What is Klasse?

I've been hearing more and more of Klasse. Is it a wax? Polymer? What is it? I would like to be educated about it. I've been doing some searches on it and it seems to be sold in just one form (for like 22.95).

Anyone ever compare it to Zaino on their cars?

Klasse is a German product, noone knows exactly where it comes from and there is NO customer service for info or help. http://web.camaross.com/bb/frown.gif It is an acrylic formula that has good durability, a bright mirror shine, and can be layered (Klasse SG). Klasse will tend to darken your paint with repeated use(not necessarily a bad thing I guess), whereas Zaino will never tint or darken. The Klasse AIO is abrasive though and can't be layered for extra protection or shine. I'm in the process of testing SG and comparing to Zaino on another car. So far the shine is good, but not as blinding as Zaino in direct sun. http://web.camaross.com/bb/cool.gif Application and removal is pretty easy if you're familar with how to properly apply a sealant (read THIN!) Seems like a great product...but I'm keeping my Zaino bottles. http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif

Now, I challenge the Klasse users here to try Zaino... http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif You know who you are... http://web.camaross.com/bb/wink.gif

------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.* (http://mls77.homestead.com/92camarors.html)
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited April 15, 2002).]

yes Mike!! i know you're calling me out http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

ok, as mike correctly stated, Klasse is a german acrylic that is pretty similar to zaino. it's only a two bottle system with the first bottle (all-in-one) doing the cleaning/polishing/light protection of the paint in one simple clear-coat safe step. the second bottle (high gloss sealant glaze) is where the super wetttt/mirror-like shine and 9 month plus protection come in. as mike already correctly stated, the glaze can be layered for greater depth and "wetness" with each progressive application. i've used KLASSE for over 6 years now and have compared results with friends' zaino'd cars and i feel my results are on par or better than theirs. (i can just hear you now mike http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif)

there are a few other Klasse users on this site who will sing it's praises as well, but trust me: it's the best stuff that's out there, and costs less than zaino (about $45 for the two bottle kit).

here's a link (you won't be dissapointed):http://www.properautocare.com/klasse.html



------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

Foxbat,

Can Klasse be bought in any B&M stores?

Also, is claying recommended with Klasse as well?

It actually sounds more pricey than Zaino. I mean does Klasse REALLy last 9 mos.? That sounds like marketing to me. I would be curious how you do your applications as I might consider trying this stuff.

To set the record straight, Zaino is NOT! I repeat NOT!!! an acrylic.

------------------
96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com (http://www.zainobros.com)
Remember #3

Yes, Kevin is right, Zaino is not an acrylic formula, not even close actually. About pricing, you can get started on Zaino for under $30 if you want just the poylmer sealant: Z1 and Z2. The rest of the cost comes from things you'll need anyway, like car wash, QD, clay bar...etc... Zaino products work well as a system to improve the shine and durability, whereas with Klasse you use bits and pieces of different products that don't actually improve durability or enhance the Klasse shine.

They're both great products, BUT, I prefer the total car care system where each product works with the others, which Zaino gives.

------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.* (http://mls77.homestead.com/92camarors.html)
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

Does anyone have pictures of a "Klassed" car? Not the pic of that NSX hood with five different polishes on it, but an actual picture? (knowing my luck, it'll be another picture from an angle that would make an SOS'd car look good. http://web.camaross.com/bb/wink.gif)

Jeff
http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

EDIT: Read the second "con" at the bottom of the page:

Swirls... (http://www.properautocare.com/kla-gla.html)

That's enough to scare me away. http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif


------------------
1996 Black Z28 M6; Stock.
1994 S10 4X4.

My Zed (http://www3.sympatico.ca/agirdlestone/jeff/captjeff.htm)

[This message has been edited by Captain Jeff Z28 (edited April 17, 2002).]

davey,

clay use really depends more on the current condition of your paint rather than compatibility with a given product. if your paint is very "dirty" or has imbedded particles and you know what you are doing, then clay use would be an option, if your paint is in reasonably good condition with a decent shine, then i would not recommend it. Klasse all-in-one can nicely clean up and prepare any "average" paintjobs out there in one proper application.

to be honest, i would try and stay away from clay if i were you, cuz if you're not EXRTEMELY careful turning/lubricating/kneading the clay you can scratch the $hit outta your paint with the granules the clay picks up.

as for purchasing Klasse, i only know of a few web merchants that sell it. the link i gave above is the best company i've dealt with, and they have wealth of information on Klasse as well.

also, when you compare the quantity of Klasse you get for $45 to zaino, you're really getting about twice the amount or product. Klasse bottles are about double the size of Zaino, and both require the same extremely small dabs for application. ounce-for-ounce, you'd spend upwards of $70 for the zaino equivalents to Klasse.

finally, YES Klasse does last 9 mos if you maintain it properly and don't over-wash the car with the wrong types of soap. i personally use P21S car wash soap and it works fine with my Klasse system.

and you can always re-charge your Klasse after a while with a quick coat of glaze. thats it! once your paint remains clean, and protected with both products, you only have to re-apply glaze every 6-9 mos to keep your wetttt look looking shweeett.

let me know if you need anymore info, and i also encourage you to visit the site i provided above as they talk about many of the application techniques i use myself.

good luck! http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

The main thing is use whatever you are happy with, BUT, on several message boards where polls have been performed, Zaino by itself gets over 50% of the votes every time, Klasse is usually lumped in with "others" that gets only a few % combined with the other "other" products.

Try different things out and use what satisfies you.

------------------
Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, STB, SLP loudmouth, Direct-Flo lid with Holley filter and Mallory polished MAF ends.

Louisville, KY

foxbat,

Thanks for the reply!

I have a few more questions for you:

1. How is Klasse at getting out swirls, etc.?

2. Would something like Zymol wash be okay on Klasse? I've always liked Zymol.

3. How often do you use the Glaze? Do you mix the glaze and the regular Klasse together when doing it?

I am seriously considering ordering this stuff.

I switched from Gold Class to Klasse back in November, shortly after purchasing the GMC. I too am very happy with the results, but I haven't tried Zaino or even seen a car in person that had some on it. I also highly endorse the properautocare web site, lots of good info on all sorts of car care products... but no there isn't any Zaino.

Captain, I do have pictures of both the Z28 and Sierra with Klasse, they look pretty impressive, however I have a few that I took with the Gold Class that look as very nice too but honestly Klasse is a better shine and longer protection. Haven't touched either since November. If you're really interested drop me an e-mail and I'll send you a couple of shots.

------------------
Brian
1995 Polo Green Z28
1995 Bright White Monte Carlo Z34
2001 Indigo Blue GMC Sierra

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by davey:
foxbat,

Thanks for the reply!

I have a few more questions for you:

1. How is Klasse at getting out swirls, etc.?

2. Would something like Zymol wash be okay on Klasse? I've always liked Zymol.

3. How often do you use the Glaze? Do you mix the glaze and the regular Klasse together when doing it?

I am seriously considering ordering this stuff.</font>

pleaaaaaaaasseee do yourself a favor and just get zaino, it is so much better for your paint, *no cons* z5 makes your paint PERFECT (i used to have a dark car with extremely horrible swirls and one coat of z5 made my car look brand new)
... klasse sucks http://web.camaross.com/bb/tongue.gif ok maybe not, but zaino is much much much better i can't even begin to explain how great zaino is http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

No really, tell us how you really feel about Klasse and Zaino? http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

I do find Zaino Z5 really good also at hiding swirls for a long time. Why use abrasives if you don't have to...the whole Zaino philosophy. My car is more swirl free now than it ever has been in its 10 year life...mostly thanks to the Zaino polishes! Of course, over 30 coats of Z2 requires these: http://web.camaross.com/bb/cool.gif!!

------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.* (http://mls77.homestead.com/92camarors.html)
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited April 17, 2002).]

bizzomb,

I have used Zaino for almost three years. I have been very happy with it. It has much better longevity than any waxes I have tried. I love the Zaino leather products maybe even more. But, I am ALWAYS open to trying a new product.

As much as I have liked the Z-1 and Z-2, I really can't say the same for Z-5. It did nothing for my swirls that I could tell.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Bizzomb0707:
pleaaaaaaaasseee do yourself a favor and just get zaino, it is so much better for your paint, *no cons* z5 makes your paint PERFECT (i used to have a dark car with extremely horrible swirls and one coat of z5 made my car look brand new)
... klasse sucks http://web.camaross.com/bb/tongue.gif ok maybe not, but zaino is much much much better i can't even begin to explain how great zaino is http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif </font>

ummmm, no flames intended or anything, but methinks not http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

zaino does not get rid of any substantial swirls/scratches. for that you will need 3M swirl remover.

when properly applied Klasse is da bomb!! plus, Klasse all-in-one will remove light swirls and smooth the paint out in a single step. zaino is fantastic too, but not as easy to use as the simple Klasse 2 bottle kit.




------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by davey:
foxbat,

Thanks for the reply!

I have a few more questions for you:

1. How is Klasse at getting out swirls, etc.?

2. Would something like Zymol wash be okay on Klasse? I've always liked Zymol.

3. How often do you use the Glaze? Do you mix the glaze and the regular Klasse together when doing it?

I am seriously considering ordering this stuff.</font>


davey,

the all-in-one is sort of a light-medium duty cleaner/preparer. if you have light swirls/oxidation, it will take care of them. however, if you have heavier swirls then i would recommend 3M swirl remover, then all-in-one on top of it. after that, then some coatings of glaze.

zymol, p21s, zaino or any quality car wash will work fine with klasse. i tend to reduce the required soap dosage by 1/4 to 1/2 capful depending on how dirty the car is. lots of suds and a clean cotton wash mitt are big keys in proper washing. be sure to have two buckets when washing. one with your clean soapy water and another for rinsing out our mitt as you wash the car. when the water in the rinse bucket is getting dirty, throw it out and put clean new rinse-water in there.

do not mix glaze with all-in-one, they perform opposite functions and glaze is designed to be used after all-in-one when the paint is super clean and smooth.

i use the glaze maybe twice a year, or three times if i'm feeling up to being fanatical by adding more layers to an already super glossy mirror shine.

let me know if you need any more info.

good luck!

------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

foxbat,

Well, I placed my order for the Klasse Concores Kit (contains both polishes and applicants).

Cost $47.90 with shipping. http://web.camaross.com/bb/eek.gif

But, if it works as well as you and others are saying, it will be worth it. If I don't like it, I'm sure someone around here will buy the rest from me at a nice price. http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif

By the way, how are their leather products?

If you've been doing searches on Klasse you'll probably see my name come up also.
I've been using it for a while now and it's a great product. I too have seen zainoed cars in person and they don't look any better than my car. Klasse is only 2 steps.. or 1 if you keep your paint immaculate. Zaino is not. Comparatively I think Klasse is cheaper and you're not pushed to buy 30 different freakin bottles of their product to make your car look great.. I just don't wanna pay that much money for "a complete car care system". Klasse's durability is great as is zaino's.. I just don't see any reason people think zaino is soo incredible while klassee is just "ordinary". If you convince yourself that all the money you blew on your complete car care system will make you car look better than any other car on the road then you'll honestly believe it does... regardless of how your car really looks.

Honestly, I'd reccomend either of these products over anything you could buy in a auto parts store/chain.

Good luck making your car's finish new again,


------------------
~Will
96 Z28
"fastanuff!"

well, I see you posted that 1 min before my post.. good luck with the klasse, you shouldn't be disappointed. As far as leather care goes, try lexol. Definately stay away from any product that advertises a "two in one" setup where the product cleans and conditions in the same step.. these products usually do neither well.

Again, I've been using lexol for sometime now and it works very well.. my leather looks and smells like new.. except for the drivers side left arm bolster (torn when I bought the car http://web.camaross.com/bb/frown.gif )

------------------
~Will
96 Z28
"fastanuff!"

I've never tried Lexol. I may try it when I run out of Zaino. How does Lexol smell? Zaino leather cleaner, and especailly the conditioner, smell awesome and they work really well.

foxbat,

I was reading the online application directions and they recommend using a clay bar with Klasse to get the surface super clean. I have used the clay bar each time before Zaino, so I will probably use it again. Can I use the Z-7 on top of Klasse to help shine things up? I know they recommend some other products. The reason I'm asking is because Z-7 has some Z-2 polish in it and I just wonder how Zaino and Klasse would mix like this.

Lost,

I don't understand your reasoning. You say you don't wanna spend that much for "a complete car care system." But, I bet you already have. Let's see (rounding totals)...$50 for Klasse kit, $8 for average car wash, $15 for decent clay bar, $6 for average QD product...that's close to $80 my friend. So, why not spend it on a system that works "together" to improve shine and durability instead of whatever you may find at the local auto store or online, which does absolutely nothing for Klasse. Either way you HAVE spent that much without realizing it I'm guessing. Or, unless you're leaving out important products... Nobody is being "pushed" to buy anything. If I wanted just the Zaino sealant, Z1 and Z2, that's less than $30, the same price as 1 bottle of Klasse shipped. I'd still have to buy other supplies regardless if they came from Zaino or the local crappy WalMart...So, my point being, Why not buy a system that works in harmony? I don;t understand your logic at all, other than you like Klasse, which is fine... I'm not trying to push Zaino on you, just letting others know that your info is not completely correct about Zaino...

Again, Zaino is also no more steps than the Klasse. It's either a one ot two step process just like Klasse, it depends on what products you buy.

And, yea, I happen to think my car looks better than 99% of what I see on the road, which is damned incredible IMO considering my car's age. And, I'm proud of it too, even if I "blew" money on a system that works.
http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif

------------------
*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.* (http://mls77.homestead.com/92camarors.html)
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by foxbat:
ummmm, no flames intended or anything, but methinks not http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

zaino does not get rid of any substantial swirls/scratches. for that you will need 3M swirl remover.

</font>

no flames again, but... do i look like a dumbass, i know that zaino doesn't *get rid of* swirls, it fills them, and since zaino will last 9+ months for all i care the swirls are gone, and about your 3m, why would i use an abbrasive on my car if i didn't have to.

whoever just bought klasse, i recommend rought towels with mostly polyester, try to avoid cotton http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif (that's just for the klasse people)

[This message has been edited by Bizzomb0707 (edited April 19, 2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Bizzomb0707:
no flames again, but... do i look like a dumbass, i know that zaino doesn't *get rid of* swirls, it fills them, and since zaino will last 9+ months for all i care the swirls are gone, and about your 3m, why would i use an abbrasive on my car if i didn't have to.

whoever just bought klasse, i recommend rought towels with mostly polyester, try to avoid cotton http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif (that's just for the klasse people)

[This message has been edited by Bizzomb0707 (edited April 19, 2002).]</font>

whatever dood.

we agree to disagree.



------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

davey,

although i have not used z7 on top of Klasse, i would imagine you would have no problem. i've sparkled things up afher carwashing with cheapo eagle one spray detailer and meguairs quick detailer with sweet results in either scenario. klasse is very adaptable to most any quality product out there. experiment and you'd might be surprised what 'secrets' you may find.

good luck!

oh, and BTW, lost is correct above about lexol: very good stuff and smells awesome.

------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

Thanks foxbat.

My Klasse shipped out today. I'm excited to try this stuff. Hopefully the weather will be decent next week.

davey,

one final tip on applying the glaze:

i usually spray my applicator (cotton terrycloth) with a mist or two of eagle one detailer (or similar) before applying super thin amounts of glaze onto the applicator. (this adds lubricity and evenness to applying the glaze).

the key point is that you want to go very lighty with applying glaze and you will have no problems at all buffing it off. if you go too heavy it will be more difficult to get off. it may seem like no glaze is getting on the paint, but trust me, it is!! very potent stuff, so go easy on it.

again, be sure to refer to the properautocare site for more tips and tricks.

let us know how it turns out!


------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

[This message has been edited by foxbat (edited April 20, 2002).]

To add to the photos foxbat has in his link, for what it's worth I'll supply one of my own.
http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL51/475575/763740/8983554.jpg


[This message has been edited by 2 SC Zs (edited April 20, 2002).]

good pic there...

i have to take some new (better) shots of my car. my last year shots do not do Klasse it's proper justice.

------------------
BLK 94 TransAm M6
B&B Triflow Cat-back
SLP-CAI
SLP SKIP-SHIFT-ELIM.
BMR S.T.B.
Charcoal Leather,T-Tops,
Every factory option
Chrome 98 T/A wheels

pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=465962&uid=424080&members=1

foxbat,

Thanks for the tips. I'll definitely do that. I learned from experience that a little goes a long way (from using Zaino).
I'll let you know how it all turns out. I assume I will receive it early this week and the first dry day I will apply it.

2 SC Zs,

That pic is phenomenal!

no problem davey, glad i can help! http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif

foxbat,

I do have one more question.

After I use the ALL-IN-ONE polish and buff it off, do I have to wait a certain amount of time before applying the Glaze polish?

Thanks.

I just read in the tip section that I don't need to.