Buffing off Zaino Z-5 is a bitch....

[Helix]

I have been DIY-ing for the last 8 months with Zaino products. Namely, Z18 Claybar - Z1 polish lok - Z2 Pro - Z6 spray. I love the final outcome.

 

Recently, I got hold of the Z5 Show Car Polish (Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches) to 1) cover up some swirls and scratches and 2) give a deeper shine. The problem is that I had a real hard time trying to buff off the Z5 polish residue. Often, 70% of the residue refuse to come off the surface with the normal buffing method I used for Z2. I have to apply more pressure and use a longer time to get it off. Even then, it will not be completely removed. In most cases, I have to use the Z6 spray and a cloth to effectively remove the leftover residue.

 

Anyone who uses the Z2 polish will know how easy and simple the buffing procedure is but removing the Z-5 is a real bitch. Is anyone experiencing the same kind of sticky situation as me?

 

What went wrong?

 

1) Drying time?

 

In the Zaino webby (USA), it is stated that humidity will affect the drying time. I normally wait for 40 mins before attempting to remove the residue.

 

2) Application is too thick?

 

I was told by Chandra that the Z5 is actually denser than the Z2, thus it will longer and more work to buff it off. In any case, guys that went for his grooming session have to pay $10 more if he has to use Z5 on their cars.

 

Happy to discuss with anyone trying the Z5 and has/had encountered the same problem.....

[Helix]

It turns out that the Z-5 is indeed denser than the Z-2 Pro. To overcome the problem of buffing off the Z-5, I have the following tips which I have discovered after 1) sourcing the internet and 2) some light discussion with the workers at Cazcomp new commonwealth branch.

 

1) Mist the applicator pad with the Z-6 before applying the Z-5. You can also damp it using water.

 

2) Not to put too much Z-5 onto the applicator. Squeeze a few "lines" of Z-5 onto the applicator and spread it around by using your hand.

 

3) The main idea is to try to get the Z-5 onto the surface as evenly as possible by not applying too much pressure.

 

4) Longer drying time. On a hot afternoon (in the shade), I try to let it dry for at least 1 hour. At night, it might take longer.

 

5) After buffing off the residue witha cotton cloth, if some stubborn residue remains, spray a mist of Z-6 onto the surface and buff aff again. Repeat this untill the surface is clear of any residue.

 

I manage to efficiently buff off the Z-5 without much problem the last time I detailed my car.

[Velocityred]

hi,

 

yup, the core of the issue is application. if u apply z5 2 thick on yr ride, its gonna be a pain in da ass to remove. similar to klasse aio/sg.

 

u can try spritzing z6 unto the tuff hard-2-buff areas. it'll definitelt help.

 

oh, u can try diluting z6 with distilled water as well. learnt it from the detailing forums. the ratio is around 1:2. it'll definitely defry a bit of the z6 costs.

 

u shld trial out the few good detailing pdts which commands bettah ease of use.

[Helix]

Hey, thanks for the tips you offered.

 

Generally, I have no problems with Z-6, thus, I don't think I will dilute it with distilled water. However, I have problems with the Grand Finale Z-8. Application of the Z-8 over Z-6 gives the ultimate wet and deep shine but sometimes leave streaks that look like "oily stains" smearing the surface. Under sunlight, it gives the hologram effect. It does not happen all the time though, I wonder which steps I have done wrong. Have you meet with this problem before?

[Velocityred]

Hi,

 

i meant diluting with z6 with provide an xtended usage for it, as z6 itself is pretty concentrated. and it doesnt come cheap. i believe chandra has beeing upping his prices.

 

eh, z8 no doubt gives an outstanding brilliance/gloss after z6, but it's definitely not the ultimate in wetness/depth. take a pinch of salt with its marketing claim

 

as for the streaks, i believe you had applied z8 over a hot surface, and tts the usual case. try QD'g with z6 on a cool surface, followed by z8 instead.

Edited April 30, 2006 by Velocityred

[Helix]

Yo,

 

The Z-8 is 2 times the price of the Z-6...haha. The car's normally cool when I applied Z-8. SOmetimes the streaks still appears. Not all the time but, perhaps, given the right conditions, it will appears. I just don't know what conditions. Looks like I have to experiment more.

[Velocityred]

Hi,

from my limited xperience wif z8 (got 3 bottles from zainobros, but sold the other 2 when i had others 2 trial), i cant really advise much on how the streaks came about. it could be the underlying layer tt hasnt fully cured yet, or u're spritzing 2 much of z8

 

i believe z8 is around $55 now? tts mighty steep for a pdt tt dues nothing but 2 add brilliance & certain amt of sealant.

[Helix]

Yeah man, it's expensive. The Z-8 has been with me for 8 months and still have half a bottle left. Don't think I'm planning to buy another one. Z-6 is good enough for me.

 

Yes, it might be that the under-lying layer has not fully cured yet....thanks for the tips anyway!

[Kelvincklim]

Hi anyone has views on cazcomp latest branch at commonwealth.

Are the specialist there experienced like from their old branch or something?

Edited May 16, 2006 by Kelvincklim

[Velocityred]

tts car d'elegance i suppose? the chaps have migrated from their previous opalcrescent branch to their latest c'monwealth installation.

[Helix]

Well, the important thing is that Chandra is not there. After a few words with the boss of that branch, it became apparant to me that he doesn't seem to have a pretty good knowledge of the Zaino products and their application . However, a couple of workers previously working in Cazcomp (Simon Road) is now based at the new branch.