Can Zaino handle this job?

M

MeddlingKids

New member
I recently purchased a 4 year old used vehicle and generally speaking the exterior is in great condition without dings, dents, scratches, etc. That said, the car does have some very faint cobwebs and tiny swirls, as you can see in the attached image. I have been using Zaino products for over 10 years, and while it has always excelled on new cars where I controlled the paint from the beginning, so far the products I have tried haven't been able to remove these faint marks in the image. I have tried multiple coats of Z-5 and have tried Zaino AIO, which apparently contains very mild abrasives.

I purchased the Griot's Garage Orbital polisher (and orange pads) with the intention of using it with the AIO or the Z-PC. This will be the first time I've applied any products to my cars by machine, having always done it by hand in the past. Can hand applied mild polish get these marks out, or do I need to rely on a machine to do the job? Lastly, should I explore other companies other than Zaino? Durability is important to me, but I also don't really have the time to apply 13 coats of wax to my paint these days.

Thanks in advance!

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Z-PC is what to use (with the machine). As far as whether that will be aggressive enough to correct that finish, you won't really know that until you do a test spot. You should certainly be able to improve it.
 
I did not lioke having to use all the layers of the Zaino products and add the ZFX to cure it faster.

If you are good a polishing, and can get the paint exactally how you want it to be, explore coatings (GTECH EXO, C Quartz, or Gloss Coat)

I have a personal preference and experience with the EXo and Opticoat (now Gloss Coat-Purchased but not applied yet)
 
Polish with Reflect and coat with Optimum Gloss Coat. Gloss Coat is the easiest to apply and the finish it leaves is second to none. Have an almost full bottle of CQuartz UK I'm looking to get rid of due to the application process and it being finicky compared to Gloss Coat.
 
ZPC is the Zaino polish ... there is no harm in trying it. IF it dowsn't do the job, you can try a more aggressive polish. You shouldn't have any problems using a machine to apply. I personally used Zaino for years, but have moved to the Blackfire line over the past two years -- still get great durability, but application is simpler.
 
good to know, I have 2 tubes of gloss coat and I am waiting for some good weather to try it.

52split said:
Polish with Reflect and coat with Optimum Gloss Coat. Gloss Coat is the easiest to apply and the finish it leaves is second to none. Have an almost full bottle of CQuartz UK I'm looking to get rid of due to the application process and it being finicky compared to Gloss Coat.
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Meddling kids -
Welcome !

I am very experienced with all Zaino Products and advise you to use their Z-PC compound by hand and if no luck, then by the machine..
Use their spray detailer to keep the compound moist while you work it into the paint..

It would help us all if we knew what year and model car you are working on here..

Good luck !
Dan F
 
Thanks for the replies, everybody. I will test out the Z-PC this weekend, and if it doesn't work, I'll give something else a go.
 
@52split...

How would you characterize the finish/looks of O-GlossCoat? Looking to buy some this month. Thanks.
 
To answer the previous posts, this is a 2010 Porsche Cayman. I definitely don't want to try anything too harsh initially, so maybe the Z-PC will be mild enough.

A quick question on products like Optimum Gloss Coat. After I wash, clay and polish, I would only have to apply one coat of Optimum Gloss Coat or are there other intermediary sealants/waxes I would need to apply first? This is quite a bit easier than the numerous layers of Zaino I have been applying all these years. Does it offer the same level of protection and shine?

Thanks again!
 
MeddlingKids said:
To answer the previous posts, this is a 2010 Porsche Cayman. I definitely don't want to try anything too harsh initially, so maybe the Z-PC will be mild enough.

A quick question on products like Optimum Gloss Coat. After I wash, clay and polish, I would only have to apply one coat of Optimum Gloss Coat or are there other intermediary sealants/waxes I would need to apply first? This is quite a bit easier than the numerous layers of Zaino I have been applying all these years. Does it offer the same level of protection and shine?

Thanks again!
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Only the Gloss Coat.

You want the paint as bare as possible before applying. That means alcohol(or similar) wipedown before applying.

It will offer significantly more protection for a longer period of time. It shouldn't need to be done again for years. In addition no quick detailers, additional waxes, etc. are required for maintenance.

As for gloss... that's subjective I guess. I wouldn't hesitate to say it will be as glossy as the Zaino. Gloss, IMO, comes from the prep though.
 
JVD said:
Only the Gloss Coat.

You want the paint as bare as possible before applying. That means alcohol(or similar) wipedown before applying.

It will offer significantly more protection for a longer period of time. It shouldn't need to be done again for years. In addition no quick detailers, additional waxes, etc. are required for maintenance.

As for gloss... that's subjective I guess. I wouldn't hesitate to say it will be as glossy as the Zaino. Gloss, IMO, comes from the prep though.
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Thanks, this sounds like an awesome product! Theoretically, if I wanted to use it as a sealant could I apply it over a higher gloss wax?
 
JVD said:
As for gloss... that's subjective I guess. I wouldn't hesitate to say it will be as glossy as the Zaino. Gloss, IMO, comes from the prep though.
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Oh, it will look significantly better than anything Zaino has. Over the same prep, guarantee Gloss Coat looks better.
 
Gloss Coat leaves an excellent finish on the car. Great gloss and such an easy application process compared to CQUARTZ, Finest, Zainobros, etc. If properly applied most of the gloss coat will flash off the paint leaving a slick and glossy finish on the car. I put two thick coats on my car and had only a couple high spots that needed wiping off. You won't be disappointed.
 
52split said:
Gloss Coat leaves an excellent finish on the car. Great gloss and such an easy application process compared to CQUARTZ, Finest, Zainobros, etc. If properly applied most of the gloss coat will flash off the paint leaving a slick and glossy finish on the car. I put two thick coats on my car and had only a couple high spots that needed wiping off. You won't be disappointed.
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This stuff sounds incredible. Why isn't everybody using it? There must be some downsides.

On another note, a few people in this thread have recommended I go with the Reflect Polish. What are the benefits of using this rather than Menzerna (SF 4500, for example)?
 
I have a small arsenal of Wax, Sealants and Coatings...I will admit I have not used everything on the market.

Waxes, sealants and coatings each have a different "look" and longevity. Find what YOU like and use it.

My personal vehicle switch to a coating from waxes and sealants was a big decision for me.

I like the Mr. Miyagi WOWO routine. It feels good when I am finished.
I like the one-on-one time I spend with the paint on my pride-and-joy.
For me it is enjoyable, therapeutic and nothing "looks" like a quality wax.
I must say that I really do miss that time since I have applied CQuartz Finest.

I like Zaino Z-2 with ZFX. It has a bright, shiny, glass "look" and it is very hydrophobic.
The mixing of ZFX is very simple and I can get three thin coats applied in one afternoon.
Some products, after three coats, will give you a diminishing return on the finished "look".
Z-2 is excellent for layering and IMHO I feel the "look" multiplies with each additional coat.
Zaino Z-2 has great longevity and durability. Much better IMHO than most (if not all) sealants.

As far as your swirls, "If you apply Zaino Z-2 on top of swirls you will have very shiny swirls!"
I'm not sure if the polish you have will be "enough" to level & correct the paint. Try it and see.
Paint correction and Gloss Enhancement polishing is the key to obtaining that "show car" finish.
The machine you have (Griot's Garage 6" polisher) is a good machine for correction and finishing.
You need the right pad(s) and polishes and be sure the paint is completely clean before applying Z-2.
My personal favorite to clean the paint, and to check your results as you are polishing, is Carpro Eraser.

Another VERY important Item is QUALITY microfiber towels. I like Carpro BOA's and Crazy Pile for Z-6/Z-8

Solara2.jpg
 
Every car is different. My "go to's" for compounds are: Meguairs M105, Menzerna FG400
Polishes: CarPro Reflect, Menzerna SF4000, Meguairs M205, Optimum Hyper Polish

Do a small test spot with different products/pads to dial in the best combo. If I could only have ONE each...it would be FG400 and Reflect. Menzerna SF4000 and Meguairs M205 are "oily" for me when a coating will follow. Just my $.02
 
Thanks for the replies. I ordered CarPro Reflect and will try it with either the white or orange pads on my GG orbital. I'm not really excited about the idea of using a super abrasive compound, so I'm hoping the CarPro reflect will be sufficient by itself to correct the marks in the image provided.
 
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