Actually Sal markets Z2/Z5 as a polish, which is obviously false. This has been a longstanding criticism but for whatever reason he refuses to market it as a sealant.

Also, Zaino is not irrefutably the longest lasting sealant. There are other sealants and even some waxes that are as or more durable. The fact that Zaino is very durable is true, but it is the most widely promoted product that has 6+ months durability, thus it is often referred to as "the most durable".

Proclaiming any detailing product as "the best" is foolish. There is no "best" when it comes to detailing, only the right product for the job. Zaino is a fine product for people who like its visual qualities and don't mind the catalyst requirement.

I'm a little perturbed that someone not liking Zaino has elicited this sort of response.

Oh, and for the record the old assumption that wax as you dry products are inherently bad is totally incorrect. There have been three recent additions to the market which prove that "wax as you dry" is a growing market, and that the products that fill that niche are definitely worth trying.

 

Okay tuff guy..let me in lighten you. I've been in the detail business
for over 15 years and presently have a mustang that has won
7 BEST OF SHOWS with 4 articles in FAST FORD Magazine.

hMMM, Maybe I do know a little something about, shine/gloss/depth/wetness/clarity..But then again since I've only
posted 2 times, I must be a dumbass.

Keep thinking ZAINO is all that..and that your shine is all that when
it could be 5-10 times better!

As I said before. Keep searching BECAUSE different products/ colors give
different results. And yes DG is a tuff one BUT not to were you
have to give up!

Some FYI for the knuckle head who posted this comment towards me.
Do more research before you put your foot into your mouth.

Applying products the correct way is most of the battle. Then the
product it self comes into play. I use 5 different types of pads to apply/cut/clean paint then 3 different pads to polish/wax. Then 3 different micro fiber towels to buff.

Boy, don't you feel stupid now.

Happy Trails!

 

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v661/blackbad2thebone/DetailsidedoormeGP.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

That's a pic of my 04 Grand Prix (Daily Driver) it's okay........

 

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v661/blackbad2thebone/DetailRearQuarterme.jpg" border="0" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"></a>

Another 1 at 3:00 pm..Not bad for Pontiac crap paint.

 

I'm trying to think of 8 different possible pad combinations..........and there aren't any!!

What can you do with 5 different pads for apply/cut/clean? I can understand an orange/yellow cutting pad for the cutting stage, and a green/white pad for the polishing stage, probably a finishing pad for the cleaner stage...and another finishing pad for a sealant/wax.

That's 4 pads, unless you're counting 2 pads for cutting and another 2 for polishing.

And 3 DIFFERENT mf's to buff off? Why would you need 3 different towels, I can imagine using 3 same towels to buff off, but why would 3 different towels make you any more of a pro.

I do believe you're correct in saying that Zaino is NOT the greatest thing since sliced bread. It is a GREAT sealant (NOT POLISH) but as you said, there are MANY and MANY more terrific products out there that produce all sorts of looks and feels. Zaino just happens to have a terrific following, good job to Sal for making that happen.

If anyone would like to try any different detailing brands, these are all highly recommended.

Poorboy's
Meguiar's
Four Star
Menzerna
Optimum
Mother's (OTC)
Pinnacle
Clearkote

-Mark

P.S. Anyone can post reflection pictures that look good.

 

what would you guys recommend as an alternative to zaino, with the emphasis on longevity? Either sealant or wax?

 

You should get a ticket for causing blindness on the road

 

So what do you recommend for DG? I've used NXT once and it seemed cool. I've picked up some Zaino but haven't used it yet.

 

4* UPP or Menzerna FMJ for sealants or Collinite #845 for a carnauba wax. Any one of those three should look good on DG and all three will last 4+ months.

 

IMO, I have never had any luck with any brand or type of carnauba having any longevity, especially on black paint. Think about it, higher quality carnuba's often recommend softening the carnuba in you hand first before applying. If body temps soften it, how long willit actually last on a black car where the surface temps can exceed 130 if left in the sun?

Anyway, I have tried many products over the years and have found that Zaino is what has worked for me and my needs. Since the G is not garaged, I need a durable product and when I layer it and wash frequently, Zaino has been the most durable product I have used. That said, I have heard and seen people get phenomenal result using other products and I may possibly try them in the future. A few layers of Zaino look great, but I know it can be better. Anyone who swears by anyone thing as the end all be all for every type and color of paint is foolish.

I'll post some Zaino pics later. For now, here are the results from using Detailing Dnamics polish before I applied their sealant. AWESOME products, but I feel their sealant wasn't as durable, although I think they will be coming out with an improved version soon. I will go on record as saying their CAR SHAMPOO and WHEEL Shampoo is the best I have ever used!!! They do their homework when they develop their products!

Don't mind the white "scratches" in the pics. These are scanned photos and teh photolab ROYALY screwed up the developing. There must have been large amounts of dust in their equipment!

Again, all these pics were taken before sealant except for the first one in the parking lot.

 

there was a test done a while ago which testd zaino, meguiars nxt, zymol and a bunch of other waxes. zaino outperformed them all on every aspect except price. shine, long lasting, etc etc etc...

 

I guess only 1 company makes pads? I have about 40-50 different types
of pads in my garage from about 12 different companies.

Same goes with the M/F's tons to pick from, all with different
qualities.

See above for pro status. You can't be tops in your field without
trying/searching/exploring all different products. I've recently (last 4)
years started to mix/match products and that works for me. My min
$ to show up for exterior detail is $350.00 (and that could be for a 2 door mini coupe). I guess I know what I'm doing because my schedule is always
full.

As for the pics..Come on..Take a good look at that first one and then
tell me anybody can just post pics that look good. Thats on a ****y
Grand Prix paint job that is never garaged. Guess you didnt notice that
speed bump running through the door,hmmm.

 

Less arguing, more sharing of experience / info.

BadBoy, if you can make crappy GM paint look that good, props on ya!

I really like Zaino's leather products as well... Leatherique is still my favorite, but the Zaino is easier to use... Lexol is good stuff in a pinch, and their vinyl product is good stuff too.

 

4* UPP or Menzerna FMJ for sealants or Collinite #845 for a carnauba wax. Any one of those three should look good on DG and all three will last 4+ months.

x2

NXT will give you a decent job on the DG. Best tip for that one is.
If temps are below 60* do paint in the sun..Let set for about 20-30
mins and buff off with finial inspection or quick detail/with TERRY CLOTH Towel not a M/F. M/F's will PULL to much of the polish properties out of the pores in the paint. Or do a double coat/back to back (THIN) using different applicator pads. Then buff off as I said before.

 

Diesel - you're right, in general sealants are more durable than waxes. How much more durable is arguable of course, but I think 2-4 months with a wax and 4-6 months with a good sealant is pretty standard. Of course there are exceptions to this rule - Collinite 845 has outlasted any sealant I've ever used in my experience. Then again it has a pretty specific look that not everyone will like.

I think we can all agree after reading this thread that it's different strokes for different folks, and that a car that is properly prepped will look good with just about and sealant or wax on it. I personally tend to gravitate towards waxes, but only because I like the more "muted glow" you get from them. There is a harshness about sealants that I just find a little hard on the eyes - then again I have customers who *love* that look.