I've been reading Zaino posts since I ordered my G in December. The question I haven't seen answered is does Zaino give your car the same feel as a waxed car. I use the fingernail test, where you lightly run your fingernails across the car like a soft backhand not like you would on a chalkboard. It should feel like ice. Do you get the same feel with Zaino and how long will you keep that texture without putting 5 coats on? I don't mind waxing my car at all and I've always waxed at least twice a month.

I'm sure I've confused some people but if anyone can help me change to the dark side I'd greatly appreciate it.

Russ

Black w/willow, 6MT, nav, & aero
Jax, FL

 

well the true way to test your paint is to get cellophane and drag it across your paint. if you can feel small bumps then your paint is contaminated.

ive been using zaino for 2 years and my results are far superior than any wax. zaino is permanent and can only be removed with rubbing alcohol. wax is not. zaino lasts for a while, but i zaino my car at least once a month. also my paint is still smooth as the day i got it. and its been through 2 years of rain, birdcrap, dust and a crapload of other stuff.

i drive a yellow s2000 btw. just in case your wondering about the 2 year bit.

 

Let's just say that it's as smooth as a baby's behind. One thing though, when you use wax, you could always count on that smooth feeling of fresh wax. Check it a week later, and it's not as good. Zaino is good, and stays good. If you don't have time to wax after you wash your car, zimply spray Z6 and wipe off. Bam, there's the silky smooth feeling again.

<font color=blue>-Rick
'03 G35C 6MT Ivory Pearl</font color=blue>

 

Thanks. Both of you answered my questions. I think it's time to order.

Russ

Black w/willow, 6MT, nav, & aero
Jax, FL

 

no problem! make sure you get a years supply of zaino that way you dont have to keep on paying for shipping everytime you run out of something. ie one bottle of z1 will last a lifetime but z2 and z5 will run out eventually. also stockpile z6 and z7. im constantly running low on those.

also be prepared! the first time you zaino it will take forever. probably an entire day and youll be damn tired afterwards. but the results are definitely worth it. after that applying zaino becomes alot easier!

 

Did you guys need to use the clay bar on your new G? Or is the factory paint "uncontaminated"?

Also, is there a cheaper clay bar (other than the Zaino) that I could buy? $17 sounds kind of steep.

G35 6MT/DG/Fully Loaded

 

Yeah i clay bar-ed before i CG pro-ed my car!

It really helps, but you have to make sure that no clay is left on the car, ie. spots where their wasn't enough lubricant.

You can pick up cheaper clay bar kits at local retailers.

'03.5 Bril Silver/Black || Prem || Perf || Aero || Solid Allum Pedals || Allum Matts (Infinit Logo) || Tints

 

If you just got your car, you don't need the clay bar. You should be fine with Dawn then Zaino.

G35 Coupe. Diamond Graphite, Graphite, Premium and wheel and Tire package. Zaino Baby.

 

actually new cars are already contaminated. they get contanminated from any kind of particle fallout ie dust, rail dust, brake dust etc which then imbeds into the fresh paint. and when you start waxing your car you end up sealing all those contaminants into your paint which is no good.

well actually it really depends on how **** you are. if you think your paint is smooth enough upon delivery then you dont have to clay, but if you find your paint a little rough upon delivery then clay away.

you can learn all this stuff from the zaino website at www.zainobros.com

 

oh and when you order the zaino clay you get two bars in that bottle instead of just one. when i first ordered it i thought it was just for one also, but then you get two in that bottle. so i just used one when i first started zainoing and used the second one a year later.

 

or you can be like me ... hire a professional detailer to come to my work every Thursday to wash and wax my baby. $100 a month! Time is money ya know!?!?!

DP G35 coupe/ AT / Prem graphite / Sport / Aero / Titanium 19 tint / 5 wire hyper-ground kit
San Diego, CA

 

You can test you paint, to see if you need to clay bar. As s2k2sti says, it's up on their website.

G35 Coupe. Diamond Graphite, Graphite, Premium and wheel and Tire package. Zaino Baby.

 

Agree w/ s2k, clay bar. Don't go half way. You'll be shocked how much crap you'll pick up with the cay bar on a brand new car. When you're done, the Z2 will bond much better,and the shine will be superior.
A stitch in time saves nine.

DB

 

So when claying - do you go over the WHOLE car? or only where you "feel" contaminants using the baggie-method?

Also -I'm ready to place my order soon and I was thinking of stocking up. How many coats (for a G35) will the bottles REALLY last (Z2, Z6, Z7, ZFX)?

Thanks in advance.

G35 6MT/DG/Fully Loaded

 

You do the whole car. Personally I think claying is overated, unless you have some grease residue on your car. I only did it once on my E55 and it wasn't pleasant. I'm pretty sure I was doing it wrong. When I was claying I felt it wasn't doing anything. I figure I was using to much lubricant, so I used a little less. Then the clay will get stuck on the car. What a pain in the butt. Then if you drop the clay of the floor you are SOL, because now the clar bar has little rocks stuck in it and have to either somehow remove them. If you forgot to remove a single rock or you will do a number on your paint job.

As for how long the product last it depends on how you apply it. Since you are using it for the first time, it will last about 10 coats. You will tend to use way to much. Remember when you apply it, you don't really have to see the haze. We are so use to using regular wax that we expect to see the white haze when we apply it. With one ounce of Zainos I can apply about 3 coats on my car. Z6 Spray should last just as long. 2-3 sprays is enough to do the whole hood. I seen people use like 10 sprays on the hood, which is way to much. When using Zainos, use the Less is More theory. Otherwise you will be wasting to much polish, and it is going to be more difficult to remove the polish.

Short answer is to your question, it should last about a year assuming you are putting about 2-3 coats per month.

G35C 6MT / AMG E55<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by wreck on 08/25/03 10:49 AM.</EM></FONT></P>