Zaino any important difference between Z-2 & Z-3 polish | FerrariChat
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Zaino any important difference between Z-2 & Z-3 polish

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Paul_308, Jun 15, 2007.

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  1. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #1 Paul_308, Jun 15, 2007
    I cannot find any definitive product distinction or precautions between the two types of polish except one is designed for use on clear coat paint. My car is not clear coat hence I use Z-3.

    I recently ordered fresh ZFX and just Dawned, clayed, Z-7 rewashed and am working on the first coat of Z-3+ZFX polish. but - It looks like my Z-3 will run out before I've finished this years effort. I do, however, have an unopened bottle of Z-2 clear coat polish.

    Question, does anyone know of any downside to using Z-2 on non clear coat paint or using Z-2 polish over Z-3 applications?



    BTW, Bed Bath & Beyond has great 'Spa' white Egyptian bath towels which are sure tempting but the $39.95 per towel price is a ball breaker. For now I'm sticking with my microfiber polyester 10,000 thread count for haze removal but am sure tempted to get one of those Spa towels.

    Having tried virtually every wax from Turtle on, I'm a die hard Zaino advocate and feel fortunate to have a 30 yo car with no rock chips or swirl marks. I've only had the car 10 yrs and it was repainted probably 15 years ago. Mr. Enzo sir, ya truely gotter done
     
  2. peterp

    peterp F1 Veteran

    Aug 31, 2002
    6,649
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Peter
    #2 peterp, Jun 15, 2007
    Z2 will layer over Z3 without any problems, but Zaino is pretty precise about their products, so you will probably get better results by layering Z-2. On the other hand, Z5 (the polish with some filling properties) doesn't have a clear/non-clear flavor, you use the same on both, so maybe there isn't that big a difference with Z3.

    There are some new Zaino products out that are very good -- ZAIO (All in one) that is a cleaner/polish used for prep before Z2/Z3 (or Z5). The other new product is Z-CS -- clear seal with is a final coat that is wiped on with no buffing that is supposed to extend durability to 9 months.

    Regarding your almost empty Z3, Zaino goes a very long way -- the less you use, the better it works because the thin coats cure more evenly. You probably know this as a long-time Zaino user, but I never cease to be amazed at how little product is required.
     
  3. Todd Helme

    Todd Helme Formula Junior

    Apr 2, 2007
    947
    Oviedo Florida
    Full Name:
    Todd Helme
    #3 Todd Helme, Jun 15, 2007
    Z2 is perfect to top Z3 with. Some people perfer the look of Z5 on darker cars, it is more carnuaba like (more depth then gloss), but I always finish my customers cars with Z2. I love the glow it adds.

    The difference between Z3 and Z2 is that Z3 is not breathable (better to fight oxidation on single stage paints where Z2 is breathable (which allows it to be used on fresh paint but may not fight oxidation as much). Give Sal a call and ask him.
     
  4. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #4 Paul_308, Jun 16, 2007
    Thanks guys. Exactly the precise info I was seeking.

    Re a thin application. Apparently my Z-3 has thickened by solvent evaporation from the bottle as it is almost going on paste-like compared with the newish Z-2 polish.

    I'm really amazed how the results keep getting better with each layer. I got compliments on the paint before applying anything but now it just 'pops' - better than a show room finish. And no sore arms/wrists in the application process. I saw a Mcguire demonstration of their $1300 wax in the walnut presentation box and it is nothing compared with this except maybe for bragging rights.

    Thanks again.
     
  5. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #5 Paul_308, Jun 16, 2007
    Further to the subject of 'thin applications' I discovered a Zaino Zen blog entry by user 'Ira' to wit:

    Wet the applicator cloth with Z-6 or distilled water first and rewet as needed rather than frequently reapplying polish to the cloth.

    I just know that will make that large difference to thin out my applications and can't wait for the morning light now that it's dawned on me.
     
  6. tvu

    tvu Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 13, 2004
    1,351
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Trieu
    #6 tvu, Jun 16, 2007
    If it's the same "Ira" that I'm thinking of, I believe he is one of the distributors for Zaino in the LA area. Nice thing is that he has a bunch of towels where he has removed the seams, and labels to prevent fraying.
    Since I'm in OC, I can always get my stuff the next day via ground UPS.

    http://www.lazaino.com/
     

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