Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Fellow Car Buffs - Best Car Wax/Polish

I have always taken a lot of pride in the vehicles I have owned. Over the years I have polished my cars using Eagle 1, Mothers, Turtle Wax, Zymoil, 3M, NuFinish, and countless others. Eventually, I stopped at Zymoil becuase I liked it better than anything I had previously used.

Last autumn, my friend was turned on to a product line called Zaino Brothers by a co-worker. He tried it and and absolutely swore up and down about how good it is. I had already given my car its final pre-winter polish so it was going to have to wait until Spring.

With the arrival of spring, it was time to give my car her first polish of the year. I still had half a bottle of Zymoil left, but decided to go ahead and order the Zaino and try it out. 3 weeks ago, I put on my first coat of Zaino and have added 2 coats since.

I have owned my current car for 8 years and it now looks better than anytime I can remember. I really can't find the words to convey what I feel when I look at my car now. I just know it looks amazing and I don't think it has ever looked as sharp as it does now. The finish was fantastic with the first coat, and looked even better with each additional coat. If I am not mistaken, the information I read on Zaino's site claims that in order to obtain a mirror-like finish, you need to apply at least 3 coats. I found that to be true. The more coats....the more reflective my car has become.

Not only that, but others seem to agree. Never before had anybody approached me to ask what I used on my car or to compliment the way it looked. That has now happened three times in the last two weeks. 2 out of the 3 asked me what I used on my car.

When I told the two guys I used Zaino, they both said the same thing..."I've never heard of that". Their second question was where to get it.

By the way, I have been on this forum for about a year maybe. I am not a salesman for Zaino or anybody else nor do I have any affiliation whatsover with Zaino. This is the first time I have posted anything not related to HT. I just wanted to share this information with the people on this forum because I wish somebody had informed me long ago. It really is that good and I highly recommend giving it a try.

If you are curious, you can do a google search and find their site. There are some good testimonials (with pictures)on the site. On some of the pictures, you can really see what is meant by 'mirror finish' and 'the wet look'. I can attest to both.

I hope my posting a non-HT topic does not offend anybody.

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I hope my posting a non-HT topic does not offend anybody.

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Can't speak for others, but I sure don't mind. I don't know if I'll try Zaino, but I'm glad to have the info. Thanks

now mike-

did you properly calibrate that polish before applying it to the surface of your car?? if not, then you are not getting the full potential out of that bottle of wax. and it is essential that you use the proper toe-in angle on the buffer cloth, or the shine will be sub-par at best. i suggest that you try several different toe-in buffer angles, depending on the amount of sunlight of course, to make better use of the waxes 'mirror finish' ability. if using an electric buffer, use extreme caution as to what sort of extension cord you use to plug it into the wall.. i have found that you get a much faster, cleaner rotation of the buffer head when using the orange 16 gauge, 25ft cord. the 50 footer tends to allow a degregation of the electrical current, and is just not applicable. now, there are those that will tell you, "cords dont really matter".. i say check it out for yourself. and last, but not least, make sure the shine is appealing to YOUR eyes.. dont make the mistake of allowing someone else to chose which is best for you.. and use your wax with confidence, cause the slightest bit of doubt, will inevitably lead to 'upgradetis', and you will be combing the local detail shops for the next great wax..

have fun with it!!

bigjohn

I've tried Eagle 1, Mothers, Turtle Wax, Zymol, 3M, NuFinish as well. Don't like Eagle 1. Thought NuFinish was a waste of money. The 3M system is pretty good. Turtle Wax and Maguires are both darn good products. Mothers is excellent and Malms is even better. Zymol is also excellent.

My cars are black garaged when not in use and I wax them myself. I use Dawn dishwashing liquid for the wash - it strips the wax and oils from the surface. A thorough rinse is vital to the success of the effort. I then use a polish and wash the car again after the polish. I then apply the glaze and buff with microfiber cloths. Then the wax - the more carnuba in the mix the better. Once a year, I'll use the Mothers Gold Claybar after the first wash, and wash again after that. Just my preferences.

I wash the car in a wand wash and then tell her to "step on it" on the way home to dry it.

The PPG guys I know swear by Maguires and one even cuts and polishes his Rustang every spring.

Though I do Turtle Wax my snowblower and lawnmower to make wiping them off easier.

Bren R.

I saw the title of this thread and figured I had to check in and tell y'all about Zaino, but KC_Mike already knew.

http://www.zainostore.com/

Awesome stuff. Most folks in a car club I'm a member of also swear by it. The leather treatment and tire treatment are also great. Here are a couple pics of my car, freshly zaino'd.

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I saw the title of this thread and figured I had to check in and tell y'all about Zaino, but KC_Mike already knew.

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I thought the same thing when I saw the thread title. Every time I sing the praises of Zaino Bros, people look at me like I'm an alien. If you have never tried it do so immediately. There is none better.

Well i use Meguires jus tried the New suff Nex Gen or something like that , thought it turened out really good might have to look into the Zaino stuff jus for the hay of it

i need to wax my truck before summer kicks in.
i was going to try zymol, but maybe i'll check this stuff out.

I looked at the site and the application process. Do you guys use all of the other products that are listed? It seems like they "suggest" a whole bunch of other products to complete the application.

The process goes like this:

1. Wash car with Dawn dish detergent to remove any old wax;

2. Apply Z-1 (polish lok);

3. Apply as many coats of polish (Z-2, Z-3, OR Z-5) as you wish.

4. If you want, you can also apply Z-6 spray for more gloss, or just use that the next time you wash the car.

They have a new product (ZFX?) that I think combines steps 2 and 3.

Z-10, leather in a bottle, is a good leather treatment and gives your car a great smell.

Z-16, tire dressing, gives a sort of matte finish, not the super black, super glossy look that you see on a lot of cars. [photo of zaino'd tire]

If you have oxidized paint or it's not real smooth, get the claybar and use that after step 1.

The good thing is, the stuff goes a long way, and it is very easy to apply and buff off.

what is your preferred method of application and buffing?
what are your preferred materials to use for applying and buffing the wax/polish?

Zaino sells some little cotton terry applicator pads, which I use for applying. They recommend U.S. made, 100% cotton, white terry towels for removal of polish. Their stuff is liquid, and it goes on and off with no heavy muscle required.

By the way, I don't use their car shampoo anymore. Didn't seem much different than stuff I buy at the local auto parts (McGuires, I think).

the last waxing i did was with turtle wax. that stuff is hell in a bottle. i'll never use it again.

it will be relieving to have the same sort of wax that goes on my guitar (liquid). i use meguiar's guitar polish for my guitars and it works like a charm. http://www.zzounds.com/item--FENA990508000

Huffer -

I followed the instructions on the Zaino site and washed the car using Dawn. I then used a clay bar, but I used a clay bar made by Mother's. I was told Mother's made a good clay bar and it was just as good as the one Zaino sells.

I purchased Z-1,Z-2,& Z-6 to do the polish job. When I called to order those, I asked the guy (his name was Nick) on the phone about their tire gloss. After taking his word that their tire gloss would be superior to what I was using (Tire Wet), I went ahead and ordered it. I have only used the Z-16 tire gloss once so far; but I can tell you it has lasted considerably longer than my Tire Wet would have. Also, it dries quickly and does not spin off the tire onto the wheel wells/quarter panels when driving. My Tire Wet was infamous for that.....even after allowing hours for dry time. After I applied the Z-16, I waited about an hour and then drove the car. It did not spin off the tires and get all over. I was very happy indeed. Also, my friend that turned me on to Zaino uses Z-16 on his interior....the plastic and rubber areas. He says the shine is amazing plus you get all the UV protection that the product offers. I haven't tried this yet, as I have been devoting most of my spare time to the outside of the car so far.

One other thing that I really like about Zaino is the fact you can apply it in direct sunlight. No more driving over to your parents or friends home to borrow some shade to wax your car (for those that are apartment dwellers). I used to rent an apt. until last November, and I hated the fact I always had to go somewhere else to do my car. Now I have a one car garage.....and its kinda tight in there. I probably could polish the car inside the garage if I had to. But that is just it....IF I HAD TO. I put all 3 coats on my car out in the driveway in the sun. Nice and roomy...plus I got a start on a tan.

kc, i used to use malm's and considered zaino, but the multiple steps was just too much for me. i've an extended cab pick up, and even with a buffer, twice a year is it for me. i now use mother's carnuba w/out cleaner.
dan

Dan -

I could have bought the ZFX accelerator and made it a 2 step process; but it is new and I was going on the recommendation of my friend. Maybe next time I will try the ZFX accelerator.

Even though using the Z-1 is a 3 step process, the Z-1 only has to be applied the first time. After that, its a 2 step process.

Secondly, Zaino goes on much thinner than any other polish I have seen or used. It barely leaves a haze when it dries and hardly takes any effort to buff off by hand. That actually saves time, IMO.

I really didn't time the process, but each additional coat after the first coat probably takes the same amount of time it used to when I used Zymoil, etc.

Metalaaron -
You get a free applicator pad with a purchase and I used that to apply the Z-1. I used the other side of that applicator to apply the Z-2. (you don't buff off the Z-1..the Z-2 goes directly over the Z-1). I then spray the Z-6 gloss enhancer on the car and use a 100% cotton cloth to wipe it on. I use a different, dry cotton cloth to buff it dry. Z-6 dries quickly, so once you get it wiped on, you immediately begin to buff dry.

Between each application, I washed the applicator pad and cotton cloths in the washer using hot water.

Mike, I have been a loyal Zymol customer for 15 years, but with all the glowing reviews, I'll have to give the Draino.. I mean Zaino a try.

I must say though, with the first of 3 kids showing up five years ago, detailing the car is low on the honey-do list these days. PLUS the fact that the most expensive vehicle in the drive now is HER Odyssey......

Got married, lost the convertible. Bought a house, lost the boat. Had kids, lost the top of the line Accord. Hmmm.... is there a pattern here?

Ok, so you older guys - Ford, Ray, Jack - how about some insight. What do I lose when the kids go to University? What do I lose when I get a mistress? I've already started to lose my hair.

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Ok, so you older guys - Ford, Ray, Jack - how about some insight. What do I lose when the kids go to University? What do I lose when I get a mistress? I've already started to lose my hair.

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Been single all my life so I'm not much help here. Still got my hair, too. I don't mean to rub it in, BUT
LIFE IS GOOD!

Did anyone ever tell you you look like a young(er) Jack Palance?

Not until you came into my life, Peter! Jack Palance? One of the ugliest actors ever? Now I AM depressed.

OK, fine. How about a younger, better-looking version of Jack Palance, then?

Much mo' betta, thank you very much. You're now back in my good graces once more.

When I was about 12 years old, my folks had a silhouette of me cut by a well know silhouette artist (Wallie Spatz). Recently I had one done from the other profile so I could place them side by side with the old goat looking back at the young kid. I told the silhouette artist that if he was REALLY good at his craft, my silhouette would look 20 pounds lighter and a lot like Mel Gibson. He didn't listen.

i ordered some z-1loc and z-2 w/ 2 applicators & got another one (3rd) for free!
i might have a project in the making on sunday

can the applications be spread out to weekends?

When you say applications, I am assuming that you mean additional coats after the first?

The only rule I am aware of is to wait at least 6 hours (if over 70 degrees) between additional coats.

I put my fist coat on and waited a week before putting on the second. I added a third coat the next day. That was a week ago from today. Today, probably within the hour, I am going to begin the 4th coat and I think I am stopping there.

My first coat

maybe i'll get addicted to putting coats of polish on as well haha

does water bead up well after the first coat?