if i've got 4-5 coats of zaino does this give me some protection from small scratches caused by towels and washing? it would seem like it would have to since the zaino must constitute some kind of a layer on top of the paint...

 

Well, no wax or sealant, like Zaino, can really 100% prevent the micro marring that you are referring to. Keep in mind that a layer of Zaino is micro thin on the surface, thinner than your clear coat. So, the surface can still easily be scratched or swirled, especially on softer paints. The best way to lessen these effects is to use high quality toweling and proper washing technique. A poor, low quality, or contaminated towel and/or washing incorrectly will always cause surface marring, no matter what wax product you use. This is primarily why Zaino Z5 was created. It effectively deals with and fills this micro marring that is bound to occur on daily drivers and caring for them. I have found that I am getting less and less marring though with multiple coats of Zaino Z5 and Z2. In fact, in my car's 10 year old life, it's now 99% swirl free something that I never was really able to achieve with other products, mostly thanks to proper surface prep and many coats of Zaino. So, the more coats you build up, the better your protection, but the finish is never completely resistant to marring from poor quality/dirty toweling or wash materials. Yes, Zaino definitely helps eliminate it when it happens, but it's not a total firewall of defense against scratches or swirls, nothing is actually. What I have found though, is that Zaino fills in the imperfections with much better longevity and durability than any ordinary wax loaded with silicones. The fillers in Zaino don't simply wash off like silicones, which will help keep the swirls from reappearing after every wash.



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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
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
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited July 24, 2002).]