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      04-30-2011, 02:11 PM   #1
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Space Gray on a sunny day after 3 coats of Zaino

Today was my first waxing of my new car. I used a clay bar and then applied 3 coats of Zaino Z5 to the car. The tire dressing is Zaino as well. It looks and feels absolutely fantastic. I'm a huge fan of Zaino products.

















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      04-30-2011, 02:16 PM   #2
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Looks great, how long did it take you?
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      04-30-2011, 02:46 PM   #3
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Looks great, but a bit of work? Labor of love, tho.....

Just a suggestion, ditch the dealer advertising licence plate frames, they do look tacky. I run simple, plain black ones on all my vehicles. Looks superior, imo, and who needs to advertise for the dealer anyway.
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      04-30-2011, 03:49 PM   #4
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Looks great. Love the Zaino.

Forgot to add --- envious of your Pirellis!
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      04-30-2011, 03:52 PM   #5
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Looks great! Thanks for sharing!!
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      04-30-2011, 04:17 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuco44 View Post
Just a suggestion, ditch the dealer advertising licence plate frames, they do look tacky. I run simple, plain black ones on all my vehicles. Looks superior, imo, and who needs to advertise for the dealer anyway.

Could be used for free car washes... Some dealers make you have their plates in order to get a wash at the dealer.... I think Fields is one of them.
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      04-30-2011, 04:26 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by carlili4190 View Post
Could be used for free car washes... Some dealers make you have their plates in order to get a wash at the dealer.... I think Fields is one of them.
If that's the case, the owner can decide if he wants free car washes. I would graciously decline, and remove the advert plates.
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      04-30-2011, 04:33 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76 View Post
Looks great, how long did it take you?
Took about 3-1/2 hours from start to finish.
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      04-30-2011, 04:34 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tuco44 View Post
Looks great, but a bit of work? Labor of love, tho.....

Just a suggestion, ditch the dealer advertising licence plate frames, they do look tacky. I run simple, plain black ones on all my vehicles. Looks superior, imo, and who needs to advertise for the dealer anyway.
The dealer frames will be coming off tomorrow. Just haven't gotten around to it yet.
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      04-30-2011, 04:50 PM   #10
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WOW..Oh wait I have to get my sunglasses. Now I can see. Looks great. I do like the painters tape. Is that low or medium stick?
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      04-30-2011, 04:53 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Radioactive View Post
WOW..Oh wait I have to get my sunglasses. Now I can see. Looks great. I do like the painters tape. Is that low or medium stick?
I was waiting to catch some crap for that. It was quicker for me than photoshop. (medium stick)
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      04-30-2011, 06:03 PM   #12
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Looks fantastic.
I have a Ziano question….
Why did you go with Z5 instead of Z2?
I thought Z5 was for darker color cars or used to hide swirl marks.

Do you really see a difference between a single coat or multiple coats?

I got a Zaino kit ready to use on my new F25 (jet black) when I get it in a week or so.

Any tips you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve heard great things about Zaino. This will be my first time with Zaino.

Last edited by Harplayr; 04-30-2011 at 06:22 PM..
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      04-30-2011, 06:43 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harplayr View Post
Looks fantastic.
I have a Ziano question….
Why did you go with Z5 instead of Z2?
I thought Z5 was for darker color cars or used to hide swirl marks.

Do you really see a difference between a single coat or multiple coats?

I got a Zaino kit ready to use on my new F25 (jet black) when I get it in a week or so.

Any tips you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve heard great things about Zaino. This will be my first time with Zaino.
Thanks for the compliments.

I have both Z5 and Z2 on hand as I bought a Zaino kit to replenish all of my supplies. The Z5 is is a more advanced version of 2 and will eliminate swirls, but it will also protect and shine just as 2 (not an expert here). The next coat I put on will be Z2.

You will notice a big difference between coat 1 and 2, but after that I can't feel much of a difference. You might see different results on black. Zaino doesn't recommend more than 3 coats in 24 hours even with their additive, so I stopped there.

Tips? Just follow the instructions. I try to use a garage and stay out of the sun when doing the multiple coats. Make sure you use a good quality, cotton towel for removing the wax. The claybar is quick and easy if you have a fairly new car.

I've been using Zaino for about 6 year now and it's very easy. Key tip for you is to use it sparingly. You can barely tell you're applying it. It doesn't go on heavy like some other wax's out there. As long as you have a very fine coat you're good to go. This stuff is expensive, so use it sparingly. Remember, you're going to apply more coats (at least I do). Also, on dark cars especially, don't apply in circular patterns like you are used to. Use side-to-side strokes for the Z5.

Have fun! It takes time, but really enjoy the process. Once you have a few coats on it will last for a long time. Adding a coat in a few months is easy and you can use the Z2 or Z5.
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      04-30-2011, 10:02 PM   #14
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Use high quality towels and many of them. With black, watch out for the seams (of the towels). Watch curing times. Z5 differs from Z2 in that it helps correct swirl marks. Might not need it for first coats. Z2 gives better shine and might provide better base coats on the black with the Z5 coming later to combat swirls.
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      04-30-2011, 11:49 PM   #15
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That looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing some great photos of the Space Gray in the sunlight. Now I am back on the fence between your color and the Titanium Silver...damn.
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      05-01-2011, 01:24 AM   #16
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very nice
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      05-01-2011, 03:45 AM   #17
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What a shine.
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      05-01-2011, 08:48 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X3Hawk View Post
That looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing some great photos of the Space Gray in the sunlight. Now I am back on the fence between your color and the Titanium Silver...damn.
Tough call. I went through the exact same debate to the point that I stopped at damn near every dealership I drove by to see if I could see the pair of them in person, side-by-side. Of course I'm biased, but I couldn't be happier with the color. It has different shades in different lights, the contours of the car are pulled out with the space gray, and the xline trim really stands out against the darker color as well. Trust me on this one from a guy that was really worried about my space gray choice until it was delivered....you'll be happy. I get complimented on the color every day by kids, my wife's friends, dudes, and even old ladies. You can't go wrong with space gray.
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      05-01-2011, 09:06 AM   #19
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That's beautiful - congratulations! A true labor of love.
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      05-01-2011, 10:29 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lateshow View Post
Thanks for the compliments.

I have both Z5 and Z2 on hand as I bought a Zaino kit to replenish all of my supplies. The Z5 is is a more advanced version of 2 and will eliminate swirls, but it will also protect and shine just as 2 (not an expert here). The next coat I put on will be Z2.

You will notice a big difference between coat 1 and 2, but after that I can't feel much of a difference. You might see different results on black. Zaino doesn't recommend more than 3 coats in 24 hours even with their additive, so I stopped there.

Tips? Just follow the instructions. I try to use a garage and stay out of the sun when doing the multiple coats. Make sure you use a good quality, cotton towel for removing the wax. The claybar is quick and easy if you have a fairly new car.

I've been using Zaino for about 6 year now and it's very easy. Key tip for you is to use it sparingly. You can barely tell you're applying it. It doesn't go on heavy like some other wax's out there. As long as you have a very fine coat you're good to go. This stuff is expensive, so use it sparingly. Remember, you're going to apply more coats (at least I do). Also, on dark cars especially, don't apply in circular patterns like you are used to. Use side-to-side strokes for the Z5.

Have fun! It takes time, but really enjoy the process. Once you have a few coats on it will last for a long time. Adding a coat in a few months is easy and you can use the Z2 or Z5.
I am waiting for my X3 28i (Black Sapphire Mettalic). I am expecting the delivery next week.

Any idea what Zaino products should i order for my new car (Z2, Z5, Zaino Total Protection Show Car Kit, Zaino Ultimate Protection Show Car Kit, ....) also when to apply it?
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      05-01-2011, 11:13 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bkd View Post
I am waiting for my X3 28i (Black Sapphire Mettalic). I am expecting the delivery next week.

Any idea what Zaino products should i order for my new car (Z2, Z5, Zaino Total Protection Show Car Kit, Zaino Ultimate Protection Show Car Kit, ....) also when to apply it?
I got the Ultimate kit, but it really depends on how much you want to get into it. Their website is good, so just check out the products and see what you want to do. As far as when to apply it...not sure what you're asking. If you do more than 1 coat in 24 hours, then you'll want the additive for immediate curing.
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      05-01-2011, 12:03 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lateshow View Post
I got the Ultimate kit, but it really depends on how much you want to get into it. Their website is good, so just check out the products and see what you want to do. As far as when to apply it...not sure what you're asking. If you do more than 1 coat in 24 hours, then you'll want the additive for immediate curing.
I think he may be referring to whether the factory paint needs to cure for a few weeks or months before putting the Zaino or wax on it.

My understanding is that the newer clear coat factory paint jobs are good to go, but I’ll defer to somebody with more expertise.
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