Jet Black Zaino Z-5,Z-2

[mrgoochio]

Originally Posted by JohnL135I

The dealership removed the plastic from the car, and that was it. I took the car home and did the full prep myself on the paint. You would be shocked to see what the paint looked like under halogen lights when I first got it. Not what I was expecting from BMW.

I ended up going over the whole car with Menzerna po106ff. I had to hit a part of my door with some po83(Super Intense polish) to remove a nice scratch that was there. There are still some very fine defects in the paint only visible with the Halogen lights, they could be removed but would require a stronger polish, I'm happy with the way it is right now.

Did you have them prep the interior as well? I'm not familiar with what interior prep work aside from the plastic wrapped seats and the few tags that are stuck on. I also have a Jet Black 1er coming in and a full arsenal of detailing products including menzerna IP and FP (to be used with a Flex). Was the SIP really necessary for the scratch or do you think orange pad + IP would have been strong enough? I was planning on taking my car home plastic wrapped but do you think I should just have them remove the plastic instead? Any additional insight would really help as I'm taking delivery within the next 2 weeks.

[JohnL135I]

Originally Posted by mrgoochio

Did you have them prep the interior as well? I'm not familiar with what interior prep work aside from the plastic wrapped seats and the few tags that are stuck on. I also have a Jet Black 1er coming in and a full arsenal of detailing products including menzerna IP and FP (to be used with a Flex). Was the SIP really necessary for the scratch or do you think orange pad + IP would have been strong enough? I was planning on taking my car home plastic wrapped but do you think I should just have them remove the plastic instead? Any additional insight would really help as I'm taking delivery within the next 2 weeks.

Have them remove the plastic from the interior and anything shipping related from the exterior. Request that they do not wax/glaze the car. They most likely will wash it.

I used po106ff with an orange pad and it was not strong enough to remove the worst scratch I had, so I went with the SIP. Trust me, your paint will look good from a distance, but when you get up close in direct sunlight, you will see swirl city....direct from the factory. If you throw the car underneath a Halogen lamp, you will cry

Don't worry, it will work out. Depending on if you will be working with a halogen lamp or not, hit the whole car with the FP first!! The IP has a cut just like SIP and I do not recommend doing the whole car with that starting out. I would hit it with the FP and a white pad, 4 or 5 speed on the flex. This should remove all the swirls and minor imperfections.

If you find some areas you feel need more attention, step to the IP with a white pad first, if its not working, then step to the orange pad.

Finally, seal it with your choice of wax/sealants. Note, I did clay bar my whole car, however, I did not get any thing bad on the clay. So it really was not necessary.

I have found the Zaino line to do some amazing things to my car. As I've been adding additional coats of Z-5 and Z-2 the finish has some serious POP!!! It looks amazing. Also, use Z-6 spray detail...its amazing!!!

[raisemyrent]

NICE

I am getting some zaino... now, having never polished my car, do I need to get a power tool of sorts so that I don't losemy sanity? apart from the microfibre rags and those things?

P.S. I love how your dog was assisting you when you took the pictures.

[mrgoochio]

Most would say you won't achieve much of anything polishing by hand.. Best to look into a PC (porter cable), UDM (ultimate detailing machine), or Flex.

[JohnL135I]

If your going to remove any defects from the paint, you will have to use a pc, rotary, flex etc. Just using your hand won't get the job done.

However, once the paint is in good shape, using Zaino by hand will yield amazing results!!!:thumbup:

[raisemyrent]

thanks, hopefully the dealer will do a good job, then I will read a 'waxing your car 101' document and go at it with a friend the next weekend, with help from a 50 or 60 dollar rotary tool from a big box store and some Zaino. After that, straight to the 3M shop.

[mrgoochio]

Dealers almost never do a good job.. I'd save your 50-60 dollars and invest in a better tool when you have enough money. The cheapest decent one is probably the PC, can be had for about $105 shipped on ebay. You'll need an assortment of pads.. you could go with a number of different options there. I'd steer away from the cheaper tools that will cause more trouble than help.

[E82tt6]

Looks fantastic! I find the first wash is always very satisfying. Time consuming if you do it right, but the results are worth it.


I found the ED Center did a pretty good job, but I'm SURE the car will need an entire Saturday to get tip-top after it gets back to the states! I'm hoping since it was prepped pretty well the first time, paint damage will be minimal, as I only have light polishes on hand.

I'm still trying to decide whose products to use for the initial waxes and seals. I'm probably going to invest in something nice for the inital work. Usually I don't like spending more than 4-5 hours, but you gotta do it right the first time!

[1N54E92]

Nice !

how much did you pay for the clear bra ? did you get it on anywhere else beside the hood ?

[JohnL135I]

Originally Posted by 1ntense135i

Nice !

how much did you pay for the clear bra ? did you get it on anywhere else beside the hood ?

Clear bra is on hood, front nose, mirrors, and a very small portion of each fender towards the nose. Cost was $600.

[raventattoo]

Like a freakin mirror!!!
OK. I am checkinig out the Zaino site. I'm totally new to this, but excited that I've been given a new obsession/compulsion/hobby!!


YES! Jet Black!.....and yes, I am up to the job!

Thanks JohnL

[JTdrivin1]

my 1 should be here next week, and after seeing these pics i just ordered a Zaino set... looking forward to spending some quality time with her getting her to shine like yours!

[Lester]

Zaino is awesome - easy to put on. easy top take off - it just has to be on for awhile. Also - a picture of Anthracite headliner - and the aluminum pedals.

[tiintegra]

Sick headliner! Wish we could get that here

[Lester]

Originally Posted by tiintegra

Sick headliner! Wish we could get that here

Would they not order it for a customer ordered car? Priority one?

[tiintegra]

Originally Posted by Lester

Would they not order it for a customer ordered car? Priority one?

We cant get it in the U.S. its not a P1 option either....

[///M ichael]

Originally Posted by JohnL135I

Enclosed are some pics of my Jet Black with Zaino Z-5 pro, then a coat of Z-2, and wiped down with Z-6 spray detailer. Tire shine is Z-16.
1

Did you use TFX with Z-5 and Z-2??

[JohnL135I]

Originally Posted by ///M ichael

Did you use TFX with Z-5 and Z-2??

Yes, I used the ZFX with the Z-5.

[Qube]

I did the exact same with my JB... except I mixed in the Zaino FX accelerator.

EDIT: Oh wait, you said you did too lol! Nice job!

[///M ichael]

Crap! Can I do it without TFX??

[JohnL135I]

Originally Posted by ///M ichael

Crap! Can I do it without TFX??

Yes, but the ZFX allows you to add up to 3 coats of Z5 or Z2 in the same day. Usually Zaino recommends you allow at least 12 hours between coats for cure time.

If you don't have the ZFX, then use a coat of Z5, then a coat of Z2. I've never had any issues doing this.

After your next wash, you can throw on another coat of Z5/Z2(or both).