Opinions on Zaino Products

bdbake01 · July 7, 2015

And all of the leather house furniture has that "new car smell" compliments of Zaino LOL. The wife (aka, Interior Queen) insisted. I love that girl!

Luster · July 7, 2015

And all of the leather house furniture has that "new car smell" compliments of Zaino LOL. The wife (aka, Interior Queen) insisted. I love that girl!

Yeah, I've used Zaino Leather in a Bottle for years. I've used it to refresh leather coats, my wifes handbags, shoes, belts, and of course, leather seats in cars/trucks.

I've stopped using it on all my vehicles because it clogs in the holes of the perforated leather.

But it sure smells good!

ember1205 · July 7, 2015

I've used every product on their website.

For your purposes, I would recommend either Z2 Show Car Polish or Z-CS Clear Seal. If you're looking for quick and easy with the highest rate of protection, Z-CS without a doubt.

Wash your truck

Dry it.

You can clay-bar it if you want but you don't really have to.

Apply Z-CS as per label instructions. USE SPARINGLY.

Let it dry and DON'T TOUCH IT. (should take 10 minutes or so to apply)

Dry in 15 minutes

Done

Do this every 6 months (spring and fall)

This will protect your paint from tree sap, dirt, rain, acid rain, bird droppings, sun, etc.

BUT..... because the truck sits out all the time, the Zaino is not going to last like it would if you keep it in garage or carport. That's why it needs to be done at least every 6 months.

Wash it once a week (self-serve car wash)

After you wash and dry the truck, wipe it down with Z8 Grand Finale Spray Seal.

This will extend the shine and protection

Your truck will be MUCH easier to keep clean if you keep Z-CS Sealant on it. (You can also apply more than one coat for longer lasting protection and shine.)

Good info - thank you. Some follow-up q's:

- If I use the Z-CS, how many applications would I get from a single bottle? Assume the noob that uses too much the first time. The site says 1/4 oz for an averaged sized vehicle. I'll presume that a truck is "double". So, a 6 oz bottle would be a dozen applications?

- What happens if I use too much?

- Is there another polish to put under the Z-CS that would make it ever better at protecting and helping to get it cleaned up?

- Once a thorough hand wash and dry is done, and the product is applied, is a hand wash recommended before subsequent applications? Or will the manual car wash with a thorough dry suffice?

- Where does the Z8 fit into all of this? Wash, dry, and Z8 once a week? What happens if I extend this out to every couple or few weeks?

At this point, the pollen seasons are largely over, and the biggest thing that makes my truck dirty is either dust and such from the roadways or possibly residue after rainstorms (including diesel fumes that get washed out of the air).

Luster · July 7, 2015

Good info - thank you. Some follow-up q's:

- If I use the Z-CS, how many applications would I get from a single bottle? Assume the noob that uses too much the first time. The site says 1/4 oz for an averaged sized vehicle. I'll presume that a truck is "double". So, a 6 oz bottle would be a dozen applications? Yes, you should get 10-12 applications out of one bottle.

- What happens if I use too much? With Z-CS, it will glob and streak. Then you'll go over it and make it worse. Less is better. And, this is important. DON'T USE A CIRCULAR MOTION like you would applying wax. Use one long stroke from top of hood to bottom, repeat. It won't hurt to go over it just to make sure you have good coverage, but just make sure you apply, then leave it alone til dry.

- Is there another polish to put under the Z-CS that would make it ever better at protecting and helping to get it cleaned up? Yes, you can use Z-AIO, which is the All in One product. It cleans the paint, then adds a synthetic sealant. Again, long strokes, not a circular motion. Dries fast, then wipe off. Then apply CS.

- Once a thorough hand wash and dry is done, and the product is applied, is a hand wash recommended before subsequent applications? Or will the manual car wash with a thorough dry suffice? Before applying any further coats (or layers), I would hand wash and dry.

- Where does the Z8 fit into all of this? Wash, dry, and Z8 once a week? What happens if I extend this out to every couple or few weeks? Z8 simply extends the longevity of the sealant. You don't have to use it at all if you choose not to. Z6 gloss enhancer does the same thing, and it's cheaper. I use Z6 for spot touch-ups, bug guts, bird bombs, etc. Z8 to extend the duration of the Z-CS.

At this point, the pollen seasons are largely over, and the biggest thing that makes my truck dirty is either dust and such from the roadways or possibly residue after rainstorms (including diesel fumes that get washed out of the air).

Luster · July 7, 2015

OK, I just Clear-Sealed (Z-CS) all three vehicles in 35 minutes. It takes the same time as wiping down with a detail spray... but it's a sealant!

Easiest synthetic sealant ever. (and yes, I like that color.)

cjd10 · July 7, 2015

Thank you Luster for the explanation on use. I am like ember1205. This truck is driven every day and sits under trees at home. Just looking for a way to keep it looking good and protect it with a minimal amount of time. I usually wash every other week or so but don't have time to do full detail jobs frequently.

FogDucker · July 7, 2015

Yeah, I've used Zaino Leather in a Bottle for years. I've used it to refresh leather coats, my wifes handbags, shoes, belts, and of course, leather seats in cars/trucks.

I've stopped using it on all my vehicles because it clogs in the holes of the perforated leather.

But it sure smells good!

They have (or at least did) have a spray version of leather in a bottle which is perforation friendly.

I'm going to finish up my supply of z2 and try CS out - those results look great and the fact that the process is easier is a bonus!

Luster · July 7, 2015

They have (or at least did) have a spray version of leather in a bottle which is perforation friendly.

I'm going to finish up my supply of z2 and try CS out - those results look great and the fact that the process is easier is a bonus!

There is a learning curve to using CS. At first I was thinking, "It's not doing anything." Then I was seeing this blue and purple "prism" effect. It does take a little more than the package instructions imply. I usually use 4 sprays for half the hood, 4 sprays for each door. Be sure to rub it into the paint well; may take 3 or 4 passes over each area. Then let it sit for 15 minutes to dry.

I'll look into the leather spray. Thanks.

gbo62280 · July 13, 2015

Good info - thank you. Some follow-up q's:

- What happens if I use too much? With Z-CS, it will glob and streak. Then you'll go over it and make it worse. Less is better. And, this is important. DON'T USE A CIRCULAR MOTION like you would applying wax. Use one long stroke from top of hood to bottom, repeat. It won't hurt to go over it just to make sure you have good coverage, but just make sure you apply, then leave it alone til dry. If you do apply to much, and wiping makes it worse, then what is the corrective action that you reccomend?

- Where does the Z8 fit into all of this? Wash, dry, and Z8 once a week? What happens if I extend this out to every couple or few weeks? Z8 simply extends the longevity of the sealant. You don't have to use it at all if you choose not to. Z6 gloss enhancer does the same thing, and it's cheaper. I use Z6 for spot touch-ups, bug guts, bird bombs, etc. Z8 to extend the duration of the Z-CS. So do you put a "layer" of Z-8 on directly after you put the Z-CS on? And roughly your routine is....after each wash, you use Z-6.....apply Z-8 monthly?.....Z-CS every 6-9 months?

You should ask for some commision from these guys!

Luster · July 13, 2015

You should ask for some commision from these guys!

- What happens if I use too much? With Z-CS, it will glob and streak. Then you'll go over it and make it worse. Less is better. And, this is important. DON'T USE A CIRCULAR MOTION like you would applying wax. Use one long stroke from top of hood to bottom, repeat. It won't hurt to go over it just to make sure you have good coverage, but just make sure you apply, then leave it alone til dry. If you do apply to much, and wiping makes it worse, then what is the corrective action that you reccomend?

- Where does the Z8 fit into all of this? Wash, dry, and Z8 once a week? What happens if I extend this out to every couple or few weeks? Z8 simply extends the longevity of the sealant. You don't have to use it at all if you choose not to. Z6 gloss enhancer does the same thing, and it's cheaper. I use Z6 for spot touch-ups, bug guts, bird bombs, etc. Z8 to extend the duration of the Z-CS. So do you put a "layer" of Z-8 on directly after you put the Z-CS on? And roughly your routine is....after each wash, you use Z-6.....apply Z-8 monthly?.....Z-CS every 6-9 months?

If you do apply to much, and wiping makes it worse, then what is the corrective action that you reccomend?

If you apply too much and after drying it looks streaked or dull, bucket wash with Dawn dishwashing soap and reapply a thin coat of Z-CS.

So do you put a "layer" of Z-8 on directly after you put the Z-CS on?

Let Z-CS cure overnight, then apply Z8.

And roughly your routine is....after each wash, you use Z-6.....apply Z-8 monthly?.....Z-CS every 6-9 months?

Yes.

But just to "un-complicate" the process this is really all you need to do:

Wash truck, then apply Z-CS.

Use Z6 for bug guts and bird bombs and touch-ups.

The Z8 is a great product, but kind of a luxury. Not mandatory at all.

jlwilsonjr · July 24, 2015

_{Hey Luster some great info man really appreciate it. Wish there was a quick youtube that showed the application process (hint)!}

Luster · July 24, 2015

_{Hey Luster some great info man really appreciate it. Wish there was a quick youtube that showed the application process (hint)!}

I'll work on that.

RonC5 · August 7, 2015

My new to me 99. Original paint. Washed with Dawn, clay bar, washed with Dawn again. 3 coats of Z5 Pro with a wipe down of Z6 in between, final wipe down of Z8. Tires and cover wiped down with Z16 tire shine. Been using Zaino since the late 90's. Vehicles stay cleaner and easier to maintain.

ember1205 · September 12, 2015

So, I bought the CS, 8, AIO, Clay Bar, and the 7. Gave some of it a run today.

Washed the wife's Traverse down with Dawn (heavy on the Dawn) and rinsed thoroughly. Clayed the hood, front fenders, and front fascia (It's new, so I wasn't too worried about doing the whole thing). Mixed up some Z-7 wash and washed the entire car down again thoroughly.

From there, I dried and applied the AIO to the entire vehicle. I likely will NEVER use this product again. Gigantic pain in the rear to apply, and there really is no way to apply it using sweeping strokes. You HAVE to rub it on using some sort of circular motion or it just globs beyond belief.

Buffed all of it off, and the paint looks decent. Especially considering this is the WORST factory paint job I have ever seen in my life. I found three defects in the paint (under the clear) on the hood alone. There are various little blobs of dust and such that are in the paint all over the vehicle. Again, this is all UNDER THE CLEAR.

I'm beyond pi$$ed and am going to be fighting GM about this. My truck has a flaw in front of the passenger rear wheel at the bottom, in the texture that they apply to protect from rock chips. I can't wait to detail IT and find all the flaws in that paint job, too.

2016 2LT Traverse AWD and the paint looks like they sprayed it outside in the wind. I'm beside myself.

RonC5 · September 13, 2015

You are putting it on too thick then. You should use a dab the size of a dime for half the hood. A very light haze is perfect. My C5 Coupe has at least 150 coats applied, at least 60 on my Z06, probably another 60 on the wife's MDX, only 3 on the truck so far and I have never had an issue unless I was using too much. You need to forget what you do with other products. Hope this helps.