Best bang for the buck CAR WAX...Suggestions???

[RobertR]

It seems like most people think Zaino is the gold standard when it comes to car wax/protectant. However, there must be SOMETHING else that gets you 95% of the way there for a lot less cost.

I've seen a lot of recommendations for Zymol and Klasse (which I'd never even heard of until I started asking around), but what do you think?

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO!

I've used Zaino for years and found that the cost benefit for Zaino includes using less product and it last longer compared to other wax/polish...so you spend less time/money and great results.

Get it, it works!!

[SVTCOBRA]

Welcome to NICO!

I've used Zaino for years and found that the cost benefit for Zaino includes using less product and it last longer compared to other wax/polish...so you spend less time/money and great results.

Get it, it works!!

/thread

To be honest, I haven't tried any new products in years. Zaino goes on so ez and comes off same and lasts.
I'm sure there will be others that have and will chime in.

[RobertR]

Welcome to NICO!

I've used Zaino for years and found that the cost benefit for Zaino includes using less product and it last longer compared to other wax/polish...so you spend less time/money and great results.

Get it, it works!!

I guess I've got no choice, then, but consider Zaino.

But you were supposed to say, "Zaino is the Monster Cable of Car Wax...it works great, but there are other, less expensive, alternatives that work great too"

Thanks for the advice. By the way, do I really need to get the "Zaino Kit," or can I do really well with just one or 2 of their products to create and maintain the shine?

[RED_DET]

Zaino products are by far superior. I recently used some zaino tire shine this weekend and must say that is best I have used yet. It doesn't sling off and leave a residue on the car. I washed the car after the return trip and the tires still shined afterward.

[SVTCOBRA]

Thanks for the advice. By the way, do I really need to get the "Zaino Kit," or can I do really well with just one or 2 of their products to create and maintain the shine?

I've heard that the leather conditioner is good and looks like the tire dressing is great too!

I always get the soap, polish, and detail spray.
For getting off stubborn stuff I use ScratchX
So, no, you don't have to get everything.

If you live in the CLT area, there is a local Zaino distributor....
He also does tint, 3M clear bras and used to fly 737's....
(personally, I would rather give locally than thru the regular site)

[RobertR]

Thanks for all of the advice. This morning I was certain I was going to find a good alternative, but with as much praise as Zaino gets, now I'm afraid I would regret going with anything else.

[SVTCOBRA]

There might be an alternative....I think somebody here was singing the praises recently of a Meguiars NXT ?? Might want to do a search.

[RobertR]

Looking at their stuff, my main question at this point is whether their AIO (All In One) product is good enough, or if I should use their multi step system of several products. I love my new G35--I'm just not sure how much.

[ekimzirk]

Sorry, a little late... Zaino! Awesome product used it on my A-4, Nissan and now my Infinity! I really can't wait to get 4-5 coats on the car before I seal and harden it. My A-4 always looked like red glass, now I will be happy again!!!

[joe603]

I would highly recommend you clay the car prior to using Zaino. You don't have to use their claybar...any will do.

Check out their application info:

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mer ... PPLICATION

[RobertR]

Thanks. I didn't get the clay bar from Zaino. I bought the bare essentials--and spent $115 (the wife was not pleased). But I ran my hand over the car last night and decided it did need to be clayed, so I'll find something locally.

[joe603]

Zaino will save you time...after the initial application. You will not need to wash the car as much, and when you do it will be easy to take off the dirt. I would also recommend Z6 detailing spray. It works great for after car wash polishing. If I miss a spot during the wash, Z6 will clean it out. Plus it will really make your car PoP!

Finally, the leather conditioner works great!

[RobertR]

Let's see...this is what I got:

Zaino Triplets kit (Z-AIO, Z-CS, Z-8) 1 $72.95 $72.95
Z-7 Show Car Wash 1 $8.95 $8.95
Z-12 Clear-View Glass Polish 1 $12.95 $12.95
Zaino Custom Polish Applicator 3 $2.50 $7.50
Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss 1 $12.95 $12.95

So my plan is:

1. Wash with Dawn
2. Clay the car
3. Wash with Z-7
4. Apply Z-AIO
5. Reapply Z-AIO
6. Apply Z-CS
7. Finish with Z-8

Boy, I bet it looks good when I'm done, but I feel like a sucker.

[RobertR]

Oh, maannnn.... After all of that, I just realized I forgot the Z-5. Now I really was duped because I'm stuck with ordering it separately and paying the 10 bucks shipping all over again. DANG!

Edit: Ahh...nevermind. I just remembered that's why I went with AIO. It said I didn't have to follow with Z-5.

[sniper27]

You really don't need to do 2 coats of Z-AIO. Doesn't add much benefits. Instead, I did one coat of Z-AIO and followed with a coat (or multiple if you wish) of Z-2 show car polish. The leather cleaner and Z-10 leather in a bottle is awsome. Smells like new leather.

[RobertR]

I didn't get any Z-2, though. Do I burn another 10 bucks in shipping to get the Z-2? Or will AIO + Z-CS + Z-8 be good enough? Dang. I guess I should have just bought the Z-2 or the Z-5 to begin with, but I was already up over $100, and I wanted to call it quits...

[sniper27]

you should be fine.

[ACoupe]

I use Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax (No. 845)
It's easy on, easy off. Can go over windows AND rubber trim without any discolouration (at least in my experience). Leaves a nice shine and lasts decently too.

http://www.eshine.ca/collinite_liquid_i ... php?cat=11

[loystock]

[quote=
So my plan is:

1. Wash with Dawn
2. Clay the car
3. Wash with Z-7
4. Apply Z-AIO
5. Reapply Z-AIO
6. Apply Z-CS
7. Finish with Z-8

Boy, I bet it looks good when I'm done, but I feel like a sucker.[/quote]

I have used numerous car wax/polish before but finally settled with Zaino. I also use Meguiars ScratchX to remove scratches/stains.

Z-5 is needed if you have minor scratches and/or swirl marks. Z-2 is the clear coat polish. I have never used the Z-CS (something new). Most likely you will also get very good results as the 2 layers of AIO and a layer of CS probably replace the Z-2/Z-5 step.

It used to be that after the Clay Bar and car wash, apply Z-6 then Z-5/Z-2 (at least twice if used the first time) then Z-6. Now the AIO is used in lieu of Z-6 as the foundation. I always use Z-6 after polishing with Z-2/Z-5 and Z-8 as the final polish step. At one point, I used the ZFX Cure Accelerator but didn't see any difference. BTW, I use Z-2 on the exterior lamps too (to prevent yellowing, especially on headlights).

[RobertR]

Sweet. Good information there. Thanks a lot. I was getting nervous about not having the Z-2/Z-5, but let's face it. As much as I love my new G35, it's still my daily driver. Any show car quality shine that I'd manage to muster would be toast in a few days anyway. If I get it 85% there with the above steps, then I'll be happy.

Thanks again to everyone.

[jdlynch]

Any tips on how to apply/remove Zaino without swirl marks? My black paint is virtually swirl free and I don't want to ruin it. I have been using a professional detail sevice who knows how not to cause the paint to swirl, but, it's getting to where I can no longer afford to pay to have this done.

[loystock]

Zaino car polish by itself cannot cause swirl marks. Always use a clean applicator and 100% cotton towel in removing the polish. Zaino recommends 100% cotton towel also for washing. I use microfiber. Below you will find tips and tricks from Zaino:

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mer ... ore_Code=Z

[sniper27]

just spent 4 hrs molesting my car with Zaino. loves this stuff.

[SVTCOBRA]

She looks great!!

[RichardnVA]

Interesting thread regarding Wax, what about the best leather cleanser and conditioner?
I saw one reference to zaino's product, but are there better products for leather?
Zaino definitely has established itself as a leader in external car care, what about leather?

[sniper27]

The Zaino Z9 leather cleaner is great. I've used it on light color leather and it works excellent. I can't really tell on my G because it's only 4 months old and it's black leather, so difference is not drastic. But the Z-10 leather conditioner makes a huge difference in the feel of the leather. It makes it so much softer and supple when you sit in it afterwards. And the smell is the best. Other cleaner leaves a weird smell, as opposed to Zaino Z-10, which leaves a new leather smell.

[loystock]

If you like the smell of leather, then Zaino Leather in a Bottle is for you. Otherwise, there are other leather cleaner-conditioner available. I use Leatherique cleaner and conditioner. Lexol is also very good.

[SVTCOBRA]

I use diluted Pine Sol (2 parts Pine Sol to 1 part water) as a leather cleaner and then Lexol as a conditioner.

There was a convincing DIY on some other non-nissan/infiniti forum I stumbled upon while googling a leather cleaning method.

[G35xman05]

I found that lanes car care product has a wax called NANA wax! Cheap price and is tue the best stuff I have ever used hands down!!