OK, my brother and I bought Z1, Z2, Z5, Z6, the ZFX kit, and that neat-o cotton applicator. I don't know if I should use the regular instructions, or the ZFX instructions, is any one of them better? And if I go with the regular instructions, do I use Z1, then Z5, then Z2. Or is it Z1, Z2, Z5? It says, "Apply Z5 or Z2 directly over the Z1. Help!

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--David--
CZ28.com's Defender of the V6!
1995 white Firebird 3.4 V6 A4 w/ T-tops
Mods:Kenwood KDC516S stereo, front and rear Alpine speakers, Flowmaster 80 series, Firebat and Autografics decals, Moroso CAI, Rally Foglights, Painted interior (Silver Metallic), BMR STB, !speed, !horsepower Help CT get a dragstrip!

 

Well, since you got the ZFX, you really didn't need the Z1 unless you just wanted some to have it for later use on another car. With ZFX there's no need to ever use Z1 and ZFX allows near instant cure times, fast drying time, as well as 3 coats per day versus 1 coat with regular Z2/Z5. So, I'd follow the ZFX instructions. Neither instruction set is better, it just depends on whether you want to start off using Z1 or ZFX as the instructions are tailored for each specific product.

So, here's what you'll do,
If you use Z1: Apply Z1 to entire car, apply Z5 (or Z2) directly over the hazed Z1, wait about 1 to 2 hours for both to dry, then buff to an incredible shine. You can apply another coat of Z2 or Z5 after 24 hours if the temp is under 60, or after 6 hours if the temp is over 60 or 70. Heat actually helps cure the Z polishes, so this is the need for the wait using regular Z1+Z2/Z5.


If you use ZFX: (I'd highly recommend you start off with the new ZFX)
Mix 1 or 2 ounces of polish (Z2 or Z5) in the ZFX bottles, and add the appropriate amount of ZFX, 4 or 5 drops per ounce of polish. Apply ZFX polish to car, let dry about 30 minutes or less and buff off. You can repeat the process with 2 more coats back to back with ZFX polish, not exceeding 3 coats per day. ZFX really makes Zaino a one step product, and the benefits far exceed using regular Z1.



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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
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

I forgot to add that you really should have added the Z7 wash to the list instead of Z1. Z7 contains some of the same show car polish polymers that's in the Z polishes and really helps bring out the Zaino shine after each wash. Z7 is a really great wash and works wonderfully with the polishes. Z7 isn't your regular ordinary car shampoo, it's 10x better!

 

I don't need Z1, eh? Oh well, it's still nice to know that I can use either method of application.

I'm in the process of ZFXing right now, I mixed the Z5 with the drops. My question is: How do I know what 1 or 2 ounces look like? I just filled it up to 1/4 of the bottle, put in 6 drops, and shook. Zaino is really thin. After I buff the Z5 ZFX off, I intend to do the Z2 ZFX. Thanks for the help Mike!

 

North Haven, eh? I used to live there.

Anyway, yeah, Zaino's extremely thin, especially compared to Turtlewax, Meguiars, or any other brand. If you don't have anything to specifically measure an ounce, then use your best judgement, but don't go overboard, because it's less effective if you use too much.

 

The ZFX mixing bottles are 2 ounces each filled up, so if you half fill the bottle that's one ounce of polish. Add 4 to 5 drops of ZFX per ounce of polish for best results.

Yeah, Z1 is/was the traditional way of Zainoing before ZFX came out. Many of us Zaino "old timers" used Z1 for a long time with the polishes, and it works well, but with the new ZFX additive, Z1 is really only needed if you still want to do the traditional one coat per day Zaino process, which is fine for some folks.

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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
Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

OK, finished the Zaino. It looks REALLY good, I can't wait to put more coats on to get that really glassy look. It may be complicated, but it works damn well!

tailwind: Yeah, I live on the extreme edge of North Haven, I could crawl my way to Hamden. Stonington is damn far, why'd you move?

 

I was born in Hamden, but lived on Maple Ave. in North Haven for eight years.

I moved from North Haven all the way down to Charlotte, North Carolina, then back up to Stonington. An hour's drive really isn't so far compared to being 900 miles south.

How old are you? Might've been a chance we went to school together for a while.