Hey guys. None of you have failed me yet with my performance upgrades, so I'm giving into zaino. I have a black SS, and was wondering which products I need? I am a COMPLETE zaino newbie. Right now, I use the Meguires gold class 3 step method, but want a better shine, so am going to zaino. What do I need to do from this point? Thanks.

 

I have a black TransAm (click on my sig for some pics when it is all cleaned up with Zaino). I also used other waxes until I came on this board and gave Zaino a try--I love it. Anyways, I use Z1, Z2, Z5, and Z7. I still have not clayed my car yet-I don't know if I really know how to do it right (i tried once on part of my hood and it didn't look any better and too me FOREVER, so I want to find someone that knows how and try it again). I don't have leather interior, but my brother does and loves the Z9 and Z10. Anyways, that's what I use, but a couple other people on the board will probably be able to tell you better.

 

You definitely want to prep the car right. Wash it with Dawn and then clay it until it is perfectly smooth, free of any contamination. If no repairs are needed, start Zainoing away.

I'd recommend getting the Z-5 polish (since your car is black), Z-6 enhancer spray, Z-7 wash, Z-18 claybar and the ZFX additive. Get some extra applicator pads too. Buy a 100% cotton wash mitt (NAPA is about the only place to find them) and towels.

 

Yeah, the Gold Class produces a good initial shine, but the durability and protection are horrible, for Meguiar's normal standards.

For starters on a black car, I'd probably get:
ZFX - Flash cure Accelerator
Z5 - For Swirls/Dark colors
Z6 - Gloss Enhancing QD spray
Z7 - Zaino car wash

If you've never clayed, I'd recommend the Zaino clay (Z18). The other products are great too, like the tire product (Z16), and leather products, but are optional and solely up to you.

For application tips, read over www.zainobros.com a few times and check out www.lazaino.com for their application tips section. There's really not much work involved in doing the Zaino itself, most of the work comes from prep work, which should obviously be done anyway. You'll first need to DAWN wash the car a time or two to remove any remaining Gold Class wax. Then, I'd recommend you clay the car, then use a swirl remover or paint cleaner if necessary. This is generally normal for prep work. Wash again with Z7, then begin the Zaino. Mix up the ZFX in the supplied bottles per directions and apply a coat to the car, wait for it to fully dry then buff with a good quality cotton towel. With ZFX you can add up to 3 coats of the ZFX/Z5 per day. Without ZFX, you can only do one coat per day and it will take longer to cure and dry.

HTH!