Questions on detailing with Zaino...

[seancgn68]

I finally convinced my wife to let me buy some Zaino products to detail my 3 week old '05 4Runner Ltd. (on the condition that I do her Lexus RX300 when I am done... 'sigh').

Anyway, below is my intended process based on some things I have read here. Can someone who has used Zaino on their 4Runner tell me approx how much time this takes? I'm willing to put in the effort, but I am trying to plan my day.

Also, do you need to wax after this? Zaino says no, but I think I read that some people recommend it anyway.

I also had planned on using microfiber clothes as I have a ton of them, but Zaino says only use 100% cotton towels. Anyone have any good/bad experiences one way or the other? Any other hints or suggestions?

1) Wash with Dawn, dry
2) Claybar with Z-18 and lubricant
3) Wash again with car wash soap, dry
4) Polish with Z-2 mixed with ZFX
5) One coat of Z-6
6) Another coat of Z-2 with ZFX
7) Final coat of Z-6

 

[dcampen]

Anyway, below is my intended process based on some things I have read here. Can someone who has used Zaino on their 4Runner tell me approx how much time this takes? I'm willing to put in the effort, but I am trying to plan my day.


1) Wash with Dawn, dry
2) Claybar with Z-18 and lubricant
3) Wash again with car wash soap, dry
4) Polish with Z-2 mixed with ZFX
5) One coat of Z-6
6) Another coat of Z-2 with ZFX
7) Final coat of Z-6

This is the complete treatment, I would guess that it is going to take all day but, really, I have no idea how long it takes you to wash or claybar the truck.

Also, you don't really apply a "coat of Z6". Z6 spray is used very sparingly as a "gloss enhancer". You use it when you buff the Z2 to bring out the maximum shine.

Also, do you need to wax after this? Zaino says no, but I think I read that some people recommend it anyway.

Do you need to wax ... This is a very subjective question. Probably if you have a severe case of OCD and are not taking your medication then you will find that you need to wax. Most people though don't see a need to put wax over Zaino.

I also had planned on using microfiber clothes as I have a ton of them, but Zaino says only use 1000% cotton towels. Anyone have any good/bad experiences one way or the other? Any other hints or suggestions?

Quality microfiber towels are fine. The Zaino comment about towels; what they are trying to say is don't use cheap, crappy towels that have fibers which will scratch the paint.

 

[markman100]

I've read here that most people finish with a topper of Z-8. They say it really brings out the shine.
I'm glad you asked that question as I'm about to do the same to my new 05 runner. I think I'll wait until the summer humidity lowers as I've read about long drying times during humid conditions.

 

[seancgn68]

I've read here that most people finish with a topper of Z-8. They say it really brings out the shine.
I'm glad you asked that question as I'm about to do the same to my new 05 runner. I think I'll wait until the summer humidity lowers as I've read about long drying times during humid conditions.

I assume in MD your are having the same crappy hot and humid weather we have had here for the last I don't rememebr how long. I agree... will definitely wait for some less humid weather if I can curb my enthusiasm that long .

 

[dcampen]

The latest formulation of Z-2, now called Z-2Pro, is supposed to be better at curing in humid conditions.

Z-8 is used like Z-6, it is sort of an improved version, you use it very sparingly as you buff the finish. You can use Z-8 in place of Z-6.

 

[General Lee]

It will take you most of the day if not longer depending on how fast and hard you want to work. My advice is take your time and do a thorough job. It won't hurt a thing to add another layer of Z-2 the next day if you get to tired or run out of time. Just hit the runner up with some Z 6 before adding another layer. Good quality microfiber towels will work just fine. I'd rather use them over terry towels anyway. No need to wax, Zaino is a paint sealant which is far more durable than a wax. You can top Zaino with a wax if you wish but it may change the look of your finish ie; it may add depth or shine or it may dampen your shine or cause it to be less reflective so to speak. Its all on the look that YOU want. Some people that topped Zaino w/ a carnuba wax were not very pleased with the look. They claimed it took away the sharp reflections Zaino gave them.

 

[seancgn68]

Thanks for the opinions everyone. I wasn't sure if I would notice much of difference in the shine on a white vehicle using high quality products, but after seeing posted pictures of other white 4Runners, I'm hell bent on shining my baby up. They look a lot better than mine did the day I picked it up from the dealer!

This is such a great site for information. I had no idea what a claybar even was before I started reading here. My new paint is feeling pretty rough, so I am guessing it needs it bad.

Now if we could just get rid of this 90% humidity every day so I don't have to wait 3 days for the polish to dry...

 

[kdii02]

Well, the basic process for me was accomplished in a few hours but I spent a few more hours that week wiping the truck down with z-6 and adding more coats of Z2pro.

Wash & Clay bar took less than 1 hr.
Wiped down then truck with z-6 - 5-10 minutes
Added the ZFX accelerator to the polish and Z2pro 2 minutes.
Applied and polished with the Zaino Clear Coat polish about 45minutes. (Dries fast with the accelerator).
Wiped down again with z-6 5-10 minutes
Applied and polished with z2pro (1st coat) 1 hr.
Wiped down with z-6 and applied a second coat of z2pro (1hr)
Wiped down with Z-8 sealer 10 minutes.

Z2pro and the Z5 polish dries really fast with the ZFX accelerator even when its humid here in PA. I did find that it is ideal to apply it in a less humid condition. The 95degree days we had here in PA the last couple weeks were actually great for Zaino applications. In the shade of course.

That was what I did the first day. Then I got lucky and the truck stayed fairly clean all week. I just came home and wiped it down with z-6 and put a couple more coats on of Z2pro throughout the week. Its not necessary to do multiple coats but it is worth the extra time. I did the wheels too and it works great on them.

Z-8 is new and works awesome for that extra gloss. It really is a great topper to all that hard work. Its not cheap though, but again worth it.