This is the initial step, so you just need to do it once. The whole process took me about 5 hours, so allocate your time accordingly.
1. Wash you car with regular blue Dawn. This step will hurt you, 'cause the paint finish will look dull and unattractive. I use a Wal-Mart soft sheepskin mitt for the body and a piece of 100% Egyptian Cotton towel for the wheels with all labels removed. Use two buckets with water if you don't have a garden hose, otherwise just rinse the mitt frequently to remove all the debris.
2. CLAY YOUR BABY!!! It'll take you some extra time but it's absolutely worth it. Make a fresh mix of some soft car wash gel or Blue Dawn to make a lubricant for claying. I use the same mitt for squirting the water on the spot I want to clay so there's plenty of lubrication. Follow the instructions for claying. It's easier than you think and the results are incredible!
3. Wash your car again with some sort of soft car wash gel to remove the results of claying.
4. Dry your car with 100% cotton towels (U.S. made). DO NOT go for cheaper brands. Expect to pay about $8-$15 for a towel. I buy a large bath towel, cut it in 4 pcs., prewash it in a liquid detergent and dry it. I use the first piece to just lay on a spot you want to absorb the water from and remove without dragging. When all water is removed from the car, use the second towel to buff it dry.
5. Mix Z2 with ZFX according to the instructions. ZFX will dramatically decrease drying time. Some spots of my car dried before I finished the whole thing. It depends on weather, humidity, etc. Proportions: 1/2 an ounce of Z2 does my Acura TL w/wheels and 3/4 of an ounce does my FX w/wheels. Use the applicator provided with you Zaino package. I usually just dampen it with water, so the mixture is easier to spread. Apply a VERY THIN layer of Z2. I use a small spray bottle to easier control the spreading of Z2 over the applicator. Usually 1-2 thin lines across. The layer has to be so thin you almost shouldn't see it. Do your wheels/lower panels with another applicator.
6. When you car is dry (you will know it), buff it with a fresh cotton towel piece. Now you should see your paint finish come alive!
7. Lightly mist Z6 on a towel and do the whole car.
8. Repeat 5, 6 and 7 two more times, since you can only lay 3 coats of Z2 w/ZFX in one day.
9. Optionally do a coat or two of Zaino Clear Seal. Use a fine sponge. Make sure it's free of dust or you'll get hairline scratches.
10. Take two steps back and admire your work
Now all you need to do is wash it once a week with Zaino or any other car wash that doesn't strip waxing and add more layers of Z2 or Z2 w/ZFX. DO NOT do the Blue Dawn thing anymore unless you repainted your car!
Cheers!
1. Wash you car with regular blue Dawn. This step will hurt you, 'cause the paint finish will look dull and unattractive. I use a Wal-Mart soft sheepskin mitt for the body and a piece of 100% Egyptian Cotton towel for the wheels with all labels removed. Use two buckets with water if you don't have a garden hose, otherwise just rinse the mitt frequently to remove all the debris.
2. CLAY YOUR BABY!!! It'll take you some extra time but it's absolutely worth it. Make a fresh mix of some soft car wash gel or Blue Dawn to make a lubricant for claying. I use the same mitt for squirting the water on the spot I want to clay so there's plenty of lubrication. Follow the instructions for claying. It's easier than you think and the results are incredible!
3. Wash your car again with some sort of soft car wash gel to remove the results of claying.
4. Dry your car with 100% cotton towels (U.S. made). DO NOT go for cheaper brands. Expect to pay about $8-$15 for a towel. I buy a large bath towel, cut it in 4 pcs., prewash it in a liquid detergent and dry it. I use the first piece to just lay on a spot you want to absorb the water from and remove without dragging. When all water is removed from the car, use the second towel to buff it dry.
5. Mix Z2 with ZFX according to the instructions. ZFX will dramatically decrease drying time. Some spots of my car dried before I finished the whole thing. It depends on weather, humidity, etc. Proportions: 1/2 an ounce of Z2 does my Acura TL w/wheels and 3/4 of an ounce does my FX w/wheels. Use the applicator provided with you Zaino package. I usually just dampen it with water, so the mixture is easier to spread. Apply a VERY THIN layer of Z2. I use a small spray bottle to easier control the spreading of Z2 over the applicator. Usually 1-2 thin lines across. The layer has to be so thin you almost shouldn't see it. Do your wheels/lower panels with another applicator.
6. When you car is dry (you will know it), buff it with a fresh cotton towel piece. Now you should see your paint finish come alive!
7. Lightly mist Z6 on a towel and do the whole car.
8. Repeat 5, 6 and 7 two more times, since you can only lay 3 coats of Z2 w/ZFX in one day.
9. Optionally do a coat or two of Zaino Clear Seal. Use a fine sponge. Make sure it's free of dust or you'll get hairline scratches.
10. Take two steps back and admire your work
Now all you need to do is wash it once a week with Zaino or any other car wash that doesn't strip waxing and add more layers of Z2 or Z2 w/ZFX. DO NOT do the Blue Dawn thing anymore unless you repainted your car!
Cheers!
