Over Zaino

OK, lets start this again. Obviously, my initial post was not worded correctly. Yes I have owned a Corvette since 1980. Since then I have used Liquid Glass, Mirror Glaze and now Zaino (for the last 20 years). I guess I am looking for options other than Zaino. I am hoping that this forum can recommend something to try that would give me a better look than what I am currently using. Also, just to be clear, I do like Zaino, just seeing what else is out there.

No, I am not soft and I am also a Vietnam Veteran that can take hits when necessary.

So lets try this again.

Thanks
 
How did I figure you were a Corvette owner, I just knew it

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
Try the Polished Angel products if the looks is your biggest concern/desire. The durability has been as good or better than any Zaino product that I have used.

They are pricey and I had been reluctant to try their stuff, but once I did it's been no question that its the best my car has ever looked since doing this as a hobby for 20 years and for money for the last 13 years.
 
I am hoping that this forum can recommend something to try that would give me a better look than what I am currently using.


I don't normally go this deep but because we did recently buff out a 1980 Corvette thus I have a full write-up documenting the before, during and after results, I'll share this with you here.

I do want to say that unlike using most waxes and sealants, in order to apply a ceramic paint coating you must first chemically strip the paint to remove any oils or other substances, (like previously applied waxes or sealants), or order for the ceramic paint coating to form a proper bond.

If memory serves me correctly, Sal recommended wiping your car down with IPA for the same reason before applying either the Zaino Z1 or Z2 products? So same idea...


And the good news is GYEON just introduced their GYEON ONE coating which is specifically formulated and intended for first time users of a ceramic coating. I also have a full review on this new product I can share but here's the 1980 Corvette...


Custom Paint Job - 1980 Corvette - RUPES & Gyeon - Extreme Show Car Makeover at Autogeek

1980_Corvette_019.jpg




The entire process in the write-up...


Custom Paint Job - 1980 Corvette - RUPES & Gyeon - Extreme Show Car Makeover at Autogeek


:)
 
OK, lets start this again. Obviously, my initial post was not worded correctly. Yes I have owned a Corvette since 1980. Since then I have used Liquid Glass, Mirror Glaze and now Zaino (for the last 20 years). I guess I am looking for options other than Zaino. I am hoping that this forum can recommend something to try that would give me a better look than what I am currently using. Also, just to be clear, I do like Zaino, just seeing what else is out there.

No, I am not soft and I am also a Vietnam Veteran that can take hits when necessary.

So lets try this again.

Thanks

I'm sorry, I got confused between your thread title and the post content, I wasn't sure what your goal was.

So you want a deep wet look...a lot of that comes from surface prep, or as a member here used to say "the pop is in the prep". I'm sure Mike Phillips will tell you that the deep wet look comes from surface smoothness, and that comes from polishing. I know Zaino calls Z-2 and Z-5 "polishes" but over here a polish is an abrasive that smooths the surface of the paint.

If you just want to try a different sealant than Zaino (I happen to like Zaino, very good beading longevity), here are a few that are popular here:

BLACKFIRE Paint Sealant, BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection, paint sealant, synthetic sealant, blackfire sealant

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant delivers a deep, wet, liquid shimmer unlike anything you can imagine.

Duragloss Total Performance Polish (TPP) # 105

Jescar Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant

EDIT: I see Mike beat me with a Corvette writeup---he'll get you pointed in the right direction.
 
If memory serves me correctly, Sal recommended wiping your car down with IPA for the same reason before applying either the Zaino Z1 or Z2 products?

I thought Sal was the father of the Dawn wash, at least that's how I remember it.


I know Sal Zaino, he’s a cool cat.

Have you talked to Sal lately? He hasn't launched any new products since Feb. 2007...he's at least missed the boat on selling a paint prep instead of Dawn or IPA ;)

I'm sometimes down his way, I'd knock on his door and see if he's ok but of course I don't know him.
 
I'm sorry, I got confused between your thread title and the post content, I wasn't sure what your goal was.

So you want a deep wet look...a lot of that comes from surface prep, or as a member here used to say "the pop is in the prep". I'm sure Mike Phillips will tell you that the deep wet look comes from surface smoothness, and that comes from polishing. I know Zaino calls Z-2 and Z-5 "polishes" but over here a polish is an abrasive that smooths the surface of the paint.

If you just want to try a different sealant than Zaino (I happen to like Zaino, very good beading longevity), here are a few that are popular here:

BLACKFIRE Paint Sealant, BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection, paint sealant, synthetic sealant, blackfire sealant

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant delivers a deep, wet, liquid shimmer unlike anything you can imagine.

Duragloss Total Performance Polish (TPP) # 105

Jescar Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant

EDIT: I see Mike beat me with a Corvette writeup---he'll get you pointed in the right direction.

Great advice about the surfice prep. Here is another great thread Mike wrote a few years ago regarding surface prep. There are some great shots of a black, custom Vette too.

Making the Metallic Flake Pop! - Popping versus Muting

What color is the car? Some products look differently on certain colors. What might look great on silver and white might not look as good on a darker color and vice versa.
 
My question would be what do you use the car for? Is it a DD or is it a fun weekend car that you don't drive in the rain? Because I would suggest polish angel products if you want the look and ease of use. Especially if you do take your car to shows. Other wise if it is a clear coat/base cost, then I do suggest a coating. I personally like c quartz UK but it probably shouldn't be a beginners one since it can be a bit finicky. Polish angels coating is simple to use. Gyeon has simple to use ones as well.
 
Hey Stan I have been using Zanio products for over 10 years they are great products. My last few details I have done I used Wolfgang deep gloss sealant over some of my Zaino cars that just needed maintenance and have seen very good results. Hope you don't leave this site because there is a lot of great information here.
 
OK, lets start this again. Obviously, my initial post was not worded correctly. Yes I have owned a Corvette since 1980. Since then I have used Liquid Glass, Mirror Glaze and now Zaino (for the last 20 years). I guess I am looking for options other than Zaino. I am hoping that this forum can recommend something to try that would give me a better look than what I am currently using. Also, just to be clear, I do like Zaino, just seeing what else is out there.

No, I am not soft and I am also a Vietnam Veteran that can take hits when necessary.

So lets try this again.

Thanks

Thanks for hanging in there and sticking with us. And sorry for the slight hiccups, very unusual as I commonly find all folks here quite helpful always.

About the only one other dislike I had of Zaino's goodies was a seeming high cost, that and shipping charges. Here you can often catch really great sales on all the products and get free shipping, that's a great perk IMO.

Hmm, a 1980 Corvette I take it. I owned a Vette once myself, a 1967 Stingray Covertible, White with Black Top and Interior.

If you wish to stick with Sealants, then all of the Palm Beach House Brands here, such as McKees, Wolfgang, and Blackfire products are all outstanding, you won't find a dud with any product within any of these lines.

I am a big fan of Wolfgang, and have used many, their Trim Protectants, their Sealant such as Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 is an absolute killer product, one which I believe you would say easily surpasses the Zaino Z2, and others. Both the look, and the ease of use, you'd be hard pressed finding a Sealant that comes off so easily, and cleanly, and leaves behind a most stunning just stand there and stare with a can't take your eyes off it look.

As the Deep Gloss Sealant air cures, and as some hours pass, it even looks better yet! You will say to yourself, "It sure looked good just after wipe off, but now it really pops and there will be a number of "wows" said! Longevity is also very good.

It should be noted, and that if you are after that hard, sterile glassy shine that Zaino typically provides and as others say about it, the WG Sealant 3.0 will provide that look in spades. Especially when further topped with a product like Pinnacle Crystal Mist Spray Detailer. (Been there and done that, oh yeah, fantastic look!)

There are a myriad of protectant options, such as very good hybrid waxes such as the Collinite Line of products, basically dirt cheap, and they commonly have little peer as far as how long they last and protect. Collinite #845 Insulator Wax, #476 and #915 Paste Waxes are also both superb, they are benchmark premier products that have stood the test of time and have a great number of loyal fans, including myself. They will give a deeper, more Carnauba Look, yet offer lasting protection that even the most expensive Hand Poured Estate Paste Waxes cannot duplicate.

And there's the "new kid in town", Ceramic-Quartz Coatings. I more recently chose a Ceramic Coating on my beloved 1997 Chevy Tahoe (with 44K on the Odo) because at 21 years of age, the paint surely is not getting better, nor thicker as the ravages of time, sun-uv, washings, road salts again, and other maladies take their toll.

I decided to choose a more durable protection than any Wax or Sealant could provide, and help the original paint last the longest it possibly could. Currently, my Tahoe is not so much a garage queen anymore, and is basically getting everyday use at present.

Again, and getting back to the Palm Beach products and others showcased here, Optima, Ultima, Sonax, Meguiars,and so many others, that many of the products here you won't easily find in the big box stores. Products such as water based Tire Dressings that will protect and not harm tires or rubber. Durable Trim Sealants, cleaners, tools, machines, etc.

Now that your a member, and a search function at your fingertips, you can browse, and research to your heart's content of any products you wish to investigate, read others comments and reviews of all the products, see some great work many of the members do, and read and enjoy many of the topics and videos Mike Phillips, our forum expert guru shows, and can help with.
 
OK, lets start this again. Obviously, my initial post was not worded correctly. Yes I have owned a Corvette since 1980. Since then I have used Liquid Glass, Mirror Glaze and now Zaino (for the last 20 years). I guess I am looking for options other than Zaino. I am hoping that this forum can recommend something to try that would give me a better look than what I am currently using. Also, just to be clear, I do like Zaino, just seeing what else is out there.

No, I am not soft and I am also a Vietnam Veteran that can take hits when necessary.

So lets try this again.

Thanks

Welcome to the forum. Now that we've gotten the other distractions out of the way let's see if we can help you out.

I used Zaino extensively back in the early 2000's. Some of my pictures are still on their site.

This was back in the day.

View attachment 62787

Personally I never bought into the layering stuff you'd see on Zaino's website (32 coats lol), even today at most I may put a second coat of the same product but never more than that. I do top sealants on occaision with a finsihing product, maybe a nuba or a spray wax. It's usually dependent on the vehicle and desired results. I try to stay in the family of products when doing so for synergism.

So that being said, I own and have used most of AG's brands of products with exceptional results.

If you want to try something out that is both user friendly and a great deal you can't go wrong with this. You get the protection and shine of the sealant with the warmth and depth of a high grade carnuba. I'm sure it would make your Vette glow!


BLACKFIRE Wet Ice Over Fire Kit, car wax kit

This is the BF combo on my GC a few years ago.

View attachment 62788

View attachment 62789

View attachment 62792

This is it on my wife's Sonata (old packaging)

View attachment 62790

View attachment 62791

Their are endless other options but I thought I'd share this proven combination first.
 
Another combo I really liked, was from Duragloss - as mentioned earlier as being similar.

The 601 bonding agent + 111.... Very nice. I applied it to a family member's vehicle in the fall, and upon seeing it in the rain today, it's still got the gloss and small, tight beads. It can easily be boosted with Duragloss Aquawax which is a spray and wipe product. It's really hard to go wrong with Duragloss.

Rupes 808, which is a spray on sealant is also very strong, and very glossy. I had it on a car from November 2016 through April of 2017. Still seemed to be holding up. I got to see first hand how strong some of the ingredients were when a semi-dried glob of product ejected from the sprayer. I had to pull the solids off the car, and re-polish areas hit by the thick residue. This type of occurance isn't common.
 
@OP, stan0324:

•IMO:
-Due to the results achieved from using
the below products on my DSOM C7:
Finish Kare 303 Glaze; and,
Finish Kare 1000P Hi-Temp...

-A TR C7 will also look just as
fabulous after it’s been treated to
the exact same duo. (You do still
have the red C7, don’t you?)


An example:

6670582F-F0C9-4313-8C58-7FCABD0CA503.jpeg




Bob
 
I was a faithful Zaino user on the last three Vettes I have had until two years ago. Switched to Wolfgang Coating shortly after it was released. Had that on there until this week. Literally just finished putting another coating on minutes ago. Good luck with whatever you choose. So many great products out there.

141ffffad34aa168920d807d02abab16.jpg


4087ab5a0bd269e83c1842c1cc843e49.jpg
 
All right, now we are going somewhere ;)

Let me break it down in 3 steps for you.

So, you want to replace Zaino, can you explain why? What feature are you looking for that you are not getting with Zaino?

As other have mentioned, how glossy your paint look is mostly based on the preparation steps, not the protective product you apply. So the first thing you would want to do is purchase a Dual Action Polisher if you do not already own one. Depending on your budget, and how often you plan to use it, I would recommend a Griot's Garage 6'' polisher as a basic machine that is very capable and very inexpensive. If you don't mind spending more, a Griot's Garage Boss 15 or a Rupes Mark II 15mm would give you more correcting ability and would till work decently on the curved panels of a Corvette. I would avoid 21mm machines because you will find it very difficult to use on curved panels.

Second thing, you will need polishing pads for the various stages of work on the paint. If your car has spiderweb scratches, micro marring, oxydation, or light scratches, you will want cutting pads to remove the damage in the paint. The most efficient and agressive of those are microfiber cutting pads used with a compound. You can also use foam cutting pads but they are much less efficient, and thus will require more work (and time) to remove the same amount of damage.

Then you will want foam polishing pads to use along a finishing polish to make the paint shine. There are various grades of pads but the diffence is minimal. As for products, again a ton of them available but as long as it says finishing polish you should be good.

As a protecting product, the two main categories are sealants and ceramic coatings. If you are looking for long term protection, you will want a coating. McKee's 37 paint coating is very easy to use, gives excellent results and lasts about 2 years on a typical car. An other easy to use product would be Optimum Gloss Paint, again a 2 year coating.

If you prefer to apply the product often, there are several amazing paint sealants on the market, the one I like most is Menzerna (also sold under Jescar) PowerLock.

You can also go with a ceramic coating and top it off from time to time with a Ceramic Sealant such as CarPro Reload. This gives amazing gloss and water repellency.

Hope this gives you at least some of the answers you were looking for.
 
to the OP First off.....thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.... second...thank you for giving our forum a second shot. I have learned so much since joining this forum ( not just car detailing). I have tried to contribute and have welcomed advise. I know that you will find us welcoming and respectful.
 
Back
Top