1 more quiestion and I should be done LOL. Can you use ZFX over z1. I Z1 the car then 3 coats of Z5. Can I use Z2 & ZFX over this??

 

You can, but you need only either the ZFX or the Z-1 , both are activators and if a customer has one , then they do not need the other. Z-1 has been around since the 80's and for years was Sal's only activator until he delveloped the one step ZFX activator a few years ago.

 

You don't need to use the ZFX if you used Z1. You can use it just for the quicker dry time but it's not required. You should only really purchase one or the other IMO.

 

I already had Z1 from awhile back and bought the ZFX. I put Z1 on before the Z5 not realizing that I didn't need both. Just want to make sure that ZFX over Z1 will not hinder the quality of the shine.

 

No, it will not hurt it all, it will be even better....all Zaino products are compatiable with each other...

 

Thanks for the help. I have run into all kinds of problems but I think I am about to get it completed. Putting on the Wax coats Sat.

 

Out of curisosity...

I figured Z1 would be phased out by now... any reason it is still being offered since ZFX has been out so long now?

 

Z1 is a great cleaner and depth enhancer for the Z system. After 8 coats or so, if one is not re-prepping finish, a layer application of Z1 will help clean-up the outer most layer of Z so that the next layer of polish is being applied to a "clear" surface. I like to work the Z1 into the finish to the point that it almost disappears. Works great and using this method does not increase the drying time of Z2 or 5 greatly.

 

An interesting point, but how much "cleaning" can Z1 actually do, being that it has no abrasives?

I always thought that Z1 was an activator for the polish just as ZFX is.

 

Very mild cleaning and it is a chemical cleanser. Z1 is a surface prep solution that prepares the surface for maximum Z polish adhersion. The activation appears to be more chemical but not catalytic (ZFX). That is why one can layer z2 or Z5 without Z1 after the initial coating with Z1 + Z2 or Z5. Z polish will adhere to themselves but Z polishes need ZFX or Z1 to form that initial " strong bond" to a finish.
Is Z1 necessary? No. But I have been using Zaino prior to ZFX's introduction a couple of years ago and always enjoyed the depth and wetness enhancement I got from using Z1 after 6-8 coats.

 

I have been using Zaino for several years as well (prior to ZFX), however, once ZFX came out, I didn't really have a use for Z1, (which I still have half a bottle of...)

There's been a lot of talk about using Z1 with ZFX, and it always seems to be a gray area.

 

Z-1 really does no cleaning, it's a base coat that will chemically neutralize any waxes that are on the surface and has many limitations compared to ZFX. If you need to deep clean the surface of your car I would suggest a product like 3M Scratch and Swirl Remover.

 

Thanks for clearing that up Carl!

That is what I originally thought, but it's nice to be sure.

 

Z-1 does have mild cleaning ability per label and Sal. Z1 cleans, preps surface for maximum bonding and enhances gloss. We maybe confusing neutralizing and cleaning? The oily contaminates should be neutralized by the "Dawn" or similiar solutions via surfactants actions on oils and the 3M SMR is used to remove blemishes on the finish.

 

From Website:
-Z1 SHOW CAR POLISH LOK PRE-CLEANER AND GLOSS CONDITIONER

For optimum results Z-1 Polish Lok™ must be used before applying Show Car Polishes Z-2, Z-3 or Z-5. A unique non-abrasive formulation for regular and clear-coated paint finishes. Z-1 Polish Lok™ is not your typical pre-cleaner, like everyone else sells, but a very special base-coat foundation for all our Show Car Polishes. It gently cleans, conditions and prepares the paint finish for Show Car Polish. Z-1 Polish Lok™ creates an optically perfect, flat molecular bond between paint and polish to increases light refraction and reflectivety.

Z-1 Polish Lok™ will dramatically heighten the "wet-looking", mirror gloss and lock in the gloss protection shield. Apply a thin coat of Z-1 Polish Lok™ using a 100% cotton cloth or applicator pad, in a circular motion, to the entire vehicle, no rubbing is necessary, DO NOT WIPE OFF. Follow directions on Show Car Polish, and apply directly over hazed Z-1 Polish Lok™. Z-1 Polish Lok™ is recommended twice a year on everyday vehicles and once a year on show cars. One eight ounce bottle of Z-1 Polish Lok™ will do approximately eight mid-size cars.


I have received all these benefits from Z1. This along with ZFX makes Zaino almost unbeatable in appearance and protection.