DBMINI recently posted about detailing and linked to another wax test that I did not know about. Historically I have often referred to the NSX Magazine wax tests when discussing waxes (This shows Zaino trouncing even a $100 bottle of Zymol). But this newer RoadFly Forums test confirms what I have often been telling people: You don’t need to go through the hours of work and multiple steps to see the huge benefits from Zaino.
If you’re confused by all this here’s the simple summary: Most car waxes are just that; wax. The better/more expensive ones use higher percentages of carnuba wax or beeswax. But it is just wax afterall, and wax melts away easily. Zaino was introduced several years ago, and really is not wax. It is a chemical polymer. In fact it’s better to think of it as a protectant. It doesn’t melt away like wax, it lasts for months. It protects your paint better from chemicals, acid rain, ultraviolet light, etc. However it is not sold in stores aside from a few dealers and of course their own web site. Recently, Meguire’s released their NXT Wax, which finally brings a polymer wax to the general public. Many people are impressed as it does beat wax waxes, but all tests have shown it is still no Zaino.
A point I have often made in forums and blog comments is that Zaino can be simple. Many are turned away by the method of achieving the absolute best from it, multiple coats of various zaino products with an hours of drying time etc. The roadfly test illustrates what I have said for a while: You will see most of the benefit of Zaino with just one coat, with just a half hour of your time. Of course, multiple coats and hours detailing will look better, but you don’t have to do that if you aren’t nuts. (Yes, I know, many of us are…)
What I have done with my MINI and my previous car is that for my first wash in the spring, and again late summer, I do the nuts many-hour several-coat zaino detail. Once a month after a normal wash, it is just one coat of Z2. That’s very reasonable.
