E90Post
 


Coby Wheel
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Zaino Application. PC or Hand Applicator?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-30-2009, 02:33 PM   #1
digi19
Private First Class
7
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: 13 SSII E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY

iTrader: (0)

Zaino Application. PC or Hand Applicator?

Since I already had a PC, I've been applying Z-5 and Z-2 with buffing pads and it works well. I was wondering if it's completely necessary though because Zaino supplies its own foam applicators and DIY videos I've seen show Z-5 and Z-2 being simply rubbed onto the paint surface and not necessary buffed on. What's you input?
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2009, 03:48 PM   #2
BK
Smiling politely
United_States
165
Rep
7,931
Posts

Drives: 330i
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington DC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 330i  [9.00]
I own a Flex, but I apply and remove Zaino (and all LSPs) by hand. IMO, it's easier to do it by hand.

The key to Zaino, and everyone says this but it bears repeating, is to apply it thin. Apply it thin and the protection is the same but it's easy to buff off once it is dry.
__________________
E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT | 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2009, 05:38 PM   #3
UncleWede
Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner
UncleWede's Avatar
United_States
17877
Rep
9,376
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oxnard, CA

iTrader: (0)

Use your hand and feel how SMOOTH your baby's bottom is after the PC. I can do the whole thing in about 20 minutes, getting around to where I started just about the time its ready to come off.

Like said above, less is more. You'd almost have to get more than you need on the pad just to get started.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2009, 05:52 PM   #4
digi19
Private First Class
7
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: 13 SSII E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY

iTrader: (0)

Oh yea I'm well aware of how smooth the paint feels. Just the clay bar alone makes a huge difference. I'm just wondering if the PC is really necessary because its not like I'm buffing out any scratches or swirls. Zaino is just a sealant, not really able to resurface the clear. I'm just wondering if I can get away with not having to buy new pads everytime I want to detail a car.
Appreciate 0
      11-30-2009, 09:36 PM   #5
BK
Smiling politely
United_States
165
Rep
7,931
Posts

Drives: 330i
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington DC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 330i  [9.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by digi19 View Post
Oh yea I'm well aware of how smooth the paint feels. Just the clay bar alone makes a huge difference. I'm just wondering if the PC is really necessary because its not like I'm buffing out any scratches or swirls. Zaino is just a sealant, not really able to resurface the clear. I'm just wondering if I can get away with not having to buy new pads everytime I want to detail a car.
If you aren't polishing, you really don't need a PC. You're correct that the clay makes the paint feel smooth as glass. Polishing afterward levels out the fine scratches and makes it shiny as a mirror.

I am glad I own a machine polisher, even though I only use it a few times a year. I take great care in wash technique, hand wash about once a week, and carefully remove bird droppings and whatnot as soon as I see them. Still, after six months, I'll still have some fine scratches, swirls, and random etching from rain or bird droppings. That's just how it goes with a daily driver. With a clay and light polish twice a year, followed by sealant, the car looks stunning, as good as new. It can be a grueling day or two of detailing, but the results are worth it. You can get the same results by hiring someone for a few hundred bucks, but it's a labor of love and I like doing it myself.

Plus, it's always less stressful to notice some paint damage and be able to say "I can fix that" rather then fretting too much about it.
__________________
E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT | 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
Appreciate 0
      12-01-2009, 10:06 AM   #6
UncleWede
Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner
UncleWede's Avatar
United_States
17877
Rep
9,376
Posts

Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Oxnard, CA

iTrader: (0)

It's about ENJOYING how smooth your baby is. Like said, it's a sealant and doesn't really respond to the polishing effect of the PC.

If you take care of your pads, you don't need a new set for every car you do. Check out some details on washing/drying your pads, they should last you many cars. It's just having a few on hand for each session that is recommended. I don't think I've thrown out a pad yet, I do about 4-6 cars per, year depending on who I can find to let me carress their (car's) bottom

Best regards,
Wede
Appreciate 0
      12-03-2009, 03:57 PM   #7
DPritchett
Second Lieutenant
DPritchett's Avatar
United_States
12
Rep
242
Posts

Drives: 2011 F10 528i
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lynchburg, VA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 E90 325xi  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by digi19 View Post
Since I already had a PC, I've been applying Z-5 and Z-2 with buffing pads and it works well. I was wondering if it's completely necessary though because Zaino supplies its own foam applicators and DIY videos I've seen show Z-5 and Z-2 being simply rubbed onto the paint surface and not necessary buffed on. What's you input?
I use a Porter Cable myself with Zaino (ZAIO, Z5, Z2) ... obviously others get different mileage, but for me its a time saver and it helps me get a thinner, more consistent coat. But it is not necessary ... and products like ZCS or Z8 go on by hand, regardless.
__________________
2011 528i Space Gray - Black - Light Wood Trim

2006 325xi |SG - Terra - Walnut | Steptronic | Premium Package - Nav | Zenon Adaptive Headlights | Blacklines; iPod Adapter
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2009, 05:34 PM   #8
demosthenes
Major
demosthenes's Avatar
United_States
48
Rep
1,162
Posts

Drives: E90 328i 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SF Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 328i sedan  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BK View Post
If you aren't polishing, you really don't need a PC. You're correct that the clay makes the paint feel smooth as glass. Polishing afterward levels out the fine scratches and makes it shiny as a mirror.

I am glad I own a machine polisher, even though I only use it a few times a year. I take great care in wash technique, hand wash about once a week, and carefully remove bird droppings and whatnot as soon as I see them. Still, after six months, I'll still have some fine scratches, swirls, and random etching from rain or bird droppings. That's just how it goes with a daily driver. With a clay and light polish twice a year, followed by sealant, the car looks stunning, as good as new. It can be a grueling day or two of detailing, but the results are worth it. You can get the same results by hiring someone for a few hundred bucks, but it's a labor of love and I like doing it myself.

Plus, it's always less stressful to notice some paint damage and be able to say "I can fix that" rather then fretting too much about it.
Great post BK. I agree 100%, especially the last sentence.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:38 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST