, Zaino lasts much longer and mintains a great finish. And it only takes a quick wipe on wipe off to restore even a deeper shine with one more coat.
Other wax products of the past might have reasonable life, but the shine seems to lose it's luster in a relatively short time.
There are a lot of better prodcuts out now, but have not stacked them against Zaino. |
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| TheWorm |
Zaino lasts several months for me, including during winter.
I don't find it to be a lot of work, either, except for the initial prep/application. Like others have said, it's really just a matter of minutes for additional coats. It goes on and comes off easy w/o residue. The initial cost is relatively high, but a little goes a long way...you get 30+ applications out of a single bottle of z2/3/5. The z6 and z7 go faster, of course.
I think it provides an outstanding shine, along with stellar durability and protection. My only complaint is really the depth it provides on certain colors. I *loved* the look of Zaino alone on my old no-clear-coat black GS300, but it lacks the pop on the new wheels (G35 diamond graphite) so I've been topping w/S100 (an outstanding wax, btw).
I just rec'd a shipment of NXT so I'm gonna do a side-by-side comparison of Z and NXT on the X, though. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
Zaino lasts several months for me, including during winter.
I don't find it to be a lot of work, either, except for the initial prep/application. Like others have said, it's really just a matter of minutes for additional coats. It goes on and comes off easy w/o residue. The initial cost is relatively high, but a little goes a long way...you get 30+ applications out of a single bottle of z2/3/5. The z6 and z7 go faster, of course.
I think it provides an outstanding shine, along with stellar durability and protection. My only complaint is really the depth it provides on certain colors. I *loved* the look of Zaino alone on my old no-clear-coat black GS300, but it lacks the pop on the new wheels (G35 diamond graphite) so I've been topping w/S100 (an outstanding wax, btw).
I just rec'd a shipment of NXT so I'm gonna do a side-by-side comparison of Z and NXT on the X, though.
Hey, Worm..don't see you around much except on Zaino topics. But with this Spring-like weather we are already enjoying right now, I can understand the enthusiasm.
Look forward to the comparison!! And a 3-4 month follow-up..:4: |
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| apple904 |
| All I do is put Z2 or Z5 on them at the same time I'm doing the rest of the car. No special technique - same as the paint. It looks grear on the trim around windows, front grill, plastic at base of miirors, plastic near wipers and the plastic pad on top of the rear bumper. Don't be afraid to slather it on! It wipes right off and looks great. I also heard it's low in carbohydrates!! :D |
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| Fabvsix |
Is by far the best products I've encountered. Do the 6 initial steps and it easy after that. I'm anal as hell when it comes to my vehicles. The X has NEVER been to any kind of car wash. Only my drive way. ZAINO 100% ! I blow dry it with a electric blower in the garage ! I've been told by my mother that my grandfather was the same about his cars, so I guess I didn't steal it !
You can have all those other waxes, I've tried them all, infact I give them back, as I have many, too many to mention in the garage only used once. HANDS DOWN TO SAL ZAINO Products.............:1:
BTW: Orbital buffers are HORRIBLE for your paint job ! NOTHING beats good ole elbow grease ! Also did you know washing and waxing burns more calories than any other excercise ? Laziness doesn't get the job done........;) |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
BTW: Orbital buffers are HORRIBLE for your paint job ! NOTHING beats good ole elbow grease ! Also did you know washing and waxing burns more calories than any other excercise ? Laziness doesn't get the job done........;)
That's how I feel. If you use a good wax/polish that does not build up excessively, or yellow, etc. just a nice hand rubbing with a good polish does the job.
I am not sure the buffer makes the job much easier for Zaino, seems it needs more 'navigating' around curves, etc. ..not as effective as the human hand that feels it's way over all the contours. And polishes like Zaino require little effort. The stretching and polishing does a provide a nice little workout besides. |
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| badulla |
There is no doubt that Zaino is going to last longer than a carnuba based wax. I think you are going to get a little better shine out of a high quality carnuba but the durability isn't close.
Personally I am a Klasse guy. I am still experimenting with different combos. Last summer I did the following on my A4 and the results were amazing.
Washed the car twice to remove everything.
I had recently hit the car with the clay bar so didn't need that step.
Used two applications of Klasse AIO
Applied application of Klasse SG, let it stay on for a bit before removing.
Applied application of P21S (carnuba).
Pure beauty!!! |
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| Homer2 |
Ive never understood the often heard line "it takes more to start up, but then its easy".
It doesnt take any more time or energy than any other product line to start up with. Anytime you are going to seriously take car of a finish there are extra steps . . you may or may not clay etc . . (optional steps).
Otherwise you have to wash it - and dry it - no extra steps yet. Mix a little ZFX into a small bottle with an ounce of polish - and shake it - (maybe thats it). Then you apply, let dry and remove. Ya gotta do the same with a wax. . . . whats the extra work? Detail spray inbetween? Nope - that isnt extra. Many brands have that....
Of course, for non-zfx'ers, there is one step . .. I'll grant that . ..
Wait, I've got it - the extra step is that extra step backwards to admire the finished product? :cool: :D |
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