[Sashadog]

I just came out of the detailing dark a few days ago and got myself some Zaino products. I'm just an average shmo, not any way connected to Zaino Bros.

I emailed Sal and he gave me the name of a guy in my area that distributes for him. This guy turned out to be one of the nicest guys I've met. I caught him on a day when he was out delivering and he met me just a few miles from my house that day. I couldn't believe the service, and no extra charge. I did have to pay local sales tax though. I wanted to get the new baby protected immediately and was able to do so. I did plenty of research before and I'm glad I did. Everybody said it was easy to apply, looked great and lasted about six months. They were right about the first two, we'll see about it's longevity.

I only spent $44 and got the Z1, Z2, Z6 & Z7. I only used maybe 3/4 oz of the Z1 & Z2 on the Mini. The gloss enhancer spray(Z6) seemed to go pretty far too. I think that's a pretty good value.

The only problem I had was seeing where I'd been when putting on the Z1. I developed a system of pattens after awhile to compensate. Otherwise it was a snap to apply.

In hindsight I should have claybar'd first. My applicator got way too dirty and I little specs here and there when you start applying the polish. I should have done a better close-up visual inspection.

The car looks fantabulous. I'm a convert. I'll try to add some pics later after I do a photo shoot.

[Sashadog]

Note: Atypical day in Seattle.

[Sashadog]

Another.

[Sashadog]

I should give Duane Lodell(authorized distributor) (206) 579-4180, dwlodell@quest.net credit. A pleasure to deal with.

[Sashadog]

Last one, I promise.

[dennis]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sashadog
I just came out of the detailing dark a few days ago and got myself some Zaino products. I'm just an average shmo, not any way connected to Zaino Bros.


The car looks fantabulous. I'm a convert. I'll try to add some pics later after I do a photo shoot.

Just checked Zaino's website today. Products are cheaper than Zymol's. But I wonder, since the car is brand new, why does it need a coat of Z-1 and Z-2 now instead of, say, 3 months later?

[Sashadog]

"But I wonder, since the car is brand new, why does it need a coat of Z-1 and Z-2 now instead of, say, 3 months later?"

When I went to wash it the first time, after I got it wet, I could tell there wasn't much of anything on the paint. It wasn't beading well and you could feel it with your finger. The car already had 3,200 miles on it in the first 4 days since we traveled a bit to get an S.

Maybe a bad attitude on my part, but I don't trust dealers to do anything right so I had to make sure the paint was thoroughly protected.

Since it's a new car I didn't feel the need for the claybar or the Z5. I think I might have been wrong about the claybar.

[Gary Tate]

tell me what does claybaring do? How is it done?
Super cleaner?

Gary

[Sashadog]

I should let someone who's actually done it answer but apparently it takes off the tiniest stuff imbedded and stuck on. I heard talk of raildust but don't know that I've ever encountered any myself.

I guess you lubricate the surface, the little ~2"x4"x1/2" clay bar and run the clay along the paint with the flat side. I assume you would apply the slightest pressure and it grabs the little stuff.

Some people were saying that you only need it if you can feel an uneveness in the surface. My paint was new/smooth and I still think it would have gotten more stuff off. I kept finding tiny specs of tar all over the place and apparently that's one thing the clay is very good for.

You can pick up claybars(clay bars?) and kits just about anywhere and from what I understand so far, they're all pretty much the same. Feel free to correct me on this.

I want to do all our vehicles now, but I think only my bike will warrant it.

[BrunoBMW]

I've never claybared before, but I'm sold on Zymol's HD Cleanse. The stuff is excellent for cleaning.

[Sealevel]

Nice job Sashadog, it looks great. Nice pics too, #1 & #4 are among the best I've seen for judging the true color of Electric Blue, for anyone still wondering. But a typical day in Seattle?? I hear you've got some big ol' famous mountain just to the east, but I've never been able to see it!

[Sashadog]

Thanks.

Atypical as in anomalous or not typical.

Rainier was visible today through the haze though. Looks like it's right there. Spectacular.

Cheers

[Sealevel]

Quote:

Originally posted by Sashadog
Atypical as in anomalous or not typical...

Oops, right Read too fast, spoke too soon!

[lotoole3]

I've used a claybar before on my 1996 GTI. I bought the car relatively new and was VERY good to it, washing/waxing about EVERY weekend in the summer that first year, and for the next couple years keeping it very clean. Even had it detailed twice prior to using the bar.

Anyway last summer while washing I used the claybar. It's a lot of work, but it takes off EVERYTHING, inlcuding a teeny amount of paint. The surface felt smooth enough before i started, but when i was done a few hours later, it was smoother than GLASS... and took every speck of discoloration out.

if you have the time/patience/energy and your car is dirty enough, i highly recommend.

but be careful - it is a once-a-year type thing, sa it really does get all the old wax, grime etc off.

[BrunoBMW]

I had a revelation about HD Cleanse today. After getting everything right on the MINI, I started work on my '86 535i, which I've decided to sell (any buyers?). After I applied HD, I really looked at the paint and decided it didn't look as good as it used to. I grabbed the Klasse All-in-One and went to work. Remarkable! The dirt I got off the paint made me rethink my dedication to HD. I'll try the clay bar one of these days, but until then, I'll stick with Klasse as a first stage. Zymol on top of the Klasse brought out an beautiful mirror shine on both cars.

[minirossa]

BrunoBMW,
I've had good luck with th Klasse all-in-one too!
It really cleans the dirt out of the paint & brings
out the true color.

Have you used the Klasse high gloss sealant glaze?
I started a thread on this but nobody has replied.

My Cooper is due to be delivered in a couple of weeks &
I need to decide what wax or polish to use. Really want
to get something on it right away.