Bert’s Blog

Classic Method: Products & Materials

Check out Bert’s Place Auto Detailing article for pointers to descriptions of the pros and cons on wax vs. sealants, as well as the more specific products and some alternatives Da Guy uses to maintain his rides both inside and out, as well as where he get’s them from. Zaino “Z” products are available on their web site.

HINT: In general, all Zaino products go a long way …so a “little dab will do ya” and “thin is in”. Using too much product will just add time to the process and consume more of your hard-earned cash, if not create negative results. Be stingy!

Required

• The normal buckets with a grit guard in the bottom, hose, water, and your favorite boar’s hair brush or microfiber wash mitts to hand-wash that ride of yours.
• HINT: Da Guy likes to use 2 buckets — one for suds, one for clear water.  Dunk your brush or mitt in the suds, spread it carefully on your ride, then rinse in the clear water and let the dirt drop through the grit guard — and keep repeating the process.
• Dawn.  Yes, Dawn, as in the dish washing detergent from your local supermarket. Get whatever scent turns you on. Your choice!
• If you prefer a more specialized product, Da Guy has also used Chemical Guys Citrus Wash in a more concentrated form (about a cap per gallon)
• Zaino Z2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Finishes
• Zaino Z6 Ultra Clean “Gloss Enhancer” Spray
• Zaino Z7 Show Car Wash. You’ll use this exclusively after application of Z2 & Z5.
• Zaino ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive for Z2 & Z5. By using this product, you can avoid a 1-time use of Z-AIO and lay down 3 layers of Z2 and/or Z5 in a single 24-hour period if that tickles your fancy. This is the way to go. If you can afford to get into the Zaino thing and plan to go all-the-way, you should use this product and skip the original need for applying a single layer of Z-AIO to start things off.
• Towels– Da Guy prefers microfiber products with pure cotton or silk bindings for nearly all purposes these days
  • For drying, Da Guy likes his Big Blue or waffle-weave towels
  • Keep a separate set of microfiber hand-sized towels exclusively for polish or sealant removal. Cross-contamination is an issue as washing does not always get out all the gunk!
    • HINT: You’ll need less towels to remove the polish if you apply minimal product. When you’re good at it, 1 or 2 smaller wash-cloth size towels will handle polish removal for each layer you apply.  If it takes you more than that, you’re probably applying too much Z2 or Z5.
  • For window cleaning, microfiber is the only way to go
    • PakShak has some terrific microfiber towels that work …better than any disposable lint-free or cotton towels, and certainly better than newspaper.  You want versions for windows which tend to have a more stiff nap than what you’d want to use on your paint surfaces.
  • You’ll also want to keep on hand a few dedicated microfiber towels or 100% cotton rags (T-shirt or “cotton undie” like material —  again with the right binding) for application of Z6 or Z8
  • HINT: 100% cotton towels (like hand towels) with 100% cotton stitching on the edges can be used as an alternative to microfiber. From Da Guy’s experience, it will take you more physical towels and a bit more energy to accomplish the same thing if you use cotton vs. microfiber.  Da Guy no longer uses cotton rags or towels in his arsenal of daily products (except for polishing pad cleaning and some product application), and has upgraded to 100% microfiber.
• 2 Polish Applicators to apply Z2 or Z5 by hand
  • Da Guy prefers CCS Red Wax/Sealant Applicator Pads and previously had good experience with Blue Perl Microfiber Applicator pads, but 100% cotton cloth (including the binding!) over foam pads work as well, such as the originals available and recommended by Zaino
  • HINT:  Da Guy keeps cleaned and fully dried applicator pads in a dedicated and labeled Ziploc bag, so that each one is used with only the same product.  Cross-contamination between between some products can cause issues, so prevention is worth the little effort.

Optional

• Zaino Z5 PRO Polish for Swirl Marks & Fine Scratches does a fabulous job on dark colors! Go ahead and substitute it back and forth as Da Guy does where ever you see a reference to Z2 PRO below. …but just remember to finish with at least one layer of Z2 PRO on top of any Z5 you may have applied. (Z2 has better optical properties according to Sal, and who’s to question the father of Zaino?)
• Zaino Z8 Grand Finale Spray Seal — the OPTIONAL fancier version of Z6 when that spit and polish last minute touch-up is the thing! There is no need to use this more expensive product as part of the polish application process below. Da Guy uses it “between polishes” with a pure cotton cloth or one of his newer Zaino Blonde Microfiber towels when he wants an even better touch-up than Z6 will do. (There is a noticeable difference both in what you see, but also in what you pay for Z8 over Z6. Hence, why Da Guy uses the less expensive Z6 for the clay process and polish application, and reserved Z8 for special times.)
• Zaino Z18 Clay Bar — Optional, but very fine clay like this is necessary to remove those little contaminants that won’t disappear with only a washing. Use a light shot of diluted Z7 or Dodo Juice Born Slippy in a spray bottle, to ease the clay on it’s way.
• Zaino Z-CS Clear Seal — Optional “apply and dry” final product to be used on top of your Z2 and Z5 layers to lengthen the staying power of all your effort. Ooohhh, wee.
• Zaino ZPC Fusion – Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover — when layers of Z2 and Z5 just won’t remove whatever problem you have, give this a try before any other more severe methods. Follow the instructions from Zaino and then apply Z2 and Z5 again over the top.

Classic & Shortcut Methods: Preparation

Done only once to prepare your vehicle for the Zaino system

1. Thoroughly wash your car with Dawn or use concentrated (one cap per gallon of water) Chemical Guys Citrus Wash.  This will REMOVE all waxes or former polishes, and not damage your paint. You don’t want to make Dawn a habit or use concentrated amounts of other products as your daily suds, but it works perfectly for this purpose.
2. Rinse (of course!)
3. “Clay” your vehicle as needed (use Z18 or equivalent) with a light mist of diluted Z7 or Dodo Juice Born Slippy in a spray bottle for lubricant. Work in 3′x3′ sections. Keep it moving and if you drop it, toss it!
4. Wash your car with Z7
5. Rinse (of course!)
6. Dry your vehicle using microfiber or 100% cotton towels
7. Double check the lower sections of your vehicle (beneath running boards, lower bumpers, behind rear wheels, etc.) that will receive polish to ensure they are perfectly clean and clear of any contaminants.  Use a white cotton towel to rub in those areas after physically feeling them with your hands. Just be careful for any sharp edges. If the towel comes off clean, you’re ready to go.
8. If you used it, put the Dawn back in the kitchen. You won’t need it again on this ride. You’ll use Z7 from here on.
9. If you plan to do any other paint correction, such as removing more severe scratches or swirls, this is where you’d want to do that work. All paint correction methods will remove any existing polish or sealant, so you’ll need to reapply when complete. (The exact process is not described here, but Da Guy uses a Porter Cable 7424 Variable Speed Random Orbital and other products identified in his Detailing page on the Favorite Products tab.)

Classic Method: The Basic Zaino Process

1. Optional, but recommended especially if you are using a machine to apply products: Using blue painters tape, mask off black bumpers, emblems and adjoining gaskets of your vehicle that may inadvertently get polish applied into the dimples. This will save you a lot of time later on.
2. Put 1 oz of Z2 in a clean bottle, along with about 4 drops of ZFX, and shake for 90 seconds. Wait for 5 minutes, then shake some more and proceed…
• HINT: Da Guy almost doubles this if he knows he’s going to put on two layers in a row; Keep using the same bottle if you’re then doing another layer or two of the same product in the same day, but trash the bottle afterwards (it never seems to come out clean as hard as you may try, but some reports of isopropyl alcohol may do the trick).
• ALTERNATIVE: If you’re not going to use ZFX, apply Z-AIO as a one-time initial layer so proper bonding will happen with future Z2 and/or Z5 layers.
3. On a clean applicator, apply Z2 lightly to your vehicle. First, very lightly dampen the applicator with Z6 one time (this will help smooth application and use less product), then add 2-3 SMALL dabs of Z2 on the pad.  This should be a LIGHT application, i.e. you should use less than 1/8 of the original  Z2 bottle for the whole car.
   • HINT: Apply using overlapping circular movements a little larger than your applicator, doing one section at a time. For the best effect, apply lengthwise on the top (hood, top, trunk) of the vehicle and vertically on the sides and bumpers. Before the Zaino begins to dry, do final full length swipes with the same applicator over the area just applied, e.g. top of hood near the windshield all the way down to the nose, and top of door under the window all the way down to the bottom rocker panel. If you do this, it will not only optically look best when you’re through, you’ll avoid holograms over areas you may otherwise overlap on your application, especially on the sides or rear bumper area, where more convex areas in the metal may reside.
   • HINT: Apply to shiny smooth metal (and chrome looking plastic) as well. Da Guy does not recommend applying polish to most plastic areas other than head and tail light lenses, as if the plastic has any texture at all, it’s challenging to get it back off. (Use Wax Blaster to remove it, should you have a little boo-boo.)
4. Allow Z2 to dry.  With ZFX on warmer days when it’s not humid, you may be ready-to-go within 5 minutes. It will take longer if it’s humid or cold outside, and much longer if you applied too much product.  Test a small concealed area with your finger to see if it is dry. It will come right off and you’ll see your smiley reflection on the paint if you’re ready to proceed.
5. Remove Z2 with a microfiber (or 100% cotton) towel.  You should not have to rub hard or “buff” as you may be used to with other waxes.  Fold your towel into quarters and keep changing the area of the towel you use, or the Z2 will not come off properly. You’ll know it’s time to flip the towel when you’re working too hard or you don’t see the shine that should be appearing by now.
6. Apply a very light mist of Z6 to small areas of the vehicle where you just applied the Z2.  NEVER allow Z6 to dry.  Immediately wipe off the Z6 with a clean microfiber or 100% cotton towel.  If you do it right, this will be a quick job and will leave your vehicle “slick” to the touch.  If you mess up and Z6 dries by accident, spray a little more over the problem area, and it comes right back off with a towel.
7. If you’re going to apply another layer of Z2 (or Z5) now, go ahead and repeat beginning at step 2 or 3 again.
   • If you wait a while (over night perhaps), be sure to first apply another mist of Z6 as in step #6 above to ensure you have all dust/contaminants removed just before your next layer of polish is applied
   • If you’re not applying another layer of polish, be sure you’ve ended with a layer of Z2 for the best reflective properties
8. Inspect your vehicle for any product residue left where it shouldn’t be. A microfiber towel or very fine and soft detailing brush will do the trick.
9. Optionally, once your top layer of Z2 (or Z5) has cured, on a clean applicator apply Z-CS lightly to your vehicle, and you’re done. Read the instructions. Don’t buff Z-CS off.
10. If you applied any blue painters tape from the optional Step 1 above, now is the time to pull it off.
11. Open all the doors, hood, trunk, gas tank filler cover, and make sure you’ve cleaned up any polish that went where you didn’t expect it to.
12. Take care of your windows
13. Step back and admire your work!

Shortcut Method: Products & Basic Process

If you want a simplified approach that takes a fraction of the time compared with the process Da Guy uses, that has most of the Zaino benefits and effect, but without the more extreme depth achieved with the multi-layer Z2/Z5 approach, try using Zaino’s Z-AIO All-in-One. You still prep the car with Dawn, Clay, and use Z7 for the wash like Da Guy does in his “classic prep“, but then apply a single layer of Z-AIO just like you would Z2 or Z5. With Z-AIO, you’ll get a bit of paint cleaning done at the same time the polish is applied. Wait for it to haze and wipe it off. Do a quick Z6 spray-down and wipe-off, optionally top it with a layer of Z-CS Clear Seal, and you’re done. The whole process will take less time than a good hand-wax job and Da Guy bets you’ll be happier with the result for a longer amount of time.

HINT: Don’t let the price of Zaino products turn you off as it takes only a little bit of each when you do it right, and the application will last several months.

HINT: Using Z-AIO is a great alternative to what Da Guy calls “the classic method” if you’re not into the overly fastidious ways some of us have with our rides. It’s what Da Guy uses on his other friends and family rides when he’s in a detailing mood. For his own rides though, it’s only the classic method with layers upon layers of polish giving him that deeper and wetter look. Oh yeah!

More Hints, Tips, & Options

• Multiple layers of Z2 and Z5 actually build up to produce a deeper and wetter look, so the more you have, the better.  Results will vary based on your finish color, but you’ll love the look after completing the prep and even one pass of the Basic Zaino Process.
• Have you ever gotten polish in the rough-surfaced black plastic trim found on bumpers or running boards these days? If so, you know you don’t want to go there again. Next time, try masking those areas off with some painters blue tape before you apply your polish. It’s what Da Guy does, and it saves a lot of head and back aches. If you still make an error, have some Wax Blaster available.
• Should I use Z2 or Z5?  Here’s the deal:  You always want to end layering with Z2 for best optical properties.  Multiple layers of Z5 can help hide micro scratches and swirls, but multiple layers of the product really come into it’s own with deepening the look of darker color paint.  While your situation may vary, here’s what Da Guy generally suggests:
• Light color paint (white, silver, light gray pearl, etc.)
• and near-perfect paint (no swirls):  One or more layers of Z2  – with Z6 spritz and wipe-off in-between and at the end
• and non-corrected paint (some micro scratches or swirls):  Z5, Z5, Z2 -OR- Z5, Z2, Z2 (and of course, Z6 spritz and wipe-offs)
• Dark color paint (black, dark gray, red, etc.)
• and near-perfect paint (no swirls):  Z5, Z5, Z2  – with Z6 spritz and wipe-off in-between and at the end
• and non-corrected paint (some micro scratches or swirls):  Z5, Z5, Z2 (and of course, Z6 spritz and wipe-offss)
• How long does this take?
  • Working by hand on Da Guy’s 2002 SC430 2-door convertible, here’s the numbers. … yes, his RX400h (SUV) takes about 50% longer — it has more surface area and requires a step stool for the top!
    • Using the original method of prep, 2 layers of Z5 followed by one of Z2 took roughly 8 hours of labor and 3 elapsed days for drying time before ZFX was available.
    • Using ZFX as Da Guy now recommends, starting with prep including clay, no paint correction, 2 layers of Z5 and one of Z2 he was done in 6 hours elapsed time.
    • A Z6 or Z8 application takes no more than 10-15 minutes.  It’s really easy on a clean ride, and wow, it sparkles when you’re done! Be sure to check and clean your windows afterwards, to remove any product you accidentally put in the wrong place.
  • For info on the complete initial detailing job and Zaino application to Da Guy’s ’09 BMW E93 335i, check out the Hints and Tips tab in the Detailing Article. Yes, the Bimmer took longer than Da Guy’s previous SC430, due to the more abrupt curves in the body shape.
• Want to apply Zaino by machine? It can be done. Da Guy applied 3 layers of Z5/Z2 on his SC430 in about 3 hours. You’ll use more product this way, but you’ll be complete in about half the time and save a few hand cramps along the way. Da Guy applies his Zaino by hand nearly all the time these days — it’s easy enough — save the machine for more aggressive polishing when needed. If you want to give machine application a try, use all the same steps and basic process as above with the following exceptions:
  • You need a Random Orbital polisher, such as the Porter Cable machine from Griot’s
  • Da Guy recommends you use a Lake Country BLUE Pad when applying Zaino Z2 or Z5, and a Lake Country WHITE Pad for Zaino ZPC application.
    • The trick is to lightly (1 shot) mist the pads with Z6 before application and then apply the Z2 or Z5 in a thin X across the pad.
    • Start at a 3 on the dial and never go faster than 4 or 5
    • Apply more Z2 or Z5 when you see the film disappearing. Keep it minimal.
  • All the little places that can’t be reached with the machine are of course done by hand using the original methods
• Ongoing Zaino maintenance is simple.  Z7 for the suds and wash. A Grit Guard or two in the bottom of your buckets to help eliminate inadvertent scratches and swirls.  Drying is easy using a California Water Blade (yes, that is controversial for some) and a microfiber big blue or a 100% cotton towel.  When you feel the need:
• A few shots of Z6 (a little goes a long way) whenever you want that “just polished” look before hitting the road. For more special occasions and on those especially bright days, Da Guy thinks Z8 does the trick even better.  He’d use Z8 exclusively as his QD (Quick Detailer) if it didn’t cost more than the Z6 does.
• A layer of Z2 gets added whenever he has the urge, and every few weeks a couple layers of Z5 with Z2 and Z-CS on top, brings Da Guy’s ride back to first class condition
• Water restrictions?
  • Instead of using Z7 and a normal wash requiring a full-on rinse that may not be allowed in your community due to drought levels, Optimum No Rinse (ONR) works with a bucket and 2 gallons of water, a microfiber cloth to wash your ride down, and another to dry it with. A Grit Guard in the bottom of your bucket is an especially good idea. No rinsing. Dump the dirty ONR down an inside house drain and let this environmentally safe product be disposed of properly. Da Guy suggests you still go to a coin-op place if your ride is super dirty, but this can work for most of your other weekly washing rituals.
    • HINT: After using ONR, be sure after you dry, to wipe down with a normal application of Zaino Z6 or Z8 using a white cotton towel or rag to keep your Zaino look intact.