"ZAINO APPLICATION TIPS

By: Sal Zaino

1. Because Zaino Show Car Polish is optically perfect(99.9%) The optimum results are achieved by using over wax free paint.

2. If you are looking for the ultimate paint surface preparation. Use Clay Magic first or skip to step 3. Clay Magic (blue clay bar) or Erazer http://www.erazer.com was designed to remove airborne contaminants, paint over-spray, water spots, rail dust, industrial fallout, diesel fuel & catalytic converter residue and any other bonded surface contaminants from paint. Here's the deal. The non-abrasive Clay Magic will remove any surface contaminants from the paint finish and not hurt the clear-coat. Clay will get that paint finish smooth as glass. Now remember waterspots, bird droppings and bug guts if left on the paint finish for any length of time. Will etch into the paint finish. The Clay will also remove any polish. Please reapply polish after Claying.

You can use my car wash (Z-7) as a lubricant for the Clay. If fact Z-7 works better with the Clay than any Clay lubricant I've tried. Just make sure to keep the surface area lubricated while using the clay.

Use 1 capful of Z-7 Car Wash to 12 ounces of water. I use a spray bottle for the mix. Shake it up and spray the area to be Clayed. Just make sure to keep the surface area lubricated while using the clay.

3. I would definitely recommend you remove the wax buildup on your paint. Just use Liquid Dawn(dishwashing liquid) as a car wash. It has a high alkaline content which cuts right thru carnauba wax, paraffin, silicone oils, etc. This will get your paint finish squeeky clean and wax free.

I don't advise making a habit of washing your car with Dawn. But for this scenario it's fine. High alkaline products like Dawn are tough on polishes. It will never harm the paint finish though. A car wash is made specifically to clean without removing durable polishes. ALSO, Make sure you remove any water spots, before you apply my products. Because Zaino has no abrasives or harsh solvents it will not remove water spots or stains. Clay Magic or Erazer is great for removing any paint surface contaminants. Even if you use the Clay procedure. Follow up with a Dawn Wash just for added insurance...

4. The basic products you will need are Z1, Z2, Z5(optional, but highly recommended), Z6 and Z7.

5. Start with Z-1 Polish Lok as per directions. Z-1 does not need to dry. Remember do not wipe off the Z-1 Polish Lok. Apply Z-5 or Z-2 directly over the Z-1. Z-5 is the Hot ticket for a swirl free, flawless paint finish. Usually one to three coats will accomplish that.

6. Let Z-5 or Z-2 polish dry at least one hour. Please NOTE: Zaino Show Car Polish works best at 60 degrees or higher. However, it can be applied down to temperatures of 45 degrees. It just will take much, much longer to dry. As much as two to three hours drying time is required if the temperature is 50 degrees or below. Also, If the humidity is high. Longer drying time is necessary. Humidity is a 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. When you try to remove Z-2 or Z-5 when it is still wet. All you're accomplishing is moving it around. Kinda like reapplying it. Also you need to use a LARGE White 100% Bath size towel (please refer to my Tips & Tricks sheet for the proper towels to use) to remove Z-2 or Z-5. Smaller towels will not work efficiently.

To test if Z-2 or Z-5 is dry and ready to be removed. Wipe your finger on a hazed section. It should immediately come off and leave a crystal clear finish. If it smears, it is still wet. You can leave Z-2 or Z-5 on for hours or overnight if you desire. When it is not humid Z-2 will take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to dry. Depending on how heavy you applied it. I have applied Z-2 in the Arizona sun and it dried in approx. 3 to 5 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.

Also, remember you have Z-1 and Z-5 both on the car; that is two products that have to dry at one time takes longer.

Z-2, Z-5 does not contain any oils and once it's dry will never ever look smeary or feel greasy. If you remove Z-2 or Z-5 before it is thoroughly dry and get any smears. Just wipe down the car with a damp cotton towel. This will remove any smears. Don't use Z-6 until you wipe the car down. If you'd like call me and I'll help you out with more info!

6. After removal of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5. You should wait 24 hours if the outside temperature is under 70 degrees and 6 hours if over 70 degrees before applying the next coat of Z-5 or Z-2.

7. Use Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray as per directions, between each and every coat of Z-5 or Z-2. It really helps give a three dimensional look. Its antistatic properties will reduce dust and dirt pickup by 60%.

8. You can switch to Z-2 as soon as you are happy with the way the paint finish looks. Example, no more swirls, scratches etc. It's up to you. Z-2 has higher optical properties than Z-5. You can go from Z-2 to Z-5 and then back to Z-2 as often as you want. Z-2 and Z-5 are 100% compatible and interchangeable. You should always end with Z-2 as the last coat because of its higher optics.

9. The number of coats of Z-2 or Z-5 is up to you. When you reach the level of enhancement you like, normal maintenance with Z-7 Car Wash and Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray is all that's necessary. Naturally apply a coat of Z-2 or Z-5 whenever you feel it is required.

NOTE: One application of Zaino Z-2 or Z-5 will outlast anything in the industry and is all you'll ever need for an average vehicle. However, Multiple coats will achieve an even deeper, wetter-looking, ultra high gloss. Plus higher paint protection. You be the judge...

Thank You,
Sal Zaino
(732)785-2951 <A HREF="http://www.zainobros.com"" TARGET=_blank>http://www.zainobros.com"</A>

If you need more information here at F-150online regarding detailing for perfection, then do a search for:

1: Zaino Paint Chip Repair
2: Carnauba Wax and Gloss VS Zaino
3: Clay Bars 101
4: Z18 Information
5: 3M Foam Pad Polish
6: Towels 101

 

Q: I have never used Zaino. Which products should I order?

A: First of all, you'll need to know if your vehicle's finish has a clear coat or not. To find out, just put a little mild abrasive polish on a cotton cloth and rub a small spot on the finish. If you see residue on the rag that is the color of your vehicle's finish, you do not have a clear coat.

For clear coated vehicles, I'd suggest ordering one each of Zaino Z-1 Polish Lok, Z-2 Show Car Polish for clear coats, Z-5 for Swirls, Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray and Z-7 Car Wash.

"Q: I have never used Zaino. Which products should I order?

A: First of all, you'll need to know if your vehicle's finish has a clear coat or not. To find out, just put a little mild abrasive polish on a cotton cloth and rub a small spot on the finish. If you see residue on the rag that is the color of your vehicle's finish, you do not have a clear coat.

Your Lightning is a clear coated vehicles, I'd suggest ordering one each of:

1: Zaino Z-1 Polish Lok
2: Z-2 Show Car Polish for clear coats
3: Z-5 for Swirls
4: Z-6 "Gloss Enhancer" spray
5: Z-7 Car Wash.
6: Z-18 Clay

Z1: $8.95
Z2: $12.95
Z5: $16.95
Z6: $9.95
Z7: $7.95
Z18: $16.95

S&H: $5.95

For non clear coated vehicles, just substitute Z-3 Show Car Polish for regular paints in place of the Z-2 Show Car Polish."-Sal Zaino

I added Z18 Clay to the list above for a good reason, although it's not something you "need", I highly recommened it. I think it's very important to clay a vehicle after the initial purchase, and before applying any type of wax/polish for the first time.

Q: Where do I get Zaino? Is it in stores?

A: Zaino products are available directly from Zaino Bros' or from an Authorized Zaino distributor. To find out if there's a distributor in your area call Zaino Bros' at (732)785-2951 or e-mail Zaino. To order direct, simply print and fill out the order form, and mail it, along with a check or money order to the address shown on the order form. Your order will ship via UPS the same day it is received. Or, call (732)785-2951 and you can get your order shipped C.O.D.

Q: Ok, I just received my Zaino products. What should I do to my paint before applying my Zaino?

A: The first thing you should do is wash your vehicle thoroughly with Dawn (or comparable) dish soap to remove any wax, grease, and oil from your paint. Then, my recommendation is to use Z-18 ClayBar to remove any bonded surface contaminants such as rail dust, tree sap, bug marks, or hard water deposits from the paint before applying any of your Zaino products.Using Clay is optional, but it really does make a difference!!

Q: I know I apply Z-1 Polish Lok first, but how long do I need to let it haze? The Z-1 is hard to see. How do I know it's hazed?

A: Z-1 Polish Lok doesn't really haze like ordinary products. If you are applying Z-1 to the entire vehicle, by the time you have apllied it all the way around, the Z-1 has had plenty of time to haze. Z-1 is hard to see on some colors, but if it has been on the paint for a minute or so, it is ready for Zaino polish.

Q: Do I remove Z-1 Polish Lok before applying Zaino polish?

A: No. You apply Zaino Show Car Polish, or Zaino Z-5 Swirl Remover right on top of the hazed Z-1. A good analogy for this is to think of Z-1 as base coat, and Show Car Polish as clear coat.

Q: How long do I let the Z-1 and Z-2 Polish, or Z-5 for Swirls, dry before removing it? How do I know it's dry?

A: I recommend waiting a minimum of an hour, since there are actually two coats of material trying to dry on the paint. Also, keep in mind that cool temperatures and high humidity can slow the drying process. If you have access to a garage, you can let Zaino polish dry overnight before removing the residue. This insures that it is completely dry.

The way to tell whether or not the polish is ready to remove is to take your finger and rub a spot. If the polish smears, it isn't dry. If it wipes away cleanly, it's ready to be removed. If you start removing the residue and it is smeary, just stop and wait another half hour and try again. When Zaino polish is dry, it wipes off almost effortlessly.

Q: How long should I wait before applying the next coat?

A: You should wait twenty four hours before applying the next coat of polish. Be sure to wipe the paint down with Zaino Z-6 Gloss Enhancer just before applying each coat after the first application for best results.

Q: Everybody says I should wait 24 hours between coats. If I apply a coat of polish and wait over night, or longer before removing Zaino polish, do I wait another 24 hours from the time I remove the residue before applying another coat?

A: Yes. After removing a coat of polish, you can apply the next coat after 8 hours if the temperature is above 70 degrees f. If it is below 70 degrees, you should wait the full 24 hours after removing the previous coat for optimal results.

Q: I wiped my paint down with Z-6, but I have streaks. Why?

A: Chances are, you used too much Z-6. Z-6 is SUPER CONCENTRATED and you should be able to wipe down an average size car with less than one ounce!! Apply Z-6 sparingly, and work in small sections, rubbing the Z-6 until it dries and gets slick.Also, turn your towel often to be sure that you are
not using a section of it that may be wet with Z-6.

Q: Z-2, Z-3, or Z-5 is taking hours to dry. What's wrong?

A: Sounds like you applied it too heavily. A neat trick that helps you get even coats without having to load the polish up on the paint is to lightly dampen your applicator pad with water, spray a couple mists of Z-6 on it, then put a few thin stripes of polish on it and spread the polish evenly across the face of the pad with your fingers. The object of applying the polish to your car is to get on thin, even coats. Putting it on heavy only wastes polish, and slows the dry time.

Also, keep in mind that cool temperatures or high humidity can lengthen the drying time of Zaino polishes.

Q: What is the best way to remove the polish residue?

A: The safest way to remove the residue from your paint is with white, made in USA, 100% cotton name brand large bath towels, such as Cannon or FieldCrest. Get them in the bath section at any major department store. The towels that you find in auto parts stores, or the auto sections of the department stores are usually not made in the USA, and even though they may say they are 100% cotton, they are not. Anything other than 100% pure white cotton may scratch your paint finish.You should use white towels because the dyes in colored towels can leave a chemical residue on the piant, and cause streaking. Also, it's important to either remove the stitched borders from your towels, or keep the towels folded in a way that keeps the borders away from the paint. The borders(edges or designs) can scratch your paint, as they may not be 100% cotton.

Wash your towels in hot water, and with a liquid detergent, like liquid Tide, or ALL. Avoid using Powdered detergents, Bleach or any kind of Fabric softeners as these products will leave a chemical residue on your towels that will cause streaking and scratching.

Q: Can I use an orbital polisher to apply/remove Zaino polish?

A: Yes, you can use an orbital to apply Zaino Z-2, Z-3, or Z-5. I don't recommend it because you waste too much polish that way. The pad on an eleven inch polisher can absorb almost enough polish to coat your entire vehicle. Each time you use an orbital to apply Zaino polish, you are probably wasting as much polish, if not more than you actually applied to the car.

Zaino polish applies easily by hand, especially if you dampen the aplicator pad with water and spritz it with Z-6 before applying it.

If you use an orbital to remove the residue, you should place a white, 100% cotton towel between the pad and the paint, and keep it turned and refolded often so that you are removing the residue with a clean section of towel all the time.

Note: A single orbital pad WILL NOT remove the polish residue from an entire vehicle. You will have smears if you don't use a towel and turn and refold it frequently.

Please, feel free to e-mail me, if you need more specific help or your question was not covered here. For technical questions please call Zaino Bros' at (732)785-2951.


If you need further information about Zaino, then go here: www.zainobros.com

I have also provided some pictures here for you to view. Im sure you will be impressed!

1: http://www.zainobros.com/files/photos/blacktalg.jpg

2: http://www.zainobros.com/files/photos/69camarolg.jpg

3: http://www.zainobros.com/files/photos/tahoodlg.jpg

4: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/G...9197/my99b.jpg

5: http://darkhorse.webzone.net/~jvl/zaino-2.jpg

6: http://darkhorse.webzone.net/~jvl/zaino-4.jpg

Sincerely,
Metallic Blue "Michael"

 

I think I about covers everything for detailing! If anyone e-mails me again, then I will scream j/k