Has anybody that using the Z-1 Polish Lok, tried the new ZFX. If so do you think its worth the money?

I have been using Liquid Glass for many years but decided to try something a little different.

So whats the call from you expert Zanio users?

 

Yes the new ZFX is much better then using Z-1. The biggest improvement is you can put up to three coats on in one day. It usally only takes about 1/2 hour if that for the Zaino to dry so you can buff it off, without ZFX it could take hours.

Go with the ZFX you will be glad you did.

 

I'm an ex-Liquid Glass user also. Thats some great stuff, and i still use it on my other truck, but Zaino is a few steps above.

and i've never used Z1, but with how humid jersey is in the summers, the zfx is definaetly worth it! 3 coats in a day, and like zero drying time. by the time i'm done applying its ready to be buffed off.

i have heard a few good things about using Z1 AND zfx though, next time i reorder i'm gonna get some z1 and use both to see if i can see any results for myself

 

Fast Gator,

If you don't mind spending the money, I would get them both. I would do the first session with Z1 as the base, even if you use the ZFX. Then, every 5 coats or so (if you go that far), put down another coat of the Z1 and top with Z2 or Z5 with or without the ZFX.

 

A few questions for you:

1. If you use the ZFX with Z-1 then would you still put the Z-2 or Z-5 on top of that? I know they say to put the Z-2 or Z-5 on top of Z-1 even when the Z-1 is not yet dry.

2. Why do you recommend putting down another coat of Z-1 after say 5 coats? Does it give it a better shine or more durability?

Only asking to learn because I am not an expert on Zaino. I love the shine and durabilty and have not seen anything that matches it.

Another question for you, or anyone else:

It has been about 4 or 5 months since the last time I Zainoed my truck and it will most likely be another month until I can do it again. My question is would you, or anyone else recommend that I begin from scratch again as far as washing with DAWN or just go with the Zaino car wash (Z-7)?

I am planning on begining over with the DAWN wash, and of course clay baring the entire truck. What I did the first time was wash with DAWN, then washed with Z-7 then clay bared, then washed again with Z-7 then began applying Z-2 with ZFX so any recommendations are welcomed...

Thanks for any further education for myself as well as RockPick who is also reading this thread on the edge of his seat...

 

Another question:

This will be the first time I use the Z-5 so here is the question:

I know they state to apply how ever many coats of the Z-5 until minor scratches are gone. Lets say it takes 3 coats, how many coats of Z-2 should be applied on top of the Z-5? I know they state that Z-2 has better properties for the shine and that they further state that at about 5 coats of Z-2 is where you get about MAX shine. So when you finished with the Z-5 is it like starting from scratch with the Z-2, or in other words about 5 coats?

Again thanks for the information...

 

Fast Gator,

I was reluctant to switch from Z1 to ZFX. I thought I was fine without ZFX. Well, I tried it anyway and probably will never need Z1 again. Just no need. Why do I prefer ZFX over Z1? TTime savings. That is all. Without it, I have to basically park whatever vehicle I am applying coats to. Put a coat on in the evening, take it off in the morning, then next coat on that evening, and so on. Once or twice a year I want to quickly build up the layers, either by a complete detail in the Spring, or prearation for winter when I don't want to do anything but wash it in the cold. ZFX lets me do that quickly, like 3 coats with Z6 between in 2 hours or less. In the summer if I want to add a coat after a wash, I can do that with just Z2 or Z5. You jus twant to use ZFX (Or Z1) every 12 months or 10 coats which helps it bond better.

01 XLT Sport,

Slow down with the questions. j/k

1: You don't se ZFX with Z1. You use it with Z2, Z3, or Z5.

2: Better bonding to the paint after so many coats.

For your spring detail, wash with Dawn (it won't remove much Zaino if there is any left), then feel if you need a clay bar, polish out the swirls if you'd like, then start layering using either Z1 or ZFX. What you did last time with Dawn, then Z7 was unnecessary. Skip the wash with Z7 after Dawn. Clay, then rinse is all you need, not a full Z7 wash.

Here is a trick/tip: before you start with your layers, use Z6. It will clean up any leftover water spots and enhance the gloss and slickness.

For the swirl marks, skip Z5. If you can see them and you are starting fresh with Zaino basically, use a good polish afer you clay it. Something like Meguiars #9 or 3M Finesse It II. Then wash with Z7, then start Zaino layers. Z5 is not very good at swirl cover. Very, very minor ones, maybe, but I have never seen a difference.

Number of coats of Z2? As many as you want. I resommend at least three. Most people can appreciate the difference between 1 and 3 coats, but not much else after than.

Aaron

 

01 XLT Sport,

First, I might have confused you. Don't put ZFX in the Z1! Also, keep in mind that using Z1 as a base, and on ocassion thereafter, is a search for perfection, and not at all necessary.

Second, this is personal preference, but I'm not alone in this preference. Anyhow, I like to use the Z1, as a base to start the whole process off. IMHO, it bonds a little better to "cleaned" paint than the ZFX. Then after a few coats of Z2 or Z5 (with or without ZFX), a coat of Z1 prior to more Z2 or Z5 (with or without ZFX)seems to keep the bond solid, and again in my opinion, improves the look.

As for starting all over this spring with Dawn or a regular wash, that's a tough call. All depends on the condition of the paint. Keep one thing in mind, the Dawn alone won't remove the Z, even with a clay bar treatment, unless there's not much Z left on there. If you need proof of that, try cleaning one of the mixing bottle out with the dawn after the mixing bottle has sat around for a few hours with even just a little Z2/ZFX in there......... ain't gonna happen! It's a testament to how tough the Z truly is.

If you want to make sure you get all the Z off there, you'll need to use a good paint cleaner or a diluted all purpose cleaner that's safe for paint.

If I can help anymore, let me know............ and yes, RP will be by shortly to straighten both you and I out on this subject!

 

01 XLT Sport,

Didn't catch your other question until after I posted.

If you have moderate scratches, the Z5 will probably not cover them. Use a good abrasive polish to remove any scratches/swirl marks before starting the Z process, and then wash with Z7 to remove any residue/oils from the polish.

Having said that, I recommend using mostly the Z5 if you have a dark colored vehicle,as it is every bit as good a polish as the Z2. IMHO, the Z5 gives a deeper, wetter look on dark colored paints. If you have a light colored vehicle, the Z2 seems to give more reflectivity which makes the light colors stand out more. I use about 4 coats of Z5 to every 1 coat of Z2.

Hope that answers your questions. Let me know if it doesn't.

 

APT:

Quote:

"Slow down with the questions. j/k"

Sorry bro, but its been over 4 - 5 months since I could Zaino, must be the withdrawls...

Thank you and Boss_429 for the information.

As far as the dawn I know it won't take any Zaino off, was just figuring since all I could really do (since long cold winter) was use a car wash that it might be a good idea to dawn it again to insure any crude or crap is off that the Z-7 would maybe not take off.

As far as using the Z-1 for better bonding I have heard that as well and thats why I was asking. Thanks because I did think at first you meant to use ZFX with the Z-1. So if I were to use the Z-1 as a base and then applied the Z-5 or Z-2 would I NOT want to use the ZFX with the Z-5 or Z-2 for the first coat (whereas you put a coat of Z-1 then the Z-5 or Z-2 on top of the Z-1)?

I am only using Z-5 for very minor and extrealmy light scratch marks (you really have to look to see them, and have to look at an angle) not swirl marks. I have never used a buffer on my truck.

I am a BIG WUSS with the buffer and that is another BIG reason I love using Zaino because you don't need a buffer to get an awesome shine.

Boy I bet all these Z's are screwing up RockPick...

EDIT:

Boss_429:

I have a light colored truck (silver) and thats why I have been using the Z-2

 

Fast Gator:

You keeping up?

 

01 XLT Sport,

And I might add........... a very nice Silver truck at that!

You can go either way..... Z1 then a single coat of Z2 or Z5, or Z1 and multiple coats of Z2/ZFX or Z5/ZFX. I would actually go with multiple coats of Z2/ZFX after the Z1, but I'm getting old, and 3 or 4 coats of stuff in a day is getting too much for me!

 

Thanks, hey its a Ford what can I say?

 

The purpose for using Dawn to wash i the spirn after such a long time between Z applications is that it is a better cleaner. It will take off more of the dirt, grime, and build-up than Z7 will. Z7 is a great product, but Dawn is more thurough when used with warm water.

Sport, I just realized you have silver. I say skip Z5 all together. Just make it shine and sparkle with Z2. Or, you may want to try a paint cleanser first, like P21S (or S100) paint cleanser, or Meguiars Medallion Paint Cleaner. They take out a little of the swirls chemically, not so much abrasively, and enhance the shine.

I love Zaino on silver frost. I had an SVT Contour in that color and a few coats of Z2 looked perfect. It just glows. Moved on to all dark colors now - more of a challenge that S100 seems to overcome with ease.

 

APT:

I agree with what you said about how Zaino makes the silver just really glow. In all honesty after I got a few coats of Z-2 on it last spring or summer it was just unbelievable how good it looked. I really started getting alot of compliments after using the Zaino on and questions on where did I take it to get it detailed. Then some of the guys I work with really thought I polished it every weekend.

The reason I got me some Z-5 is because after using the car wash and using the brush a few times (I hate having to use it) but it has some very fine, very very light scratches you can see if you look at it from an angle. Actually most people wouldn't even noticed, but I am pretty **** when checking over the paint and the condition. I have been told and also read that using a few coats of Z-5 should take care of any of the fine scratches, and since I already bought me a bottle of it I figure I will give it a try.