My personal opinion is it gives the silver a real nice shine and depth and really seems to make the metallic stand out.

I had 5 coats of Zaino on and had to go to the dealer for some normal maintenance on my truck. They had another silver truck sitting on the lot and one of the dealers saw mine and commented how “freaking good it looked” and wanted me to park it next to a new one.

It was a big difference. It is almost as if it makes it a shade darker, as in depth. I get lots of comments on it. I would say it takes 3 -5 coats and then it really seems to make a big difference…

 

hmmm noticed something.

Directions state about the cotton type cloths and such. I have quite a few of the micro-fiber towels, are they ok for the application process?

Maybe a somewhat dumb question, but the directions seem to make a big deal out of using virgin cotton.

 

Honestly I am not sure so hopefully someone with more knowledge will come along and answer that question or you could post a question in the “General Care” forum and receive an answer there.

However, from what I have heard, no personal experience but am thinking about getting some microfiber towels for this spring, anyhow they are actually better then the cotton towels.

I think the big issue around using the 100% USA made cotton towels is the material itself, which the good quality 100% cotton won’t scratch as much as a cheaper brand. That being said, microfiber is even better material then 100% cotton and thus I can’t see why they could not be used instead unless there is an issue with polish buildup to the towel itself.

I know there are many people that use the microfiber for drying, just not sure about waxing/polishing. The 100% cotton towels is not exclusive to Zaino that would be the rule of thump for any waxing/polishing.

I apologize for not being able to give you a definitive answer on the microfiber for the actual polishing itself, but if someone don’t come along then just post the question in the “General Care” forum and you will get an answer…

 

no problem bro, sometimes we get carried away when we find someone "in the know" and brandish them with questions.

You've been quite a help and a motivator with this product. Your tips will be quite helpful.

Again, much appreciated

 

No problem and I don't feel "brandish with questions" at all. It's great to help someone when possible but I have to tell you if you really want to talk with "people in the know" about detailing there are many members that frequent the "General Care" forum, like RockPick, Boss, APT and others who really know their products and techniques. I learned a great deal from Intel a member very knowledgeable in detailing and the others mentioned…

 

I don't know how in the world you guys get 6 mos out of Zaino. Mine seemed to wash away after the very first car wash. Maybe I just got a bad batch or something, but I find it to be very dissapointing in every regard.

 

Well to begin with it is all about the preparation of the paint surface which is true for any wax/polish. It is even more important with the synthetic polishes so they can bond to the paint surface.

If you happen to put Zaino on over regular waxes then it will wash right off with the regular wax since the Zaino will not bond to the paint. If you can not get at least 3 months out of a few coats of Zaino then you might want to look over what you’re doing to prepare the paint surface prior to using the Zaino or the actual condition of the paint surface.

Many people like Zaino and some don’t which is just how it goes with most things. It is a personal preference and has nothing to do with one brand being the “best” for all people in all situations.

If you are happy and satisfied with what you’re using now then that is what is important…

 

Couldn't agree more. My silver Lightning is shining real good in the garage

 

Use Cherry Wet Wax. Looks as nice and is about the easiest wax that I have ever used. A lot of show car guys use it. I have never seen any wax that didn't lose its shine after a wash or two. Skip

 

Must not be using a high quality wax like Meguiars or a high quality synthetic polish like Zaino.

As I stated in a previous post, last spring I put 5 coats of Zaino on and it lasted for 6 months, of road salt and grime and approx. 15 – 20 car washes (not washing by hand with Zaino car wash) and never lost its shine…

 

Hey Dave01L,

If you're MF towels are high quality MF towels, they will probably work just fine. Part of the reason that Sal has had trouble with recommeding MF towels is the inconsistency of quality from batch to batch, and brand to brand. My recommended MF towel for removing Zaino, or other sealants would be Poorboy's new Mega Plush MF. It's the plushest/softest MF I've ever used.............. and I've used most of them. Still, keep in mind that Zaino will load up MF's pretty quickly.......... that's why I like the Mega Plush...... lots of fibers there to remove the Z.

Anyhow, if you truly want the "BEST" towels for removing Zaino, or Carnauba waxes, or any other waxes/sealants for that matter, I would suggest the DF Concours Buffing Towel. As a matter of fact, some of Sal's distributors are now selling/recommending them, and I also know that Sal is using them himself! These are the silkiest/softest/nicest towels I've ever used for final buffing/QD'ing!

They are a "natural fiber/micro fiber" towel. Also, they are NOT cheap, but you only need a few, as you can, and should use the MF's for all other detailing chores.

They are available here:

http://www.premiumautocare.com/dfcotome29x1.html

or here:

http://www.dftowel.com

The Poorboy's Mega Plush MF's are available here:

http://www.poorboysworld.com

Hope this helps!

 

01 XLT Sport,

Excellent tutorial on using Zaino. I got hooked on Z when I had my Silver 97 F150. I tried a lot of different waxes, but I thought the Zaino looked the best. Just as important, applied right (as in your instructions) it lasts through the winter when I might have to go 5 months without wax/sealing.

For anyone considering using Zaino for the 1st time on a black truck, it is important to be aware that Zaino doesn't have any polishing (doesn't get out swirl marks or hide them) properties. Swirls were never an issue with my silver truck, but I recently bought a Black '04 and clayed and applied Z5 and Z2 the 1st weekend I had it. Unfortunately, I can see fine swirl marks (most others don't see the imperfections, but you know how it is when it's your truck, you see everything). So, the first opportunity I get in the spring, I'm going to polish with Meguir's #9 (swirl mark remover), then maybe even #7 (Show Car Glaze) before starting the process from the beginning...including the dawn wash to clean off the polish/fillers from the Meguiars. It's going to be extra work, but that kind of goes having a black truck (and being obsessive about keeping it sharp).

John

 

JohnandDar,

Good info on the "Z"! Might I suggest that you try Poorboy's SSR1 polish or Pro Polish rather than the the Meguiar's #9, and #7, as you'll probably be removing much of the oils and fillers with the Dawn wash. Poorboy's SSR1 and Pro Polish are water based, have no oils/waxes/fillers, so they should be very compatible with the Z without the extra work! You should be able to just QD with Z6 after the SSR1, and go right to the Z process.

Just a thought.............

Good Luck!

 

Boss_429,

Thanks for the advice. I'm always receptive to suggestions. I'll add the Poorboy's to my auto care shopping list, right behind the DF towels. I'll let you know how things work out...unfortunately Spring can't come soon enough. (I spent most of today shoveling my driveway.)

John

 

Thanks Boss_429, will check out the towels!

Thanks to everyone and their tips on this, was very insightful and helpful.