Applying Zaino correctly...

[Paul Workman]

To make a long story short, I've used Zaino for about 12 years now, and the stuff is fantastic - especially if you like the LOW MAINTENANCE feature afforded by polishes (as opposed to labor intensive (you name it) wax).

Anyway, I'd not tried their AIO product, and thought I'd give it a try. Results were not good, but the problem was HOW it was applied.

Here is what I learned (and thought I'd pass it on soze ya don't do what I did).

Paul Workman wrote:
Hello!
I’ve been using your stuff since 2003(?) I think and it has always been fantastic, up to now. But, now I’ve got a problem, and I guess it’s either a shelf-life issue, or maybe I did something wrong?
Cloudy (and it smears). It remains soft and anything brushing the surface leaves streaks like I’d expect with wax. Might as well be Carnuba wax in the sun!
The paint is new; a one-step PPG product (that I understand BMW is using too). Here’s what I did, and maybe you can tell me what I did wrong, OR just start over (next spring) with a DAWN d/w bath.
1) New paint this spring after I crunched the nose on my 1990 ZR-1 Corvette (long story). It is a PPG product which I’m told BMW is now using. It is beautiful. (I can get the particulars, if need be)
2)I washed the car with Zaino’s car wash (I forget the “Z” number, off hand)
3)I used 3 drops of accelerator in the 2oz bottle (Zaino kit) filled with Z2 and applied it at >70ºF/low humidity day, and applied 2 coats with Z6 between Z2 apps (which I have always done before w/o issue).
4)Then I used the All In One, according to directions, instead of Z5 I usually use. This was the first time I used the AIO product, on the recommendation I got from someone at Zaino, as it was new paint and I wanted to know what (Zaino) recommended in this case.
5)And, as before, I used the Z6 between and after the two coats of the AIO stuff, hoping the Z6 would get rid of the cloudy finish.
The result is a cloudy shine that never seems to harden. It doesn’t imprint or anything like wax on a hot day, but is sure isn’t the clear, hard as nails finish I’ve come to expect with the Zaino products. And, running a finger over the surface leaves a streak in the polish that is difficult to wipe off.
Something ain’t right! I’m going to “Dawn it” come spring and start over. But, before I do, I wanted to know your thoughts and recommendations.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Paul Workman
815-791-9281

NOTE: 1oz of Z-2, Z-5 and Z-AIO will do a 6 series BMW at least 2 time including the rims.. Remember less is more with Zaino.
Z-AIO is a base coat and must be used before applying Z-2 or Z-5.
Z-AIO will remove any Z-2 or Z-5.
So all you have on your paint is Z-AIO.
Also you applied way too much Z-AIO..
Sometimes Zaino users always tend to apply way too much Z-2
Z-5 or Z-AIO.... This is very common problem and will dramatically increase
the
drying time of Zaino... Even when using ZFX. All Zaino products are
exremely concentrated and must be used sparingly.. Remember Less is
Better... :-).


Humidity and low temperatures also are killer on the drying time of Z-2
or
Z-5. The moisture in
the air hinders drying time up to four times longer than normal. Sorry
but I can't help this. The smears you are seeing was the Z-2 that you
didn't remove. When you try to remove Z-2 when it is still wet. All
you're accomplishing is moving it around. Kinda like reapplying it.
Also you need to use a LARGE Bath size towel to remove Z-2. Smaller
towels will not work efficiently. I hope you weren't using a small
towel????

To test if Z-AIO is dry and ready to be removed. Wipe your finger on a
hazed section of Z-AIO. It should immediately come off and leave a crytal
clear finish. If it smears it is still wet. When it is not humid Z-AIO will take
anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to dry. Depending on how heavy you
applied it. I have applied Z-AIO in the Arizona sun and it dried in about
3 minutes. I have also applied it in 38 degree temperature and it took
about 2 to 3 hours to dry.

Be patient. It's worth it.
Different situations affect drying times.
Z-2, Z-5 and Z-AIO does not contain any oils and once it's dry will never ever
look smeary or feel greasy.
To get rid of any smears. Just wipe down the car with a damp towel, Followed by a dry towel.
Then re-apply a thin coat Z-5..
Hope this helps.




Thank You,
Sal Zaino
(732)833-8800
http://www.zainostore.com

[5ABI VT]

ANy issue Ive had was in the application as well I'd think. I tried the clear seal once.. and it was hazy and smeary all over. Didn't drive the car for 2 weekends until I could get it all off and start over.

[nelson007]

What did uou use to remove Zaino?
Thanks,
Nelson

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by nelson007

What did uou use to remove Zaino?
Thanks,
Nelson

Well, because it is WAAAAY below 70 degrees in my garage, it will have to wait until warmer weather before I "DAWN" the stuff off and start over.

It'll be ready in time for the MR3 tho!! See ya there!

[XfireZ51]

I need to buy some new stuff soon.

[mike100]

You don't hear as much about Zaino these days and never tried it myself, but it sounds like he is a marketing genius to be able to convince people that you need that much product to shine your car.

I'll be honest.. not so much the cost of the stuff, but way too much work for me to have to layer and wait and layer some more.

my feeling is:
1) compound (if neglected)
2) polish
3) last step product

the lsp can be anything from a cheap flash wax, sealant, or some fancy new hard coating the industry is gravitating towards.

[A26B]

Thanks Paul. I haven't tried the AIO yet so your info is very timely in my case.

[CamP]

Zaino is re-branded and marked up Duragloss.

[5ABI VT]

Never heard of that before.. Not that it matters to me but Ive never heard of duragloss

[CamP]

I haven't used either, but a professional car detailer here in town told me they are the same product. The Duragloss pricing is much lower.

Here's some info I found on the net.

501 similar to ZAIO (slightly stronger cleaning with 501)
111 similar to Z2
105 similar to Z5
221 similar to Z10
951 similar to Z8
921 similar to Z6
601 similar to ZFX
441 similar to Z9
671 similar to ZPC.