Well, finally got a nice weekend here in VA to do a full Zaino detail job on the Max. All I have to say is WOW. The reflections are amazing, paint is smooth as glass and the metallic flake in my Navy Blue 2010 pops more than I could have dreamed. Apologies for no photos as I'm unable to post any at this point (not enough posts??)

Here's what I used:

Z5 Show Car Polish (specially made for dark paint)
Z6 Gloss Enhancer
Z8 Grand Finale Spray
Z16 Tire Gloss

If anyone is interested, their website is http://www.zainostore.com if anyone is interested!

 

Can anyone help me figure out how to post attachments? I've looked at the FAQ about it and I'm still unable to post. Is there a minimum post requirement in order to do so? Thanks!

 

You need to host the actual photos somewhere like photobucket. You then link to them using an IMG tag. I'd love to see your results. I abandoned Zaino due to the labor required but I do know that it can produce some excellent results.

 

the best stuff I have used! like you said the reflections are unreal! great stuff

 

No, it isn't. Repackaged and overpriced version of Duragloss. Go to Advance Auto and get the Duragloss stuff instead if you like the look.

The wax or sealant you use is a small part of what makes the paint look good anyway. Claying and polishing the paint is about 90% of the look. If you don't do either, or don't do either well, it doesn't matter what wax or sealant you use, your car won't look its best.

This is an example. Look at the left side. If you simply put wax over it, you'd still have all those spider swirls. The right side is polished only, no wax.

 

I have never heard of it being a copy of duragloss. I would imagine that they would have some copy right issues for doing that. Do you have any proof of what you claim?

I do agree with you on the prep work, that is true with anything to do with paint work!

I will still stand by the zaino products. I was blown away by the results!! Very very happy with the results. Way better then other waxes I have used, being that Zaino is not a wax.

 

I know a lot of people in the industry and apparently the Duragloss/Zaino connection isn't exactly a secret. I do know for a fact that Zaino does not have its own production plant.

Duragloss and Zaino are the only two detailing products I have used that specifically carry warnings for alphatic hydrocarbons and the Duragloss leather conditioner and Z-11 smell EXACTLY the same. Z8 used to smell just like Aquawax until that started popping up on message boards.

I've been detailing cars full time since 1994 and I've used pretty much everything, including Zaino and Duragloss and I really don't get the appeal. Sure, compared to most retail level products they are pretty good, but compared to some of the waxes and sealants I've used (Optimum, Clearkote, Wolfgang, Glanz Wax, etc) Zaino is pretty average.

If you are happy with Zaino, I certainly won't try to talk you out of it, but you might want to try some of the Duragloss stuff when your stock of Zaino runs out. You'll get the same results and save yourself some money in the process. The most important thing is that at least you are doing something beyond washing and that will help keep your paint looking new for a long time.

 

I know that everyone has their preference when it comes to paint care products, however I've been using Zaino since 1998 and couldn't be more pleased with all of their products. Personally, the only car wax I've ever purchased from Advance Auto/Pep Boys/AutoZone was the Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax. While this is decent stuff, you don't get the depth, shine and protection that you get with Zaino.

Best part is that after doing a dawn wash, clay bar, Z5, Z6 and Z8, I don't have to worry about doing it again for another 10 months. My buddies 2006 4Runner has gone a year without Zaino and the paint still shines and beads water like the day after. Plus, you can't beat the easy-on, easy-off of their products. One 8 ounce bottle of polish will last about 6 applications of the entire car.

Wax based products typically only last 3-6 months at best.

 

Just don't mistake durability for protection, while you do have to apply a regular wax more often, they generally protect the paint better than most sealants.

An 8 oz bottle of Zaino should be good for 14-16 applications, not just 6. Go thin, real thin. Shouldn't take more than a half ounce to completely cover the car.

 

Thanks for your input, I was just curious more then anything. I totally agree with you about doing something more then washing, or worse, nothing at all I am so crazy about my cars! I love to have them looking their best. I mean really we just bought a 40K dollar car, and you don't wash it Thats crazy. Take some time and care for them a bit and you will get so much more money out of them when its time to sell.

I can't imagine what you go through with some peoples cars!!! I bet you have some sweet stories. I may have to look into that duragloss stuff, as I have never heard of it. I used to use mequires gold class waxes, as i enjoyed them. I have to admit, I am very impressed with the Zaino, but I did clay the car first this time as I have never done that before. As anything with paint and finishes, its all in the prep work like you stated. My car is black, and it shows everything.

Thanks for your input, its nice to hear from a pro!

 

Oh trust me, I'm really OCD about making sure my paint is kept in the best shape possible. Very interested to hear about the other products you mentioned. I'll gladly pay good money for a product that gives the best results. I applied the Z5 as thing as I could, but I think the applicator supplied by Zaino just sucked up all the polish and never really got saturated.

Any other recommendations for car care products would be much appreciated. But for now, I'm going to stick with the Zaino stuff until it runs out, which will probably be a long time from now haha.

 

Try using foam pads (Meguiars makes some really nice 4" yellow foam applicators) and you will be able to use less product.

If you want something super easy, Optimum Opti-Seal just wipes on and that's it. Clears out and levels on its own.

 

I find some really weird and sometimes, intimately personal stuff in people's cars.

What I don't get is the people who buy black cars because black "looks classy" then not only don't polish or wax it but don't even wash it. Get silver instead.

Most of the time it is pretty fun, I get to work on some pretty amazing cars. Had a Ferrari Challenge Stradale last month, along with a Lamborghini Gallardo and a numbers matching Hugger Orange '69 Z/28. The twin turbo Ford GT (and the ride I got in it!) was a blast too. Nothing like riding in a car that has more punch at 160 than mine does at 20 mph.

Meguiars Gold Class is a pretty decent retail level product, their #26 High Tech Yellow Wax is a real sleeper of a product. Really nice deep glow if you have a dark car. Best wax I've found for black paint, regardless of price, is Clearkote's Carnauba Moose Wax. Doesn't smell all that great but it is easy on, easy off and should give you 4-5 months of protection.

 

Scott, thanks for the suggestions. I have always wondered that too about people who buy black, if your not gonna spend the time to take care of it then you might as well get white or silver like you said. Black looks so good when its taken care off and so soo bad when its not. My favorite is when people use the touchless automatic car washes and that is it, and then wonder why they have this film over their car after a few yrs. Just doing that isn't taking care of your car, you have to put some protection on it. I always tell my family at least once a year.

Here is a post of mine for another thread:

i used Zaino products on my car http://www.zainostore.com/



I also used it on my parents car, it is an 04 black, and had swirls as well as lots of backed on water spots. I used the Z-pc 1st on their car, then the z-5. Amazing difference. Sorry forgot to take pics of theirs.

On my car, i used the clay kit, then the z5 and a coat of z-2. Amazing! Never thought it could be so shinny. I use to use meguires products on my 08 acura and had great results, but after finding this stuff, i will never go back. I am very happy with it. Oh and no swirl marks in my black max yet!
Oh i usually hand wash the car in my driveway. In the winter I will go to a brush style car wash. Green lantern, they have NEVER put any swirls on my car. They do an amazing job. our max has been through a dozen times and not one swirl mark. I have seen some other brush type washers, and i wouldn't go in there. Im sure its like anything else, there are good places and bad.

 

The problem I have with Zaino (and even more so, Klasse) on black is the paint is so reflective, at an angle, black paint looks silver or chrome instead of black. A lot of people like that look though, appearance is very subjective.

This is with Meguiars #105, Clearkote's Pink Moose (Vanilla Moose and Red Machine Glaze mixed) and Carnauba Moose wax:

 

looks great also. Looks well cared for!

 

After a couple coats of z2, taken of my drivers side door.

 

Use Zaino on my 2011 Corvette Grand Sport and used it on 2 prior Corvettes. Use Maguiar's on the other cars.
Zaino's durability cannot be beat.

 

Looking to get more into detailing myself after taking my car to "in and out" detail shops over the past years...

Scott and everyone...I want to at least try Zaino or Dura, but what would I all need as far as equipment, etc... favorite buffers, polishing clothes or tools...the whole package..

 

Another Zaino supporter here. I've used it on 3 Camaros and now my maxima and wife's murano, I absolutely love it

 

I'm hoping somebody has some solid advice for me. When I purchased my 2012 Maxima a few weeks ago, I added on the $395 "appearance warranty" (or whatever they called it) because it covered wheel damage and dent repair for dings and dents less than 4" for 5 years and it seemed like a decent idea. When we were picking the car up they told me "you never have to wax it again, thanks to the ResistAll we put on the paint and interior". I probably would have told them to leave the stuff off had I realized that was part of the warranty but by then it was already done.

So, my question is has anybody ever heard of ResistAll and know how long does this stuff really last? Is it basically another type of paint sealant like Zaino? Should I still expect to be waxing every 4 months?

Thanks in advance!

 

A quick search on Google yields all kinds of comments, both good and bad.
If a car dealer finance person is selling it, I would not buy it. High profit, low value item.

 

Yeah, I know it was pure profit but I have had to replace rims before (potholes and low-profile tires seem to be attracted to each other around here!) so the "insurance" aspect is what convinced me to go for it. I honestly didn't even realize the ResistAll was part of the package. I've googled ResistAll and read some of the reviews but I was hoping somebody with more detailing experience could give me an idea of what I should be doing to care for my paint now that it is applied.

 

zaino is the ****!! only problem i came across was i found that cotton towels seemed to be worse on my black maxima. i found microfiber better

 

You could always call them and ask.

http://www.ctpc.com/products/resista...tion-products/

 

Try Optimum's Opti-Coat. Should be good for about 10 years. Puts on a 2 micron thick resin coating that cures harder than most OEM clear coats. I've had it on my car since September 2009 and it is still going strong.

Another pro I know has it on half his company car to test durability. He has been washing it weekly with Dawn for a year and a half last I heard, still beads like it was just applied.

Not cheap though, autogeek has it for $60 for two ounces (should be enough for 3-4 vehicles) and you either have to wash the car after polishing with Optimum No Rinse Wash or a 15% dilution isophoric alcohol wipe down to make sure it bonds properly.

 

OK guys, I have a question. I purchased my used 2011 crimson black Max last month andbit doesn't look like they previous owner took very good care of the paint. lots of swirl marks, light scratches, but no chips or deep scratches. What's the best way to restore it?? I know zaino, meguir's, and duragloss are good products, but what's a good sequence to restore it?? Clay bar, polish, wax, then sealant?? Any suggestions or tips??

 

Scottwax is a professional detailer, so I'd take his opinion pretty highly.

This is my process when doing a full detail to remove minor paint imperfections using Zaino:

1) Dawn wash
2) Clay bar
3) Final wash
4) Clay bar once more
5) Wipe down entire vehicle with a 50/50 diluted mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol and water
6) Use a medium to light cut polishing pad with DA buffer and professional grade swirl removers or light cutting compounds
7) Wipe off polishing residue with 50/50 mixture
**Repeat steps 6 and 7 until happy with results
8) Apply thin coat of your polish of choice, buff off with clean towels
**repeat step 8 two, three or however many times you want
10) Finish with sealant or wax of choice

Edit: Since Nissan's clearcoat is SUPER soft, ensure whatever compound you use is very mild to start with. Last thing you want to do is take off more clear than you need to in order to fix minor swirl marks or haze in the paint.