new to Zaino...any tips?

[Leezl]

As I'm looking forward to the first car show of the season in a few weeks, I've decided that it is time to try this "Zaino" that everyone raves about. I checked out their website and read into it some, but would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions any of you may have for a first time Zainoer. Up to now, I have been using Meguiars.

Is the ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator the way to go (I'd use the Z2 clear coat polish) How about the Z6 Gloss Enhancer Spray.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Lee

[Black396]

EbVette is the one that needs to answer this question. he IS the master when it comes to preparing a car! {insert :bowdown smilie: here}



{we REALLY need to get more smilies added to the forum}

[wazzzup]

Where have you been hiding Lee? Haven't seen, nor heard from you in ages. [:D]

[EbVette]

Why thank you Mike...

OK...first things first... You need to take your time with Zanio, not a rushed process.

First thing is to remove all old polish or wax. Use DAWN dishwashing liquid to wash your car. Only a couple of cap fulls are necessary, as you don't want to leave a film behind.

Wash the car and the trick is to DRY it quickly, DO NOT wash in direct sunlight. I find the best time to wash is under early morning sun, or very late in the afternoon, regardless when the sun is low. I dry my car first with a LEAF BLOWER. This gets all the water out of those crevices where it hides. Then I wipe down with 100% Cotton Terry Cloth towels...prefer Cannon Velvet.

Now if your car is more then two years old...I highly suggest you claybar it. Read the directions, do SMALL areas only, make sure you wipe, DO NOT PRESS HARD on the claybar and use plenty of lubicate (again I use only a little dishwashig liquid and water).

This should take a good two hours to do right.

Then just follow what SAL Zanio has up on his sight, his directions are clear and easy to follow. TWO thinks to remember, USE THIN COATS and just LET IT DRY...that is the trick. Using the 100% Cotton TerryCloth Towels remove the Zanio Z1 and Z2...
Then use Z-6...put another coat of Z2, wipe off and then another coat of Z6. LEAVE IT ALONE for 24 Hours.

Let the polish set and harden. Keep car under shade in cool place. After 24 hours put another application on.

Notice I did not mention Z5---Usually don't use it...but if you find the need it goes on between coats of Z2 and Z6. Always wend with Z6.

To win in car shows, depends upon a lot of things. If you are going through a NCCC judged show...you better clean every inch of the car. If its NCRS every nut and bold must be correct. But if its a general local car show, you will soon learn its often friends voting for friends....it don't matter if you have the cleanest car in the show.... depends upon how many show up vs how many trophies vs who knows who, and in most cases who has the guadest looking car..

My advice, clean your car to what you feel comfortable with, got to the show not expecting to win a trophy, but to make friends. ENJOY yourself.....if you don't win, so what, you go the car the cleanest it's been in a while....so you enjoy the beautiful job you did.

Here are some more tips:

Removing polish on black mat plastic...use peanut oil of peanut butter...takes the annoying white polish off the black.

Cleaning windows....clean out of the sun, when the windshield is cool. Use 0000 Steel Wool on the glass, with glass cleaner. First spray the glass and let it sit for a couple of minutes allowing the glass cleaner to work....rub lightly with steel wool over the GLASS area, then wipe off with newspaper....then buff with clean white terrycloth....your class will sparkle.

Tires.....do not us AMOURAL...us Zanio rubber protector, apply with old wax applicator, let it set and buff with cloth. DO NOT OVERSHINE tires...the gunk comes off ends up on the side of your car.

If you display your engine, make sure its clean, otherwise keep your hood down.

Also, CLEAN YOUR WHEEL WELLS...many people forget this and it makes the car so much nicer when its done.

Little trick....if you vacuum you carpet, and on the way to the show you get grass or lint on it, take a roll of masking tape or a lint tape roll and just pick up the grass of link. I then us an old hair brush to bruch the carpet pile up....looks really nice.

All and all to prep are car takes about two to three days. I could go on and on...but I think you get the picture...GOOD LUCK

[Ebein]

For Glass you could also use the Zaino Glass Polish, I could not
believe how clear the glass was after using it, I had to poke
the side windows a few times to be sure the widows where up.

[EbVette]

Great stuff, once you manage to get ALL the road dirt, dead bugs, etc off the windshield. I use the steel wool with Stones Glass cleaner, then finish it off with Zanio. Use JUST A LITTLE so it creates a light film, then remove with one cloth and buff with another...You will get not just clean glass, but highly polished.

Agree great stuff...all of Zanio products are superior.

[LilRedCorvette]

Great stuff, once you manage to get ALL the road dirt, dead bugs, etc off the windshield. I use the steel wool with Stones Glass cleaner, then finish it off with Zanio. Use JUST A LITTLE so it creates a light film, then remove with one cloth and buff with another...You will get not just clean glass, but highly polished.

Agree great stuff...all of Zanio products are superior.

I have window tint...prob not a good idea to use the steel wool, even the #0000 grade??? [:-/]

[EbVette]

If you have factory tint, it has no effect on the tint whatsover. If you have tint plastic film, the kind they put on, it will scratch. The tint used on the new windshields are actually sandwiched in between the layers of plastic glass...yes plastic glass, that is tempered.

I think recently you had body work done...chances are the body shop used steel wool to clean your windshield from overspray...using the steel wool is common practice in body shops for glass.

I have been using steel wool on my C5 since I owned it, and its perfect.....just make sure you use a cleaner like stones or other liquid products to use as a lubicant...try it youll like it...

[LilRedCorvette]

If you have factory tint, it has no effect on the tint whatsover. If you have tint plastic film, the kind they put on, it will scratch. The tint used on the new windshields are actually sandwiched in between the layers of plastic glass...yes plastic glass, that is tempered.

I think recently you had body work done...chances are the body shop used steel wool to clean your windshield from overspray...using the steel wool is common practice in body shops for glass.

I have been using steel wool on my C5 since I owned it, and its perfect.....just make sure you use a cleaner like stones or other liquid products to use as a lubicant...try it youll like it...

I'm pretty certain that it's the PPG tint film, so I will not use the steel wool.

[ArmyVette]

I use Zaino too.

I claybar the outside of my window (mirrors too) at the same time I claybar the body. As the final step to detailling the outside of the Vert, I use Stoner's Invisible Glass and a microfiber towel and, of course, do the interior glass as well. Stoner's Invisible Glass is the best window cleaner I've ever found. I also used it to clean the smoked lexan targa when I had my coupe. I even use it inside the house!

Collin, in reading your great post above, I was wondering if you use the ZFX Flash Cure Additive to your Z2 and/or Z5. It really accelerates the drying time; no delay between applying the Z2/Z5 and doing the Z6 spray.

It's also good to know that I'm not the only one who uses a leaf blower to dry their car! [:D] [B-)]

EDIT: Forgot to add: When I've got a claybar that is on it's last use, the last thing I do with it before throwing it away is to claybar the chromed wheels. After thoroughly washing the wheels (I use Simple Green and Dawn), I hit them with the clay, wash again, then blow dry. I then use Meguire's (spelling?) chrome polish and sealant. Great results.

[wazzzup]

YOU GUYS ARE SICK!!!!! [:D] [:))] [:D] [:))]

[EbVette]

Collin, in reading your great post above, I was wondering if you use the ZFX Flash Cure Additive to your Z2 and/or Z5. It really accelerates the drying time; no delay between applying the Z2/Z5 and doing the Z6 spray.

It's also good to know that I'm not the only one who uses a leaf blower to dry their car! [:D] [B-)]

Yes, several years ago Sal asked me to Beta test the Flash Cure, so I did, and there was a definite difference, so today I buy and use it too. Good product. I am anxoius to use the Z8 Grand Finale Spray. My understanding it enhances the polish of the car...so I ordered some to try it. Looks good from what I can see.

Back to the windows. Clay bar on the windows work ok, but really does not lift the ground in dirt and bug guts that steel wool does....try it you will see a difference, especially if you use the Zanio Window polish after.... [:)]






{edited misaligned quote}

[ArmyVette]

I use the claybar on glass because it removes most anything I've come across, including those pesky rain drop marks. Like Laurie, I'm a little apprehensive about using steel wool on my aftermarket window tint. Anyone what to test drive this idea for us? [:D]

Collin, let us know how the Z8 works. I'm not familiar with this Zaino product and if it's better than the Z6 (OMG, is that even possible??), I'll buy some.

BTW, George, we love Zaino!! [B-)] [B-)] [:D]

[wazzzup]

I can tell! [:))] [:)] [;)] [B-)] [:p]

[Black396]

All I can say is that if Jeff and Laurie have rain drops and bugs on the inside of the windshield (or aftermarket tint on the outside) they have bigger problems than Zaino can solve. [:D] [:))]


<j/k> [;)]

[Leezl]

You guys are GREAT! Thank you for all the kind tips and suggestions, especially Collin for taking the time to share your expertise! I'll give it a try.

Thanks for the warm welcome George...it's been awhile, there's certainly much to catch up on. Will you be able to make it to the Mother's Day Rod Run that I posted on in the "Crusing & Gatherings" forum?

Lee

[EbVette]

Let me make this VERY CLEAR about tinted windows. I am talking about the OUTSIDE GLASS only. The tinted AFTERMARKET film that is applied to the interior of the glass is a PLASTIC base and of course you don't use steel wool. FACTORY tint is sandwiched between the layers of glass that is laminated to become safety glass. BY NO MEANS NEVER EVER use steel wool on ANY plastic base item. I am talking purely on the GLASS.

Remember several months ago, there were several posts on the boards about that nasty film that builds up on the interior of the windshield. This film is emusions from various chemicals used on the dashboards (biggest offender is Amoral) AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT HAVE APPLIED PLASIC FILM often called window TINT (ie the 3M products) that are applied aftermarket to the INSIDE of your windows, you can safely use 0000 Steel wool with glass cleaner to REMOVE the film buildup.

Again let me make it VERY CLEAR do NOT use Steel Wool on AFTERMARKET applied 3m type window tint. ONLY on BARE GLASS.

[LilRedCorvette]

I think I'll stick to Jeff's idea of claybar-ing the glass, the idea of steel wool anywhere near the vette, even #0000 grade, makes me nervous. [:-s]

My glass usually isn't too bad, anyway. [:">] [:)>-]

[ArmyVette]

Like Laurie, I'm a little apprehensive about using steel wool on my aftermarket window tint.

This is a confusing statement on my part. I'm not sure about using steel wool on glass. I'm sure it works fine.

[Leezl]

Thank you again for all the good tips and discussion regarding Zaino and detailing. This question may seem obvious to others, but I have not had the best luck finding quality towels.

Can anyone suggest the best stores to buy genuine 100% terry cloth towels?? I've found that many of the polishing towels sold at auto parts stores, Wal-Mart etc are not the best of quality.

I placed my order for the Zaino detail kit on Tuesday!

Thanks!

Lee

[Black396]

You will probably need to go some place like Sears, Pennys, etc. Look for Cannon but be sure to read the label. Some of the Cannon towels are not 100% cotton.

[LilRedCorvette]

With regard to the towels:

The Zaino website recommends 100% cotton, made in the USA towels only. If there is a polyester banding on them, cut it off or fold it in such a way that it is not exposed. It can scratch the paint.

I have a set of towels just for LilRed. Wash them separately from your other laundry, using a good quality detergent (Tide). Do NOT use fabric softener, this too will scratch the paint.

You can find the better quality towels at a bath store such as Bed, Bath and Beyond or Linens n Things, or do a search online to see if you can order some direct.

HTH

[ArmyVette]

With regard to the towels:

Wash them separately from your other laundry, using a good quality detergent (Tide). Do NOT use fabric softener, this too will scratch the paint.

Just a suggestion: Use a liquid detergent. Sometime a powder detergent doesn't completely dissolve and you then have hard pellets in your towels.

Also, I use microfiber towels. A little more expensive but you don't have to worry about the quality of the cotton towels you might find in some stores. Most good auto detailing places sell them as does Corvette Forum vendors.

Jeff

[LilRedCorvette]

Just a suggestion: Use a liquid detergent. Sometime a powder detergent doesn't completely dissolve and you then have hard pellets in your towels.

Also, I use microfiber towels. A little more expensive but you don't have to worry about the quality of the cotton towels you might find in some stores. Most good auto detailing places sell them as does Corvette Forum vendors.

Jeff

I should have been more specific. I ONLY use Tide liquid detergent. Quite honestly, I don't know that many people use powdered detergent anymore! [:))]

I'm still unsure about the microfiber towels, as the Zaino people recommend the 100% American cotton towels. Perhaps Collin can weigh in on this....

[Leezl]

likely an elementary question, but to be honest, I really don't know:

is there is a difference between terry cloth and cotton?

[Black396]

likely an elementary question, but to be honest, I really don't know:

is there is a difference between terry cloth and cotton?

Not the same thing, actually terry cloth is the type of weave and cotton of course is the type of material.

[wazzzup]

You da man Mike! [;)] [B-)] [:D]

[EbVette]

Got and used the new Z8 Grand Finale Spray. Again Sal has produced a winner. This stuff, unlike the Z6 puts on some extra protection with a very deep shine. Goes on just like Z6. I used some on my new truck, then drove up and back to Pennsylvania. Of course I got the typical bugs guts and road dirt on the front of the truck. So just using a stream of water from the garden hose took off ALL of the dirt and grim by just spraying. I wiped down use another coat of Z6, then some Z8 and its sealed up again.

What the stuff is, its a protector coat of polish that is so slick it actually prevent foreign materials from sticking to the paint. So I have now used it on my SS Wheels and will let you know the result of brake dust and tar...if it does what I think it will, it will block that nasty brake dust and grim from sticking to the wheel.

OK so I am impressed, and it does give you a much better shine, and to me so far it does not smear like Z6. It cost more but so far it seems to be worth it...anybody else use it yet?

[ArmyVette]

Just read the Zaino website write-up on Z-8 and ordered two bottles of the stuff. If it's better than Z-6, which is phenomenal by the way, I've got to have some!

I needed to order more ZFX anyway. [:D]

[rayscar]

Got and used the new Z8 Grand Finale Spray. Again Sal has produced a winner. This stuff, unlike the Z6 puts on some extra protection with a very deep shine. Goes on just like Z6. I used some on my new truck, then drove up and back to Pennsylvania. Of course I got the typical bugs guts and road dirt on the front of the truck. So just using a stream of water from the garden hose took off ALL of the dirt and grim by just spraying. I wiped down use another coat of Z6, then some Z8 and its sealed up again.

What the stuff is, its a protector coat of polish that is so slick it actually prevent foreign materials from sticking to the paint. So I have now used it on my SS Wheels and will let you know the result of brake dust and tar...if it does what I think it will, it will block that nasty brake dust and grim from sticking to the wheel.

OK so I am impressed, and it does give you a much better shine, and to me so far it does not smear like Z6. It cost more but so far it seems to be worth it...anybody else use it yet?


I agree. It is great stuff! I highly recommend it.