Spent a good four hours or so on the E today along with some great help from JuliE. It's a beaut but I got the wobbly arms going on. :)

Those not familiar with Zaino Brothers polish products may not understand how this works, so what I did today was applied Z1 - the pre-polish, then Z2 - the polish. We let that dry and later we wiped it down, sprayed it with Z6, wiped it off... applied another coat of Z2, let it dry and another round of Z6. I have some Z5 which is good for darker colors but I didn't even realize I had it until I was done so I skipped it. It looks good enough, don't ya think? ;)

Funny...Now instead of looking like an element, it looks remarkably like a CLEAN element. 4 hours, huh? And to think you coulda drank a 12 pack and used that time more constructively...

Tom, looking good...

FYI: Z5 is for paint with light scratches, not dark colors. Using the Z2 is the correct polish to use.

Funny...Now instead of looking like an element, it looks remarkably like a CLEAN element. 4 hours, huh? And to think you coulda drank a 12 pack and used that time more constructively...

Dan... shame on you. I put 4 or 5 down during that 4 hour period. Relax... I know not to get dehydrated when doing something of this nature. ;)

Tom, looking good...

FYI: Z5 is for paint with light scratches, not dark colors. Using the Z2 is the correct polish to use.

Thanks for the heads up. Yeah, you're right. By the way, that Z6 spray does a decent job on the plastic panels too.

ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive eliminates the need for Z1 and the wait.

Vaughn

Looks sensational! Nice job.

Definately get the ZFX and toss the Z-1.

Z-5 is intended to mask the "swirls" that are most evident on darker colors. Some people prefer Z-5, on any color. I really can't tell the difference.

I've always found that the car will look even better after it's next wash. It's as if the Z has set up and the extra buffing helps.

Stupid question, as I have never used Zaino. But if I get any of the polish on the panels will it leave the white marks on the panels like other waxes/polishes do?

Zaino doesn't leave any spots on anything black, also no residue in seams, etc. I would apply Z2 to the cladding but Z6 is easier and has UV protection also. Z6 is great inside on everything.

Problem using Zaino is you have to learn how to protect your ride all over again. You use very little, in fact it feels like you are wasting your time. In a warm dry climate it dries in just a few minutes. Wipes off about as easy as drying a car after washing. Can be applied in direct sunlight. Can be left on for days and still wipes off easily. I've used it for years and still haven't found a down side.

Sal Zaino is always happy to answer any questions you might have.

Vaughn

I have had Zaino residue in the seams (wipes right off) and there's no way I'd put Z-2 on the plastic!

Accidentally did so last week and had a heck of a time getting it off. Will have to look closely, it may not be all gone from the front.

Anyone try the new Z-8 Grand Finale yet? I bought some and used it for the first time about 2 weeks ago... the stuff is nearly as bulletproof as Z-2 Pro is - I've still got decent beading from an untreated test panel (with only Z-8 applied). Also added a significant amount of gloss and shine.

Anyone else using it?

Oh, and as Vaughn so wisely suggested, dump the Z-1 and get some ZFX. It completely changes the way Zaino works (for the better).

I have the Z8 that I use on my Civic, just got the bottle about a week ago..I've used it once, and the shine is much better than the Z6. The Grand Finale really isn't supposed to be used after every wax/wash, etc...but more for special occassions like car shows, or right before a long road trip when the bugs are out in full force. I went from Washington DC last week back here to Richmond after I applied it in my brother's garage before leaving, and when I got home, any bugs that were on the front clip or hood, literally fell off and left nothing behind when I took a duster to the front of the car. Good stuff, Zaino in all shapes and forms rocks!!!! :grin:

Dave.

OK, so I checked out the Zaino Brothers website. I have never used Zaino but it sounds like a great choice to use (one cause it works, two because it lasts, and 3 because it wont leave residue on the panels).

I have a NBP E, and a silver Envoy. What would be the best products to get that will work for bother colors? They have a kit that costs about $85 that includes some of their products, including the clay bar.

Just wondering if that kit is good or if it was better to go with something more basic or a different combination.

Thanks

OK, so I checked out the Zaino Brothers website. I have never used Zaino but it sounds like a great choice to use (one cause it works, two because it lasts, and 3 because it wont leave residue on the panels).

I have a NBP E, and a silver Envoy. What would be the best products to get that will work for bother colors? They have a kit that costs about $85 that includes some of their products, including the clay bar.

Just wondering if that kit is good or if it was better to go with something more basic or a different combination.

Thanks


If it's your first time using Zaino, I'd recommend buying the pre packaged kit...you really can't go wrong with it. On both a Black and Silver car, the kit will work wonders...I know polishes seem to always look better on darker cars, but you'll really be amazed at how the silver car looks after a thorough Zaino process. The other thing you can do is ask Sal Zaino himself in an email. They're excellent about keeping up with customers and potential customers when it comes to questions. Not something you'll get with other companies when you send them an email asking questions. Give it a try, I can guarantee you won't be disappointed in the least. The only Zaino product I've used that I was unhappy with a little was the glass polish...didn't really like the way it worked, and a newspaper or other glass cleaner works just as good.

Dave.

Information on Zaino seems very promising. Never heard anything bad about them. I took Dave's advise & e-mailed Zaino. I first sent an e-mail to the general info, & never heard back. It's been over a week now. I then sent an e-mail to the big man Zaino. It's been several days & I have not heard back. I hope they are on vacation or something, but so far, I am not impressed. I was hoping to get detailed info before my purchase so I didn't have to experiment. I guess I will have to wait.

Information on Zaino seems very promising. Never heard anything bad about them. I took Dave's advise & e-mailed Zaino. I first sent an e-mail to the general info, & never heard back. It's been over a week now. I then sent an e-mail to the big man Zaino. It's been several days & I have not heard back. I hope they are on vacation or something, but so far, I am not impressed. I was hoping to get detailed info before my purchase so I didn't have to experiment. I guess I will have to wait.

Ever heard of a telephone? ;-)

I was just going to say, give it another shot...if they don't email back right away, within 3 business days, call em up...they'll talk to ya...It would take you about 2 to 3 weeks to hear back from other "big" corporate wax companies, and forget about trying to get the head guy on the phone there...call up and ask to speak with Sal. The one thing you will be impressed with is their product and fast shipping if anything.

Dave.

I sent an email to info@zainobros.com last Saturday morning. Da man, Sal himself replied Sunday @ 1:47 AM HST.
EDT would have been 7:47 AM, so I don't think he was fresh home from the bar ;-)

On Monday, we exchanged a couple of emails.

My experience is that he's very responsive.

YMMV

With everyone ranting and raving about the Zaino products on the E website, I allowed myself to give into peer pressure and purchase the basic kit:

1. Clay Bars
2. ZFX
3. Z-2
4. Z-5
5. Z-6
6. Z-7
7. Applicators
8. Thank you note for spending so much money.


First, I’ll be honest and say my E hasn’t been waxed in 2 years +. That’s bad right?  My paint had zippy wax left on the horizontal surfaces and a gritty feel. I washed that bad boy with some regular dish detergent and a two bucket system. No need to let it dry before the clay bar action with 7 as lube. Boy did that take forever, but left the paint smooth as glass. Then I washed it again with the 7, two bucket system and dried it with my leaf blower, much to the chagrin of my neighbors.

Mixed the ZFX with some Z-5 in the provided bottle, shook, and applied to the E with included applicator. Goes on very easy, and you really don’t use much. I got some on the panels, and it does not come off easily or completely though I read to the contrary here on EOC. Let that dry about 15 minutes and buffed off with a 100% cotton towel. I could see the difference already. I applied a coat of 6 to the entire E (Minus Panels) and then mixed up some Z-2.

I did the entire E again with Z-2, let dry and buffed off. To finish, I applied a 2nd coat of Z-6. Let me tell you, I would be a monkey’s uncle before I put a third coat on! I was just about beat from the whole process, but the results were phenomenal. I don’t think my E looked that good when I bought it, and I’m not kidding. The paint is deep with an incredible glean. The silver pinstripe is now glowing metallic silver (this benefit was completely unexpected). It looks great, and the whole process was worth it in the end. Plus knowing that I only have to maintain it now is a relief. Its nice when I can set a Tshirt on the hood and it slides down due to lack of friction.

Snarff,

Such a lovely way to spend a beautiful day, eh? On Saturday, I applied three coats of Z-2, along with the fabulous new Z-8 "Grand Finale" spray (it really is fabulous).

Have now put 7 or 8 coats of Z-2 on it and it's a year old. The benefit is, as you say, looking better than new and being easier to maintain. When I got in the car Sunday morning there was dust on the hood. Drove to VA and the dust was gone, and I didn't even drive that fast. :)

FYI -- it is said that five coats of Z-2 is max gloss.

The good news is that claying only needs to be done once a year.

If you like the Z, treat yourself to Z-8.

Can I hire you for a day to come do my Envoy and new Accord? At least I planned on using it on my E at one time :roll:

Absofrigginlutely. The Envoy counts as 2 cars though. At 100 bucks a car, you're looking at 300 bucks for the whole shebang, with claybaring and 3 coats of Zaino on each. Of course, so that I don't pass out, I'll have to enlist the girlfriend, and lunch will be necessary as well. You supply the water, i'll bring the Ziano and microfiber cloths.

Pay me twice as much to supervise and I'll guarantee Snuff does it right. :)

Hey, the wife and I just bought a Mini-Cooper for her to use as the "go to work" vehicle.

http://members.cox.net/mperkins22/Cooper2.jpg

The Expedition is now parked in the driveway for weekend family trips.

The Cooper also has the black plastic panels along the fenders and bottom.

I plan to pick up some clay and attempt to clay the Cooper and then wax it up nice.

hiker chick has given me tons of advice, but if you guys are willing to come do it / teach me how I'd love it :D
Hell I'll feed you and let you jump in my pool to cool off :)

I plan to pick up some clay and attempt to clay the Cooper and then wax it up nice.

hiker chick has given me tons of advice, but if you guys are willing to come do it / teach me how I'd love it :D
Hell I'll feed you and let you jump in my pool to cool off :)

Ha! :) How far is Chesapeake, VA, from DC? Sounds like it's further than than Tysons Corner Mall.

Ha! :) How far is Chesapeake, VA, from DC? Sounds like it's further than than Tysons Corner Mall.
You might be able to get there quicker than making it to my house in Winchester, lol

You might be able to get there quicker than making it to my house in Winchester, lol

Ohh...WInchester? Add 40.5 cents a mile for gas and maintenance and we have a deal.

Snarff, glad to read about your Zaino experience. I've used Zaino for several years. Even zaino'd a new PT cruiser in the middle of august in Arizona (it's too d*** hot) back in 2001 when they were relatively new. I would go to car shows and people would swarm the car and comment on the paint.

The Element in Fiji Blue Pearl gets similar comments when cleaned up, though I don't get swarms of people wanting to see it. The zaino process is easy once you've been through it once, and keeping it up is pretty easy.

I will admit using an automatic car wash (touchless) on occasion (I'm a sinner!) but a wipe down with Z6 usually brings the surface back to the kind of shine and depth I expect.

Zaino products are rock solid. Highly recommended.

BTW, there are Zaino dealers in most urban areas. You can always call the main number and if you are in a bind to get a product, can likely find it quickly on a local basis.

Did my Accord yesterday...sore quads today.

1) Wash
2) Dry...just to help remove anymore loose dirt
3) Clay Bar
4) Wash
5) Dry (twice w/ 2 different towels)
6) ZFX mixed with Z2
7) Buff
8) Z6 gloss enhancer
9) straight Z2, put on kinda heavy to get it really good.
10) Buff
11) Z6 gloss enhancer
12) Buff again

Very vwey nice. Drove around today and when I got home a nice swipe of the front end and NOTHING...no dirt or anything.

Now I got to decide when I will have 8 hours to do the same to the Envoy.

[QUOTE=lwclancers]9) straight Z2, put on kinda heavy to get it really good.
QUOTE]


Glad you're happy with the results, Lancer. :)

FYI -- Sal Zaino stresses that it is better to put on very thin layers of Z2. Very, very thin. So thin it's nearly invisible when you put it on. The coats will layer -- five coats will give you maximum depth of shine. Seriously, my Miata with its curves exemplified how Zaino can make a car look like it was dipped in crystal.

He says all his products are highly concentrated so less is better.

After five years of using Zaino I have found that it looks even better after you wash it a week later -- applying no additional Z other than the Z-6 detailing spray (or, even better, Z-8).

well it wasnt that heavy I guess, because it was not very noticeable once put on. It was just a little more thick than when it was mixed with the ZFX. I used about a 1-2 dime size amounts per side of the car. 1 for the roof and 1.5 for the hood.

well it wasnt that heavy I guess, because it was not very noticeable once put on. It was just a little more thick than when it was mixed with the ZFX. I used about a 1-2 dime size amounts per side of the car. 1 for the roof and 1.5 for the hood.


Of all the Zaino directions, I understood this part the least. A dime sized portion of the Z-2 covered about half a door or half the hood for me. The Zaino applicator pad absorbed far more than a dime sized amount of the wax, probably 5 times that.

How the heck are you all putting it on where you can get a dime sized portion to cover say, the roof?

Of all the Zaino directions, I understood this part the least. A dime sized portion of the Z-2 covered about half a door or half the hood for me. The Zaino applicator pad absorbed far more than a dime sized amount of the wax, probably 5 times that.

How the heck are you all putting it on where you can get a dime sized portion to cover say, the roof?
Actually you are correct. When I used the Z2 mixed with ZFX I felt the Zaino pad was absorbing everything.

When I swithced to the straight Z2 I switched to a wax applicator pad from Target that was less of a Terry cloth...and basically it didnt absorb so much of the wax, which allowed it spread more.

Also, I did the hood last, so the applicator was also decently saturated so a dime size spread pretty well.

Of all the Zaino directions, I understood this part the least. A dime sized portion of the Z-2 covered about half a door or half the hood for me. The Zaino applicator pad absorbed far more than a dime sized amount of the wax, probably 5 times that.

How the heck are you all putting it on where you can get a dime sized portion to cover say, the roof?


I'm not that sparing. On the hood I probably use a half-dollar worth. :rolleyes:

I just try to keep newbies from putting globs on. And I don't like those Zaino applicator pads. I cut into pieces an old white 100% cotton towel and use that instead.

When I swithced to the straight Z2

Why did you switch to straight Z-2? The point of ZFX is to allow it to set up more quickly, be more durable and you can then apply up to three coats on a single day.

Without ZFX you're supposed to wait 24 hours between coats.

And you should be putting very few drops of ZFX in with the Z-2 so it shouldn't be noticeably thinner. I do three coats of Z-2/ZFX on my E using 7 drops of ZFX in the mixture.

Why did you switch to straight Z-2? The point of ZFX is to allow it to set up more quickly, be more durable and you can then apply up to three coats on a single day.

Without ZFX you're supposed to wait 24 hours between coats.

And you should be putting very few drops of ZFX in with the Z-2 so it shouldn't be noticeably thinner. I do three coats of Z-2/ZFX on my E using 7 drops of ZFX in the mixture.
I didnt. I only did 1 ounce of Z2+ZFX, which only required 2-3 drops I believe...which I followed from the directions...yes, a man following directions :roll:

Why did I switch to Z2? Well because the directions said something to the effect "after using the ZFX use the Z6 gloss enhancer, then the surface is ready for the next coat of polish." It never said the polish had to be the ZFX mixed polish. Besides if the point of ZFX is to help the bonding process, it seemed logical to use that for 1 coat. But basically it sounded to me like it meant any polish...Z2, Z5, or ZFX mixture

I've been a long time lurker, and read post after post of how great Zaino is, that I had to try it myself. I've only had my E for a Month, so it was time to give her a good wash. The steps taken:

1) Wash with Dawn using a sheepskin mitt
2) Dry with cotton towel
3) Clay bar with a spray bottle of Z7 for lubricant
4) Wash with Z7 using a sheepskin mitt,
5) Dry with cotton towel
6) ZFX with Z2
7) Z6
8) Again ZFX with Z2
9) Z6
10) Z8

Total time 8 hours. Here are the result's

Nice pics mig . . . !!!

I think I'm going to become the next Zaino cult member :)

Looks great, Mig! Did you notice the clay bar removing much gunk?

With 10 coats of Z-2/ZFX on already, this morning I hiked 6 miles with a bud and my dog, Gidget, and then took half an hour to wash and spritz the E with Z-8.

Then we were off to brunch. A good morning. :)

Hey guys...glad you are liking Zaino so much. Do me (and us) a favor and when you call Zaino to place an order, please tell them that you heard about them from T Mac and Element Owners Club. I talk to Sal Zaino, the owner, from time to time and I'm sure it will be good for us in the long run for him to know he's moving some product.

I'm glad you enjoyed the pics Box4Rox. I wash the car on friday, and waited for Saturday to take the pics. Living so near to NYC it was a no brainer to have the city as a back drop for the E. The hard part was not getting a ticket from a police officer for parking on the pier :roll: . Lucky for me no one complained, and I even heard a jogger say nice car.

As for the claying removing gunk off the car. The answer would be a big YES Hicker_chick. Most of the stuff came from the hood, and the roof of the car. I'm glad that I don't have to clay until next year. Thanks everyone for posting. Also the green color just looks awesome, too bad the pics didn't do justice to the E.

Those pics should qualify you for E of the month under the far left circle of the club logo ;-)

We see a lot of the right side circles but not too many lefties, so it's good to see city pics !! They are really difficult to take . . .

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a246/box4rox/forum_logo.gif

Hello,

I am a brand new "E" owner, and new to this forum. I am a long time Zaino user, and wanted to share my technique. I used Zaino exclusively on my previous car a 2003 Acura CL-S 6SP.

As with the Acura, I did not allow the dealer to finish prep the car for delivery (I am anal about scratches and swirl marks). In the spring when I hand wash the "E" for the first time (I live in the Chicago area, and it is too cold to hand wash right now), I will wash the "E" twice with Dawn, and I always dry with a Toro 230mph electric leaf blower. I use a blue Absorber for errant water drops. Then, I will clay it twice, and wash with Z7. I'll mix 3 drops of ZFX w/1 oz of Z5. I always got at least 3 total applications with the 1oz mixture using the Zaino applicator. I always use 100% cotton American made terry cloth towels (Cannon) for washing, drying, and polish removal) I'll apply the ZFX'd Z5, remove it after drying, and then apply Z6. I'll repeat that process 2 more times for a total of 3 layers. The next day I'll apply three layers of Z2 alternating with Z6 and finishing up with Z8.

Maintaining the finish after that was easy. I would wash with Z7 and apply Z6 afterwards. Once I got past spring cleaning, it would only take me an hour to completely detail the CL-S including the engine bay. I would re-Zaino when the mood struck me alternating between Z5 and Z2.

After 42 months, the Acura was still scratch and swirl mark free in sunlight, and the finish was softer than you favorite colloquialism. The Acura (and now the Element) never went to a car wash that touched the body with anything other than water. When I sold the CL I had applied 64 coats of Zaino.

This is a great forum. I already have found tons of useful info. Thanks

Here are a couple of pics of my former ride. :cry:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/1mrdad/CLFavorite34.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/1mrdad/Applebeesview.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/1mrdad/CLFavorite122.jpg http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/1mrdad/CLengine1.jpg

Welcome, fellow Zaino zealot. :)

Where are you getting your towels these days since Fieldcrest and Cannon's bankruptcy? Mine are getting too worn for the E so may have to demote them to my bathroom. :wink:

I have 5 white extra large bath towels plus a couple of hand towels and wash cloths. I was going to replace this spring with new ride, but I haven't started looking yet...