This past weekend I spent a few hours applying several coats of Zaino (ZFX+Z2 Pro / Z5) to my new MCS. As a long time Zymol fan I was thoroughly impressed with the Zaino experience. And the outcome is just fantastic. However with that said, the results I’ve gotten with Zymol over the years are certainly enough to keep a jar on my shelf.
Over the past couple years I’ve noticed that this topic is absolutely sacred to many auto enthusiasts. It would seem that about 33% of the MINI community has one answer when it comes to wax, the other 33% has another and the last 33% has no idea what wax is. Okay, while it may not be quit that simple, there are sitll plenty of opinions to go around on this topic. So let’s hear them. What kind of automotive wax (or polish in Zaino’s case) do you use and why?
<p>I’m sold on the whole Meguiars product line. I’m currently using their gold class liquid wax. Also at the beginning of the summer I applied a NuFinish paste layer to protect the clear coat. I think the gold class wax shows even better over top of the NuFinish layer.</p>
<p>I wash with the Mr Clean Auto Dry system simply because I have hard water and the filters work great for keeping away the water spots. I still dry by hand with microfiber cloths too, just to be sure.</p>
<p>Armorall original has been great on the wheel arches and side skirts for getting off stubborn wax. It also gives a nice shine. I also use it on the rubber around the car to prevent cracking and drying out from the sun.</p>
<p>Nice wheels Gabe. Where can I buy Zaino? Is it easy to use? I’m lazy.</p>
<p>You can buy it here: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=U&start=1&q=http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc&e=9797">Zaino Store</a></p>
<p>Is it easy to use? Yes and no. It’s very different than traditional wax.</p>
<p>I was wondering what was the best wax to use on our MINI when I stumbled across a similar comparison. I am currently using the WalMart Zymol which does the job pretty well.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.nsxsc.com/nsexcitement/waxtest.html</a></p>
<p>Just to be clear Zaino is a polish and not a wax. It offers no protection to the vehicle, only shine.</p>
<p>That being said I am a Zymol guy myself. While I find Zaino does have a richer shine with more layers, Zymol comes damn close and still offers the protection of a wax. Id say on a 1 to 10 scale where Zaino is a 10 on shine..Zymol is probably a 9.</p>
<p>I use the same wax on my wheels, eagle one tire shine on my tires, neverdull to clean to soot off my tailpipe and 303 aerospace protectant on the black trim/wheel arches.</p>
<p>Mark – i’ve used the generic (if you will) Zymol on and off for years and loved it. I don’t know if I agree with the testing that it’s actually better wax in the long run, but it is a great value and the best “off the shelf wax” I’ve ever used.</p>
<p>I too really like the wheels. I’m wondering… how much of a difference in ride is there from the 17’s to your 18’s. Is it noticeable in any way (good or bad)? Sorry to get off topic.</p>
<p>BTW here is where two coats of Zymol gets you..</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/antsmini/64877.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/antsmini/64877.jpg</a></p>
<p>I’m a Zaino Fan and absolutely love it. Bet the best part isn’t that it gives such a huge shine and protection advantage over traditional carnuba based waxes…it was that it lasts…and lasts…much longer then traditional waxes do including zymol and others….If I was doing a 1-2 day car show and wanted the best possible look I may not choose zaino…there are a few others that I would consider (mostly depending on the color of the car – I do like how p21s (my favorate carnuba wax) looks on a dark car…but for normal use nothing in my opinion compares to the life that zaino provides.</p>
<p>Someone above mentioned Armorall – depends what you like – if you like a high shine then it does it good…but personally I don’t on my tires…i want a nice deep rich black look without the greased up look….there are several on the market that do that well including the Zaino Tire product…gives it a great deep rich color without looking like it had crisco spread on it….so depending what you like – if you like a high shine stick with an Armorall type product…if you wan’t the deep color but not as much shine try a product like the zaino tire care.</p>
<p>It is important to note that some “waxes” look better on different color cars, and you have to work them differently on those colors. Differently being defined as how long you have to work them on darker cars.</p>
<p>Meguiars and Mothers being my favorite for that show car shine. But since I’m lazy I use <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zep.com/">Zep’s</a> wash and wax, Zep-o-shine. I love how the rain just rolls off the car after I use it. Unfortunatly, It is industrial grade and has to be bought directly from the manufacturer in a 4 gallon case,( Or a 55 gallon drum) or a truck stop may have it if you’re lucky. Truckers love the stuff!</p>
<p>Ants – how can you claim that zaino doesn’t provide any protection and that only carnuba based waxes will protect your statement. I’ve lived in the midwest for years and personally I never found a product better then zaino for winter use….it protected against the salt and other chemicals better then anything i’ve tried. Do you have any proof that Zaino does not provide any protection?</p>
<p>It’s funny, I’ve known Tire dealers to actually paint tires black with a high gloss spray paint. Since tires were mentioned.</p>
<p>O – yea it really comes down to personally preference with the tires…some really like the shine while others really like the no shine deep color look….tire dealers…their up there with used car dealers :)</p>
<p>lol</p>
<p>Has anyone tried Klasse All-In-One? If not, I highly recommend checking it out. I’ve found the prices at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.topoftheline.com/klasalseal.html" target="top">Top of the Line Detailing Supplies</a> to be competitive. Klasse also offers a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.topoftheline.com/klassealglaz.html" target="top">Sealant Glaze</a>. I haven’t tried the glaze yet. A-I-O leaves an outstanding finish, while also protecting the paint. I recommend using it on windows and headlights as well. In addition to cleaning and protecting, it also removes very fine spider webbing and scratching. Bottomline, you have to try it.</p>
<p>All the best,
Sam</p>
<p>I’m a Zymol kinda guy, simply because I’m satisfied with what a good coat of Carbon looks like on my DS MCS, and everything I read about Zaino makes it sound way too work intensive for an old lazy man like me. : )</p>
<p>A_Sr.</p>
<p>Off-topic reponse:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I too really like the wheels. I’m wondering… how much of a difference in ride is there from the 17’s to your 18’s. Is it noticeable in any way (good or bad)? Sorry to get off topic.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>GSK – I’ll have a one month review of my MCS next week with all sorts of wheel thought ;)</p>
<p>So, what’s the difference between a wax and a polish? Do I need to wax before Zaino’ing? Even though Zaino is a polish (if that’s true), does it offer the same kind of protection as traditional waxes? If not, what are the differences?</p>
<p>Well after seeing Ian’s Zaino’d MCS I gotta say, after also trying Zymol on my PS/BLK MCS, that it seems Zaino makes a good case for itself.</p>
<p>I know all those are great but I like to use good old Blue Coral. I guess it’s an age thing.</p>
<p>I used Zymol on the wife’s 3 series, when see had it, and after a few coats I stopped. Didn’t care for it.</p>
<p>Some folks out here in SoCal swear by Meguire’s NXT.</p>
<p>Stopped using ArmorAll years ago now use the MINI stuff and for the exterior plastic, Back to Black works for me. Hate over shiny tires!</p>
<p>Buy a lot of car care items from …<a href="http://www.griotsgarage.com/maint.htm" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.griotsgarage.com/maint.htm</a>.</p>
<p>Use…<a href="http://www.invisibleglass.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.invisibleglass.com/</a>…on windscreen.</p>
<p>A bit off the subject but I just brought a ’03 Cooper, for my daughter, from the Boston area with 13,000+ miles. I noticed, during the 1st wash, the rusty stuff had already started. I also noticed a lot of crunchy stuff under the bonnet and had to throughly clean the track for the sunroof. I guess if I lived nearer the coast I would have more of the corrosion issues but not that crunchy stuff.</p>
<p>It isn’t really even a polish – that is just the name that Sal came up with at Zaino….a better term might be polymer. Wax has the name as they contain Carnuba Wax or some other kind but Carnuba is usually considered the better choice in terms of car wax. Zaino does not contain any carnuba wax.</p>
<p>gabe,</p>
<p>for the weekend car or someone who likes to wax their car often, i really like P21S – gives a concours type shine. their car wash shampoo is really amazing too. they also make a metal polish when mixed with 3M glaze is fabulous way to remove scratches. </p>
<p>for the daily driver, one grand blitz wax is my favorite.</p>
<p>everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to car care, but i just wanted to mention these two great products. you can find them both online.</p>
<p>cheers,
paul
san francisco</p>
<p>Gabe nice rims! </p>
<p>Gabe what happened to the other 1%???</p>
<p>We don’t speak of them ;)</p>
<p>I personally like Zymol. I used it before with my M3, and always have been very pleased. Plus, when you look at all the high-end supercars that recommend Zymol, I figure the MINI is in good company.</p>
<p>I just introduced myself to Zymol this spring, and I am absolutely in love with the product. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Zaino, and I’ll plan on giving it a shot, but for now Zymol does it for me.</p>
<p>BTW, Gabe, the new MINI looks sweet!</p>
<p>Zymol actually has a special package available just for the MINI. I don’t think it’s anything too special, just a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.emmonscoachworks.com/ecommerce/catalogset_ccare.html">nice set really</a>.</p>
<p>Zaino all the way. Once you get a couple of initial coats on it is a very easy system that does ideed offer GREAT PROTECTION and luster. I have heard that applying a thin layer of carnuba over the Zaino will give you an even deeper shine, although I have never tried this myself. Having a blk/blk MCS, I love Zaino.</p>
<p>I’ve been using Meguiars products since I’ve owned a car. My current favorite has to be the NXT Tech Wax. It’s the first synthetic wax I’ve used and the results are absolutely fantastic!</p>
<p>My current quarterly routine goes like this:
1. Clay Bar
2. Meguiars Step 2 polish
3. Meguiars NXT Tech Wax</p>
<p>There is a depth to the VR that I can not repeat with other waxes (short of Meguiars #7). Easy on/Easy off too.</p>
<p>Yeah clay bar is a crucial step. I think the Clay Bar (the original from <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.emmonscoachworks.com/ecommerce/catalogset_ccare.html">Clay Magic</a>) is one of the best investments anyone can make in terms of car care.</p>
<p>I’m a huge fan of the entire Griots Garage product line. I recently bought a PC DA Random Orbital, and the Griots machine polish and use the Best of show wax as I have for years. Very happy with the results.</p>
<p>One of the best things I have recently discovered are microfiber wax removal cloths.</p>
<p>TJ</p>
<p>Zaino for me. I thought I was doing a good job on previous cars with washing regularly and waxing, but Zaino products took it to another level. The initial application process for Zaino, which is described in detail on the zaino website, is tedious but the results are like nothing I have ever achieved. However, Zaino is addicting and the cost is high (IMO). It is worth it, though.</p>
<p>On another note, I have read that using Armor-all can be damaging to your call. After the application the tires or trim look fantastic, however, from what I’ve read Armor-all will dry out your tires and the trim. I avoid the stuff now and even gave away all my bottles (yes, I had several bottles since everyone in my family knew I loved it-this was after Christmas).</p>
<p>I haven’t tried anything else in the past 2 years. I am a believer in the Zaino products.</p>
<p>I’m a Zaino person myself, and aside from its look, its real advantage is its protection, and how long it lasts. They are features that don’t occur in a real wax. I do bet that Zymol has a thicker, deeper look, but it won’t last a tenth as long, does not offer the protection, and is ten times more expensive.
Simple rule I guess: Zaino for every day, Zymol for car show day.
And honestly I think the secret weapon may be to coat zymol over zaino…one day I want to try that. :)</p>
<p>I use Zaino for two reasons, It’s easy to put on and off and most importantly it doesn’t turn black trim white! I’m surprised no one has mentioned this benefit.</p>
<p>Also isn’t NXT Tech wax and Zaino similar in that they are both Polymer based instead of wax based?</p>
<p>Really? Zaino doesn’t leave the horriffic white streaks on the black trim? For my old CRX and now the Mini, it seems you can almost spend as much time getting that off the trim as you do waxing/polishing the car.</p>
<p>I have been a Meguiars 1,2,3 (cleaner, polish, carnuba wax) guy in the past, but this and other posts have me thinking of ordering some Zaino…</p>
<p>This is the way to build a super long thread full of opinions i’ve seen so excellently demonstrated on every automotive board I’ve come across. I hesitate to read further than i have.</p>
<p>I am a LiguidGlass (polymer base) user because Obehave on MINI2 swore by it. I don’t care if the car has a nice liquidy shine on it (it does), i want protection for the paint. And I have read over and over how a polymer based polish will provide as strong a protection for many times the duration of a carnuba wax. Apologies to my good ffriend Antsmini ;)</p>
<p>Open shut and sorry if redundant.</p>
<p>Zaino is expensive and tedious to apply. But the result’s are worth it: <a href="http://buzzy.us/pictures/minizaino/minizaino-Images/6.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc">http://buzzy.us/pictures/minizaino/minizaino-Images/6.jpg</a></p>
<p>On my various MINIs I started with Klasse (very easy to apply but not very satisfying shine), Zymol (smells lovely and looks good) and P21S which gave <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gbmini.net/gallery/BI2003/DSCF0002">fabulous beading</a> but needed regular re-waxing.</p>
<p>After seeing Josh’ Zaino’ed MINI last year, I decided to <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/2005/06/gbminis_first_z.shtml">try Zaino on GBMINI#3</a> and I am totally impressed! Zaino is easy to work with and the resulting reflections are fabulous – but more important, after bad weather and driving for a week, it still looks like it has just been washed (well, except perhaps on the back end where all the road crud gets thrown up).</p>
<p>I still have P21S & Zymol but I don’t see me using anything but Zaino from now on …</p>
<p>OK. Sorry. I’ve read most of your insights now. I don’t mean to seem so arrogant. </p>
<p>There was a dangling question I gleened. It had to do with procedures involved with waxes and polymers. It relates to oil and acrylic paint. Organic vs. Synthetic. Plainly, the wax can be applied over the wax or over the polish. The polish can not be applied over the wax. So a first ever coat of polymer (Zaino etc) based polish should always follow a washing with Dawn® Dish Detergent and a claybarring (I uses Zaino’s) with a soapwater spray for lubrication. The result will be a purified painted surface, stripped of ugly oxidation, old waxes, sap, and other tenacious filth. Brilliant color! Heck, a wax will look better on this base also.</p>
<p>In the actual application of waxes, a circular motion is instructed. For polymer polishes, the stroke is linear.</p>
<p>Ahhh, sunny Sat. afternoon, gonna buff up the Mini. Let’s see – – Z7 wash, no wait – need Dawn dishwashing liquid to combat inferior, previous organic-based wax! Go to store, get Dawn & beer. Have a beer. Wash with Dawn. Clay with special Zaino bar. (s*&t, do I wash with z7 now? Better do so) Now, let’s see – need to dry with special cotton towels made in USA – can’t read most of tag but I’m sure it’s cotton – but what if it’s scratchy, foreign cotton?! – get reading glasses and try to see country of origin. Screw it – it’s cotton. OK, start with Z2. OK now on to z6 (or is it Z5- do I have swirls?) Have another beer and look for swirls. OK – can’t see swirls, at least through beer goggles – don’t think I need z5 – go to z6 – refer to Zaino bible for “cure” time – too long – look for tiny bottles of “accelerator” – Mix 3 drops in tiny bottle – re-refer to bible to remember what z-number to use. Apply “accelerated” polish. Wait shorter “cure time.” Have beer to pass time. Need another coat? Oops, getting dark (also drunk). Can’t remember what step I’m at. Screw it, where’s my old tin of Turtle wax. Please no flames from the Zaino cult – I know its shiny, its slippery, it’s the bomb – I’ve used it before – my current audi is white and my MCS on order is Pepper White – Klasse/Pinnacle combo is fine. Life’s too short.</p>
<p>Kurt – to some extent I agree; when I read all the directions that came with the Zaino pack it sounded crazy. But the directions are confusing and the reality of Zaino is not as complex as it seems. Plus – once you have done the “whole process” once, the rest is much simplified.</p>
<p>I also eased my Zaino life significantly by getting a job lot of 2oz mixer bottles from eBay – now I don’t have to try washing them out afterwards; I just throw the bottle away!</p>
<p>Waxed my MCS 05 last week using Meguiar’s NXT. It looked really great until a pick-up truck crashed into me.
:(</p>
<p>Zaino chick myself…and I have even converted my Dad. I went from using a spray as you dry was to using NXT wax (which did what I thought was a good job till I tried Zaino). Yes it can be a tedious process the first few times around. But once you have done the clay barring etc, putting a coat of Z2 and Z6 on after a wash isn’t all that bad.</p>
<p>I use Zaino, but just picked up a bottle of the new Dupont Teflon Car Wax to go on as a final coat– I’m looking for anything that might keep my MINI’s “bum” a little cleaner. Anyone used it?</p>
<p>I’m new to much of this polish/wax stuff. I’m lazy and busy, so I’m sure it will be a once a year sort of thing. What’s the deal with this clay thing. I looked at the zymol site and it looks like a smallish rectangle of silly putty. My car(Cooper S)has the surface area of a smallish to midsized elephant (as do all of yours). What am I supposed to do with a 3 inch bar of clay?</p>
<p>Kurt, that was classic! </p>
<p>I like NXT, really like Zymol (not the cheap auto parts stuff, but the real paste wax you have to order).</p>
<p>Haven’t tried Zaino yet, but sounds sweet. </p>
<p>I just ordered a bunch of Wizards products for my Jet Black 05′ MCSC. The stuff should be here on Monday! Has anyone tried there stuff? I have only used there mist and shine so far and it is incredible!</p>
<p>I might have to try Zaino some time, but right now I’m hooked on the tropical smell of Zymol.</p>
<p>Think of a clay bar as an eraser</p>
<blockquote>
<p>What’s the deal with this clay thing. I looked at the zymol site and it looks like a smallish rectangle of silly putty. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Good question. When I first heard of Clay Magic Clay Bar I was sure it was some sort of snake oil. However I have to say that it was the biggest revelation I’ve ever had when it came to car care. When I first used it I had an issue of these tiny white paint spots all over the front of my Indi blue MINI. I had tried everything from my finger nail to bug tar remover to polishing wax with no luck. The clay bar took all of it off in seconds. It was incredible.</p>
<p>I prefer the original Clay Magic Clay Bar as opposed to the Zymol branded stuff (you can get it <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.emmonscoachworks.com/ecommerce/catalogset.html">here</a>). You basically spray on some solution and then wipe with the clay. Everything from surface imperfections to road paint will quickly come off. Just make sure the surface is sufficiently wet with the solution or it won’t work properly.</p>
<p>Alex. Use the clay bar as you would an eraser, sorta. As you spray a small area on the car with a viscous soapy fluid, push the bar with medium pressure along in a linear fashion. Scrub a bit for the tough spots. Try to keep the “bar” (it loses shape witrh use) flat and clean against the surface. Knead it whenever it seems soiled. This presents a cleaner surface. One bar will last several treatments. If it hits the ground, toss it. It’s not worth scratching your car. Have a few for back up.</p>
<p>If your going for once a year, several coats of polymer polish is recommended. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Klasse user here.</p>
<p>Hasn’t been mentioned much, so I’ll chime in with another vote for Griot’s Garage Best of Show Wax. I use it with the random orbital & the results on my ’04 CR/W MC are fantastic.</p>
<p>I noticed that the black trim alongside the windshield has quite a few swirl marks. Should this be waxed/polished like the rest of the body, including use of the swirl mark remover?</p>
<p>Huge NXT fan here. I run out and I go to Target and get some more.</p>
<p>blalor I haven’t tried it but wonder if Maguires plastic polish would be good to use on the glossy plastic trim. I know it did wonders on my old cheap plastic rear window in my 96 Miata.</p>
<p>gabe,(and anyone else with a jet black mini) did you use a cotton towel or microfiber to remove the zaino? some people swear by microfiber, others say it leaves swirls on black cars. thanks.</p>
<p>I just gor a new Pepper White MCS.</p>
<p>How soon can I apply Zymol or other treatment?</p>
<p>Wax? You want wax? </p>
<p>Check out : <a href="http://www.malms.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.malms.com/</a></p>
<p>guaranteed to out shine, out last, everything, or they pick it up and give your money back.
What could be better?
Try it and see for yourself!</p>
<p>I look for the easiest to apply and the one that requires the least amount of “maintenance”. So far after trying typical carnuba based waxes, I switched over to the chemical polishes about 2 years ago. It’s going to take a lot to get me to switch back to a carnuba( or other type of wax) based system.</p>
<p>Yes, Zaino instructions seem quite extensive. I believe this is primarily due to the unique nature of the product, and the lack of exposure polymer finish products receive.</p>
<p>Think about it — everyone knows Turtle Wax.</p>
<p>This ain’t Turtle Wax.</p>
<p>Some grouse about claying, but all the folks devoted to their MINI’s finish can agree that claying is important regardless of your finish product.</p>
<p>Key Zaino tips? Here, I was a first-timer until about 40 days ago, myself.</p>
<p>First wash with Dawn.</p>
<p>Cut clay into small bits, I can get six pieces from ONE Zaino clay bar (two in a package), easy. Mix and use your shampoo as lube, Zaino “documentation” will give you a good ratio. Should come out a bit “slicker” than your wash shampoo.</p>
<p>Key, and possibly overlooked, fact — lay it on light.
Overdo it, and it won’t cure effectively. </p>
<p>Finally, no more than three coats per day when using ZFX. Additional coats will impede curing process.</p>
<p>So, I’ve got 1 coat of Z5, and two coats of Z2 on my MCS. I’m a believer.</p>
<p>I switched from Zymol to Zaino products last year, and couldn’t be happier, easy to use, lasts forever, a looks great. Used it on my R90 wheels, they shed dirt and brake dust. It is
Zanio for me.
If you got to a large car show, you will see more Zaino products use than anything else. I don’t care what kind of car it is, or what color.</p>
<p>I am in the Zanio camp on this one. </p>
<p>I like to wax my wheels twice a year with Zanio. The evil brake dust almost rinses off.</p>
<p>BTW if you are really obsessed with the detailers art there is a forum for you:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.autopia.org/" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.autopia.org/</a></p>
<p>Check out the members gallery you will learn a whole new standard of shine.</p>
<p><a href="http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/2805reflections" rel="nofollow ugc">http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/2805reflections</a><em>8-6-02</em>better<em>for</em>cardomain<em>re-sized</em>sm.jpg</p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Jack</p>
<p>Thank you to Gabe and gmini for the enlightenment. I’ll have to give it a try.</p>
<p>Will it get rid of the minute specks of grease/tar that seem to primarily live on the back of the car? Is that stuff road tar or exhaust gunk or what? I can spend 2/3rds of my washing time trying to rub those things off. It kills me.</p>
<p>Any ideas on what to use on my rims for that really tenacious suff that builds up towards the inside and between the spokes?</p>
<p>Alex,</p>
<p>That is just the exact type of thing that claying is good for. All those stuborn dots of tar & grease and who knows what else…clay bar gets it all off. </p>
<p>Its a little 3″ rectangular miracle.</p>
<p>I highly discourage using dawn or any other dishwash detergent on your MINI or any car for that matter. I wouldn’t worry about using it on your wheels though. It does work quite well on that nasty brake dust. If Dawn is recommended by anyone that is a detailer I would question their professional judgement. </p>
<p>Ah the art of claying. That stuff is so cool. They use it to take the industrial fallout off of the BMW’s, Mercedes and MINIs that are parked in here in Tacoma. any good degreaser will work well for a lubricant for the clay. Formula 409, Simple Green, Zep’s Formula 50(that’s the industrial grade stuff). DO NOT use the STP Purple cleaner or anyone elses that is a purple knock off, it is a caustic and has health risks, as well as not good for some surfaces or metals.</p>
<p>Wow this thread has gotten long. can we make it to 100?</p>
<p>BTW what is the longest thread on MF?</p>
<p>My understanding is Dawn is used only once to strip wax off to prep the surface for a polymer such as zaino, klasse, super resin (auto glym), etc.</p>
<p>Once the polymer is applied, there is no need for any more washes with dawn.</p>
<p>another klasse user here. ;)</p>
<p>Are degreasers safe for clear coats? I thought Simple Green was acidic in nature. I recall folks using simple green on their wheels only to discover a clouding effect on the finish a year later.</p>
<p>A few MINI owners found out that the underside of the bonnet is not clear coated and simple green did a number on the paint.</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>I’ve seen Simple Green take the clear coat off a set of BBS wheels. I don’t think I’ll be using it to lubricate while claying…</p>
<p>Life is short and my MINI is always dirty, so I’ve settled on Meguiars NXT products for the paint and the Michelin tire/wheel cleaner, tire shine and brake dust repellent for the wheels and tires. Works for me and allows much more time for motoring.</p>
<p>Some clarifications:</p>
<p>1) The word “polish” is used very loosely. Sometimes it specifies an abrasive compound that removes swirl marks and fine scratches by smoothing out the paint finish (Zaino Z-PC Fusion). Other “polishes” are glazes, which coat the finish with oils to create a temporary high gloss (Meguiar’s #7, 3M Imperial Hand Glaze). Zaino Z-2/Z-5 “polish,” on the other hand, is more of a protective sealant. </p>
<p>2) Armor All has changed their formula for some time now, and their “original protectant” is no longer greasy or shiny. It leaves a nice matte finish.</p>
<p>Often times,</p>
<p>yeah just to clarify – the Dawn is a one time use to strip off all previous wax from a car before applying something like Zaino.</p>
<p>To throw another fruit loop into the mix:</p>
<p>I applied “Buffalo Milke” a few weeks ago to my MCS. It’s about as easy as it claims, and plenty glossy after application. Oh, and it’s safe for the black stuff, too. ;)</p>
<p>One shot:
<a href="http://www.icantclick.org/gallery/album119/20050617_192410" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.icantclick.org/gallery/album119/20050617_192410</a></p>
<p>Soon I hope to do a bit of a writeup on it.</p>
<p>that’s some shine, david! not carnuba, i’d wager…</p>
<p>Wow. I’m assuming you guys also find some time to drive your cars…? I’m a once a year wax, once a month wash kind of bloke. Dark Silver just doesn’t look right without a nice layer of grime, imho. And mine is now frosted with crusty salt highlights from the dripping windsurfer I’ve been strapping to the roof. Perfect.</p>
<p>This next post is a little on the technical and dry side so read at your own risk.</p>
<p>Personally not a big fan of Simple Green but just trying to give some suggestions for some commonly found products. </p>
<p>The reason that it is marketed as a “Green” product is because it doesn’t contain any more than 2% of those nasties that usually disqualify it as a Green product. </p>
<p>Why is that a magic number? Because a soap that has more than 2% of anything like a butyl or a caustic will ding it and it will then have to be listed on it’s MSDS (Material Safty Data Sheet)(there are some exceptions)</p>
<p>So if it isn’t on the MSDS, then it doesn’t have nasties in it. Right? </p>
<p>If there isn’t very much active ingredient in it, it doesn’t work, if it doesn’t work, then no one buys it. So what do Manufacturers do then?</p>
<p>They Blend it! By putting multiple low concentrations of different nasties in the soap that all are below 2% then Nothing is on the MSDS and it is a green product. </p>
<p>No just a loop hole cleaner.</p>
<p>I don’t buy green products, Because it is a lie anyway.</p>
<p>Like I said, My favorite is Zep’s Formula 50.</p>
<p>Okay time to wake up now.</p>
<p>I made the switch from Zymol to Zaino a few years back. I really think it’s easier to apply, gives a nicer shine and lasts much much longer. I’ve also found that bugs, tar and bird $#!* comes off much easier since I started using Zaino. In any case, a shiny MINI will look nice no matter what you use.</p>
<p>Slightly off topic:
I have a slight cloudy discoloration on the bonnet from a piece of bird poo that hit my car while I was on vacation (even the garages in Chicago aren’t safe from pigeons!). Any suggestions on getting it out?</p>
<p>Zack</p>
<p>Do you Griot’s Best of Show Wax fans have trouble wiping it off? It’s the hardest wax to remove, ever! I use the PC random orbit polisher with the Griot’s applicator pads and follow with the microfiber wax removal bonnets. At least 50% of the wax remains and it’s a bitch to rub out by hand. I swear that stuff is made of peanut butter. A co-worker of mine has the same gripe. I’m ready to toss the bottle in the garbage.</p>
<p>How deep is the bird dropping cloud? if it is just surface, the safest thing is the clay, But 99% chance it won’t work. (always start with the least aggressive) Then a light polish, before you move on to somthing move aggresive.</p>
<p>anyone, anyone Bueller?</p>
<p>Gabe,</p>
<p>You inspired me to put two coats of Z-5 on the car today after a good wash and the claybar. My wife is pissed-off, but my 05 Hyperblue MCS looks like a million bucks. I love the Zaino products.</p>
<p>“…Just to be clear Zaino is a polish and not a wax. It offers no protection to the vehicle, only shine…”</p>
<p>It’s amazing how much mis-information and myth there is out there about Zaino.</p>
<p>The ONLY reason I felt safe buying an all-black MCS was because of Zaino.</p>
<p>I’m not a car-care fanatic and I don’t spend hours using it, either.</p>
<p>I like Zaino because it’s easy to apply and remove. It shines AND PROTECTS like nothing I’ve ever used before.</p>
<p>It doesn’t HAVE to be a long, drawn out process, but many people get hooked on it and therefore you’ll hear all kinds of stories about multi-coats and long procedures.</p>
<p>Once I did the initial cleaning and prep work (which you should do for any product), I applied and removed the Z5 in just over an hour.</p>
<p>Now, I reapply Z5 once or twice a year and use their wonderful carwash and spray to keep it looking great.</p>
<p>Highly recommended!</p>
<p>-Jim</p>
<p>Jim A, thank you for itterating how false that quote is. I wish it were more commonly debunked as this thread was woven. Polymer resins are used to protect not only cars, but boats, planes, and helicopters. Ask a leer jet owner what carnuba he uses.</p>
<p>Bird Droppings > Rubbing compound will do it.</p>
<p>Casey got me started on Zaino & I love it… I love the shine, but most of all I love how very little work it is compared to the buffing off a wax.</p>
<p>I put Zaino on once or twice a year. By that I mean, I do a dawn wash and re-clay the car and start building up layers of Zaino. I find that four or five layers of Zaino can last 9 months or more.</p>
<p>People who don’t know MINIs think I have a brand new car… because I take good care of my 2002 car. I think any system can work if you put in the effort, but Zaino requires less to get superior results and I’m lazy… : )</p>
<p>Having recently switched from Zymol to Zaino, I can say that, yes, Zaino is a more complicated application process, but the results are amazing. Also, one benefit I don’t believe anyone has mentioned is that since Zaino is a polish, it doesn’t leave the white build-up in areas you can’t reach. And it doesn’t leave white marks on the plastic trim over the wheels! (I guess i wasn’t careful enough with traditional wax.)</p>
<p>For anyone with that ugly white wax resiue on their plastic and/or rubber, try peanut oil. I have found it works quite well.</p>
<p>I second that. Though I found it to be temporary.</p>
<p>I’ve been using an Australian product called “Bowdens Own” ( <a href="http://www.bowdensown.com.au" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.bowdensown.com.au</a> ). The Bowden family have a VERY nice collection of cars, including a Genuine GT40, and they developed this wax pretty much for that car specifically, and then decided to sell it. It gives a beautiful deep wet looking finish, and I like the fact that I’m buying Australian Made :)</p>