OK ... I've been using this stuff for 2 months now and am rather underwhelmed. The Z-16 and the Detail Spray are pretty decent, but the polishing system is a PITA.

As far as being easier to put on, I find it to be about a wash - the effort to spread it thin is just as much work as rubbing in Gold Class. I'm not sure the stuff ever really dries, it never "hazes" - 2 hours 90+ temp.
The finished effect is more or less one continous swirl - sort of like smearing a film of oil over the car. After going over it with the Detail Spray about two times it will start to look decent. I also seem to have more of the sunlight scratches with Zaino than I did with Gold Class.

I know everyone sez the trick is to ensure you spread it thin. OK ... I've used Z-1 twice once 2 months ago and again this weekend - the bottle is only down not quite a 1/2" from the top. Z-5 I've used 3 times and it is only down to the top of the label. Is it possible I'm using to little? Basically I use a spot about the size of a dime to do a quarter panel. I've tried applying Z-5 with and with out the Detail Spray.

I Dawned, Claybar and Dawned again before the first time. Fieldcrest Cotton towels with the biasing cut off.

Bottom line - what, if anything, do I do if I want to go back to Gold Class? Can I put it over the top of the Zaino?

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'01 Mystic Teal Z28
A4/3.23
Leather/T-Tops
Mods - KBDD SFC
13.59/103.16 Driver Improving
MysticZ28

 

I don't like using dime sized spots as it's too hard to spread them out. I use 2 or 2 parallel lines, more on the first few sections until the pad gets damp, and then wipe perpendicular to the lines. That makes it much easier to apply. Sounds like you might be using too much Z-1 and not enough Z-5. It seems to take about the same amount of each, 1/4 to 3/8" of the bottle per application. A little more on hot dry days.

It should dry in an hour or three. You need to have plenty of towel to polish it off. I use one or sometimes 2 bath towels to do my whole car. Polish it off with one side of the towel and then finish it off with a clean side. I usually what was the clean side for the first polish of the next section and then findish that off with another clean side.

Ira
Los Angeles Zaino Distributor

 

Taking forever to dry means using too much but the way you describe it sounds like maybe you are not using enough, kind of confusing. If it is just as much work as "waxing", something is definitely wrong. Zaino goes on so easy and comes off even easier, hard to figure out why you are having a problem. I'd almost have to watch you to see what the problem is you are having.

The problem you are having with drying definitely sounds like you are using too much product, either that or you park it in a sauna.

With applications of Z-5 the swirls should be reduced with each application, if they are surface swirls. Most GM paint jobs I've seen have some amount of swirl marks in the color coat, under the clear coat. Nothing you can do about them except repaint it. You can really tell about the swirls under bright flourescent lights. You won't notice swirls in the color coat but surface swirls will definitely be noticeable. The reason you may see them more is because Zaino is essentially optically perfect.

Whatever problem you are having, which is confusing, at least to me, the BEST thing about Zaino is the durability and protection it provides.



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Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, STB, SLP loudmouth

Louisville, KY

 

V6, Why are you using Z-1 again. Z-1 should be put on at the beginning of the process and left on. You should then go over it with Z-2 or Z-5. When that drys you should remove with a quality cotton towel.
When I apply Z-2 or 5 I dampen the applicator pad with Z-6 put one line approx 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the top to bottom and spred it out with my finger. Then I start to apply. This one line will put enough to do 1/2 of the hood. Zaino is dry when you can rub your finger and remove it to see the paint (not smeared)
Hope this helps

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***Authorized Zaino Bros' Show car Polish distributor***
george13@adelphia.net

 

If it's smearing when you're rubbing it off, it hasn't dried fully yet. Especially if it's in 90* heat, chances are the humidity will be high too, which slows drying time down.

You might try putting the polish on at night and then letting it dry overnight. Then see if it comes off easier in the morning. If so, that will at least let you know you need to let it dry longer.

Hope you figure it out!

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Solomon
Life...what's the point?
Silver '95 Camaro Z28 M6: 14.3 @ 98.7 - Will improve!
White '90 Cadillac deVille: 16.3 @ 81.4 - Static for now.
Learn how to tune your LT1 PCM!

 

Well based on volume of use it sounds like I used the right amount of Z-1 and too little Z-5. Solomon, the reason I used Z-1 again, is I thought maybe I screwed up the first time - applied Z-2 right after applying the Z-1. So this time I waited about an hour, basically wanted to see if I got different results - didn't, got the same. In between I had put the 3 apps of Z-5 and got the same results each time. I don't think humidity is factor, it's been around 40% to 50%.

So I'm basically at this point, I'll give the Z-5 another shot this weekend. I'll do the stripe thing instead of the spot and use a more. Hopefully this works, if not I've gotta go back to Gold Class - what used to to take me 2-3 hours is now taking me about 4-5. The results just aren't that dramtically different to warrent the extra time and basically shooting the whole day.

My only question is are there any issues with putting Gold Class on top of Zaino?

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'01 Mystic Teal Z28
A4/3.23
Leather/T-Tops
Mods - KBDD SFC
13.59/103.16 Driver Improving
MysticZ28

 

I'm not sure if you did this but it does make a huge difference. Make sure to wash the vehicle with dawn before you put the z1 on otherwise you will get strange results. I'm putting my 6th coat of polish on this morning and my car is now a big red mirror

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Jeff R.
http://server5.homeip.net
97 RED RS, intake, exhaust, suspension, and sound.