I am new to this. I have a 01 F150 sport flareside, silver. First I have always had my trucks detailed by various detailers. Needless to say I am very picky and tired of paying over $100 only to find wax on the plastic after the first wash etc. I have always been just a bit afraid to do it myself so as to not do something that might cause damage to the paint. After doing some research on detailing the dos/donts I have decided I want to do it on my own.

I have read many great reviews about Zaino products from this forum as well as many other forums. To you pros out there these may seem like dumb questions, but I aint taken no chances (lol)

I am planing on purchasing the Z1 (Polish Lok), Z2 (Polish for clearcoat), Z6 (Gloss Enhancer), Z7 (Car wash), and Z18 (claybar) ($56.75 +ship)

So here goes:
1. When using a clay bar I do know you must lube while your working it, but just how should one do it? back and forth? circles? light or moderate pressure while doing so? How long should you spend in one area?

2. I have the 10 spoke alu rims which have clearcoat on them. Should I use the Zaino on them? if so, is the application the same as for the paint itself?

3. I have heard before that you shouldnt wax in the direct sunlight, but some reviews have led me to believe that you can with Zaino. Is this true?

Thanks for you help with my questions and if you can think of any other pointers you can give me then fire away.

 

1) When you clay bar you do it in back and forth motions. No circles. You should spend as much time as it takes. If you truck has never been clayed before, then as you rub the clay on the surface you will hear a clicking sound. That is the sound of the clay pulling stuff off the paint. Keep doing it until the clicking sound stops. Then go a little longer and then wipe the lube off. Feel the paint, It should be as smooth as glass. If it isn't, then clay the area some more.

2) Yes, use Zaino. Carnauba waxes can't stand up the heat of the rims.

3) It is a pain to wax on a hot surface. Don't do it! In the winter, some people back their cars into the sun to heat the surface of the paint up before applying wax. They just warm it up since wax can't be applied to a freezing surface. Don't wax on a hot surface though. It drys your applicator out quickly and you'll end up using more product than necessary.

 

Instead of the Z1, order the ZFX. You can put on up to 3 coats in one day instead of waiting 24 hours between coats.

If you still have some questions, call Sal Zaino. He's a really nice guy and will take the time to answer them. He's helped me several times.

 

ZFX is worth it. I suggest going to www.containerstore.com and buying some 1oz bottles. i mixed 1 ounce of product and was able to put 2 coats on my cobra in just over and hour.

 

when using the clay bar be sure to set aside alot of time, especially being the first time with the clay bar.

you will know when your done using the clay bar in an area because when using you can some how feel every little imperfection on or in the paint. and when done it is very smooth.

 

Thank you all for your information. I will use it and really glad you could tell me more about the claybar. I have already ordered the different products plus the ZFX and looking forward to good weather to see how it comes out. You mentioned buying some one ounce mixing bottles. In Zaino's write up about the products, for the ZFX it states that it comes with several 2 ounce mixing bottles so are you suggesting that I buy more mixing bottles?

Again thank you very much. I must say it's hard to stay away from f150online.com there is so much information here its very impressive.

 

01 XLT Sport : I bought some one ounce bottles so I didn't waste product. I use about 3/4 of an ounce to do 2 coats on my cobra. On my truck it takes a little over one ounce to do 2 coats.

I think the 2 ounce bottles you get with the ZFX is a ploy so you use more prouduct than you need, becuase after 12 hours of sitting you have to toss the unused ZFX mixed product, including the bottle.

I got the idea off another webcite (www.autopia-carport.com). The funny thing is you pay more in shipping for the bottles than what they actually cost, unless you can find them in your area. I gave up looking.

If you need help with anything with your Zaino let me know. Another good tip is to try the Leather in a bottle (don't remember what Z#), try it on your dash etc. Better than anything else I've tried.
TJ

 

TJ98COBRA:

Thanks for the tip about the 1 ounce bottles. Last thing I want to do is waste any. So you have used the leather in a bottle for your dash? I have been looking for something for the dash but I dont want it to shine, more like a satin finish, flat, just not shinny. Will leather in a bottle make it shinny? One more question for you, do you have the leather wrapped steering wheel? If so what do you use on it? Leather in a bottle? Thanks for your information

 

01 xlt Sport,
Sorry for the late reply. I do use the Leather in a bottle on my interior. Dash, door panels, steering wheel and column etc. It's the perfect shine, not too glaring like the others. Some people use the tire dressing (i don't remember what Z number that is) I have not tried that yet.

best of luck with your Z!

 

Hey sport..

For the dash I would look into using 303 protectant. It is a satin finish so you won't get much shine from it and it has a UV protectant.... check out www.autopia-carport.com for tons of information on car care and they have a CMA store that has 303 and other great products...

 

MAC(H)Z:

Thanks for the tip on 303. To all I have to say even though I have not used any Zaino products I am already impressed. It only took 7 days from the day I sent my order in, and thats with a personal check. Sent the order out in the mail on March 11th and received my product on March 18th. If the product works that good I will be very happy.

Once I finally get the chance to use it I will post and let you know what I think. It may be a while I live in New Hampshire and today being the first day of spring we have snow falling. Can't wait to try it out.

 

I have used Zaino extensively on my Vette and other cars.

The key to Zaino is use very very very.........VERY little of the Z1 and Z2. Put it on like almost nothing is going on. Trust me! The less you use the better the shine will be. The other key to Zaino....make sure that it is 100% dry before removing. After a couple applications you will get the hang of it quick. Be very conservative when using Z1 for the first time and then a very thin coat of Z2. I also use Z6 every couple washes and to clean up my rims after cruising. I then re-apply Z1 every 8-10 coats of Z2.

Good luck