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. 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. 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.

Now, I challenge the Klasse users here to try Zaino... You know who you are...

------------------
*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!

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

 

yes Mike!! i know you're calling me out

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 )

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/...4080&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
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.*
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. )

Jeff


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

Swirls...

That's enough to scare me away.


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

My Zed

[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!

------------------
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/...4080&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

 

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 ok maybe not, but zaino is much much much better i can't even begin to explain how great zaino is

 

No really, tell us how you really feel about Klasse and Zaino?

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: !!

------------------
*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!

[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.

 

ummmm, no flames intended or anything, but methinks not

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/...4080&members=1