Clearing up some Zaino questions (direct from Sal himself)

[I8ABMR]

I use zaino all of the time and I am pretty sure that this info is on the website. for best accuracy check there or just call them

[laski]

Is there a way to locate someone in Houston who can do this "first application". I'm scared if I try and get a regular detail shop to do it, they wont do the job correctly.

[clellandm]

I have heard nothing but good things about Zaino products from a friend with an Infiniti G35, so was reading this thread as well as a few other detailing-related threads before placing the order.

I read something slightly disturbing and wanted to see if anyone could confirm since it affects which polish I will need. I have a 2009 IS250 in Obsidian Black and saw that Lexus doesn't put clearcoat on their black cars. That seems crazy to me, but is it correct?

[TrendyTodd]

Originally Posted by clellandm

I have heard nothing but good things about Zaino products from a friend with an Infiniti G35, so was reading this thread as well as a few other detailing-related threads before placing the order.

I read something slightly disturbing and wanted to see if anyone could confirm since it affects which polish I will need. I have a 2009 IS250 in Obsidian Black and saw that Lexus doesn't put clearcoat on their black cars. That seems crazy to me, but is it correct?

Yes, Lexus/Toyota black does not have a clearcoat. That should not affect polish type though. From what I've heard, there is a clear thats mixed in with the paint. How true this is, I don't know, but I've also heard this from paint/body shop employees.

[clellandm]

Originally Posted by TrendyTodd

Yes, Lexus/Toyota black does not have a clearcoat. That should not affect polish type though. From what I've heard, there is a clear thats mixed in with the paint. How true this is, I don't know, but I've also heard this from paint/body shop employees.

So no true clearcoat over the black, but possibly mixed in. I believe that there is clear in there somewhere the way the car was shining today!

Which Zaino polish would be best in this case (accounting for proper use of clay bar, their wash, etc) - the Z-2 Pro that is for clear coated paint, or the Z-3 for regular paint?

[UDel]

Originally Posted by clellandm

I have heard nothing but good things about Zaino products from a friend with an Infiniti G35, so was reading this thread as well as a few other detailing-related threads before placing the order.

I read something slightly disturbing and wanted to see if anyone could confirm since it affects which polish I will need. I have a 2009 IS250 in Obsidian Black and saw that Lexus doesn't put clearcoat on their black cars. That seems crazy to me, but is it correct?

Not exactly sure about the IS but my black 2001 GS430 has a clearcoat. Pre 2001 black GS cars did not have a clearcoat added on top of the final coat but I believe had clear mixed in with the paint. I believe all black Lexus vehicles after 01 had a separate final clearcoat but maybe I am wrong, I would think your black IS has a clearcoat added after the final paint coat but there is a possibility it is just mixed in. Single stage paint jobs or paint jobs without a final clearcoat layer generally have a deeper darker look to them which is one reason black is more popular for not having a clearcoat added.

[TrendyTodd]

I just use Z5 Pro on all types of paints.

[clellandm]

Just Z5 would sure keep things simple.

Reading at the Zaino site, they recommend a multi-step process involving several products - like Z5 almost as a prep for the Z2 or Z3 finish coats. All those steps probably created a market for their 'all in one' product for people who wanted the quality product without the added confusion!

[jtrue28]

this may be a dumb question, but seeing that "black" cars do not have a clear coat...does this apply to my "Black Sapphire Pearl" color? It's not "black" so to speak, but it is very dark and the only time you'll know it's blue is when the sun is shining on it.

I've been using Zaino Z2 with ZFX, Z6, Z8 and clay bars. I've never seen a shine that I see after applying Z2 and Z6....WOW!!!

[TrendyTodd]

Originally Posted by jtrue28

this may be a dumb question, but seeing that "black" cars do not have a clear coat...does this apply to my "Black Sapphire Pearl" color? It's not "black" so to speak, but it is very dark and the only time you'll know it's blue is when the sun is shining on it.

I've been using Zaino Z2 with ZFX, Z6, Z8 and clay bars. I've never seen a shine that I see after applying Z2 and Z6....WOW!!!

Pearl and Mica colors have clearcoat. Being that your car is dark, you should try a bottle of Z5, as its primarily used for darker colors. You may or may not see a difference from Z2, but I have seen differences between Z5 and Z2. Just my opinion.

[I8ABMR]

Originally Posted by jtrue28

this may be a dumb question, but seeing that "black" cars do not have a clear coat...does this apply to my "Black Sapphire Pearl" color? It's not "black" so to speak, but it is very dark and the only time you'll know it's blue is when the sun is shining on it.

I've been using Zaino Z2 with ZFX, Z6, Z8 and clay bars. I've never seen a shine that I see after applying Z2 and Z6....WOW!!!

I have to agree 150%. My car is the beautiful black saphire pearl as well


ZAINO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[et025]

how should i treat surface scratches before using zaino for the first time?

[Bushwack]

From the "duh, now I get it" file:

For nine years I've been using Zaino. Recently I bought a 1990 Buick Reatta (white - original paint in good condition and never been in an accident). I washed the car with Dawn and was ready to apply Zaino AIO and then start with multiple coats of Z5 until, like a V8 moment, thought I'd clay the car (my first time). I always thought claying was a tough PITA thing to do...and I was right but it wasn't that bad.

Since 98% of you know the benefits of claying, I'll skip the process. But the purpose of this post is a message to others that claying is a very important process for Zaino prep (or any significant car care prep). I couldn't believe the difference it makes or should I say, the sediments..the garbage the clay took off the surface of the car (after the Dawn).

I clayed the Reatta and also clayed all but a quarter of the trunk of my Z28. On the Reatta, I've already applied and removed the Z-AIO and have one coat of Z5 (should be able to remove tomorrow and apply/remove additional coats throughout the coming week). On the Z28, I'm on my 3rd coat of Z2 and you can see on the trunk the benefits of claying (I'll finish it off with two coats of Z-CS). Its not a significant difference as the paint is in excellent condition but still, I can tell the difference.

So...just want to reiterate what others have been saying. It is worth taking an extra hour to first clay the car.

[jimmyXthai]

my gf's car got keyed what would be the best product to use?

i have used scratchx and it helped a little, the scratches are on the clear not down to the paint

thanks