Zaino vs UPGP review - my plan...

[BookemDano]

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

You mean after you're done? Or while applying? I find the "Pro" versions to be more difficult to apply than the previous versions...which went out in what, 2005?

Sorry for not being clear. I meant after it was done and had completely dried and chemically bonded.

Also, I followed the minimal directions on the Z5P container which haven't changed in years. OTOH the instructions on the web site say to spritz the applicator with Z6 (not the paint) before applying the Z5 to the paint. On the "third" hand, the Youtube promo video mentions nothing about applying Z6 to the pad (not the car), to put a thin line of Zaino to the applicator pad, and then spread it out. All of these appear to be the "official" version of the application instructions. I wish they'd get their act together and create a clear, consistent set of application instructions.

I'm going to polish and finish at least one application of three sealants to the trunk lid, evaluate the results, and then decide what to do with the hood. If the trunk lid is significantly different from the hood, it's probably a good idea to remove the sealants, maybe repolish, and then reapply.

I could use Dawn, but I think that OPC will work better to remove the sealants.

Regards,

Dan.

p.s. It should be clear that I'm a fan of some Zaino products, but not necessarily the company. They were in the lead for a long time and slacked off. They've let their competitors catch up and maybe pass them. The Zaino folks need to work harder.

p.p.s. I did a small test patch of the 4*UPP. It's a nice look and it's slickness is superior to UPGP and Z5P. And it's very easy to apply. However, I'm concerned about 4*UPP longevity.

[Buckskincolt]

Originally Posted by BookemDano

p.p.s. I did a small test patch of the 4*UPP. It's a nice look and it's slickness is superior to UPGP and Z5P. And it's very easy to apply. However, I'm concerned about 4*UPP longevity.

While not the longest lasting stuff it is very durable and is poly charged so it is pretty tough. Easy to use and an awesome look IMHO.

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally Posted by BookemDano

p.s. It should be clear that I'm a fan of some Zaino products, but not necessarily the company. They were in the lead for a long time and slacked off. They've let their competitors catch up and maybe pass them. The Zaino folks need to work harder.

I remember you from Autopia, right? Seems like Sal is semi-retired...as I think I stated earlier in this thread, the "what's new" section of the website hasn't been updated in over 5 years. You could surmise that they don't need to "work harder", they can probably just live off of Corvette word of mouth. I haven't bought anything in ages except wash, because I only use it on one car.

Originally Posted by BookemDano

p.p.s. I did a small test patch of the 4*UPP. It's a nice look and it's slickness is superior to UPGP and Z5P. And it's very easy to apply. However, I'm concerned about 4*UPP longevity.

UPP was always one of the slickest or the slickest LSP's out there. As noted above, it's polycharged now, so it's legendary short life is not as bad as it used to be (although I haven't used the polycharged version).

[BookemDano]

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

I remember you from Autopia, right? Seems like Sal is semi-retired...as I think I stated earlier in this thread, the "what's new" section of the website hasn't been updated in over 5 years. You could surmise that they don't need to "work harder", they can probably just live off of Corvette word of mouth. I haven't bought anything in ages except wash, because I only use it on one car.



UPP was always one of the slickest or the slickest LSP's out there. As noted above, it's polycharged now, so it's legendary short life is not as bad as it used to be (although I haven't used the polycharged version).

Yep, I joined the other two detailing forums in 2004. It's been on and off since then, depending on work and house remodeling.

Regarding Sal, since most people have no interest in Corvettes (including me), I think it's foolish to depend on word of mouth from a single car forum. But that's just my opinion.

Regarding 4*UPP, if it gets good beading and protection for at least two months I might be inclined to switch. While my experience with it is in single-digit minutes, I'm impressed highly impressed. (And I'm a rather bad cynic.)

Application seems fast and dirt-simple. You have to remove the haze, but that is VERY fast and VERY easy - no hard buffing needed. I'm trying not to overstate my initial impressions, but it is extremely slick. While UPGP has a velvety feel and your fingers glide over it smoothly, 4*UPP has no feel. It's like moving your fingers across an oiled panel - NO feeling at all. It's rather bizarre. BUT...

This is my initial impression. Things could change going forward.

Regards,

Dan.

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally Posted by BookemDano

Regarding Sal, since most people have no interest in Corvettes (including me), I think it's foolish to depend on word of mouth from a single car forum. But that's just my opinion.

I don't know, he hasn't introduced any new products since 2007 (except the MF towels, which seem to be more of a source of irritation rather than joy due to their sporadic availability). I don't know what the story is, whether he just makes so much money the way it is that he doesn't have to worry about it, that he's old and sick, that he takes the Dr. G approach and won't bring out a new product unless it's a significant improvement over the competition, etc.

Whatever it is, it's a mystery to me, just like why I can't order from their website because I live in NJ (that has been explained to me, but it doesn't really make any sense).

[BookemDano]

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

I don't know, he hasn't introduced any new products since 2007 (except the MF towels, which seem to be more of a source of irritation rather than joy due to their sporadic availability). I don't know what the story is, whether he just makes so much money the way it is that he doesn't have to worry about it, that he's old and sick, that he takes the Dr. G approach and won't bring out a new product unless it's a significant improvement over the competition, etc.

Whatever it is, it's a mystery to me, just like why I can't order from their website because I live in NJ (that has been explained to me, but it doesn't really make any sense).

I agree on all of your points. It's pretty much of a mystery to me too.

That said, I'm going to push forward and find the best CURRENT balance for me regardless of what I've used in the past. If it's Zaino, that's fine. If other products, that's fine too. I don't want to be trapped by either my own history or the latest hype. To me, personal balance is where it's at.

Regards,

Dan.

[Klasse Act]

^^^ Well said ^^^

I used to be trapped by using one brand for everything but since coming here, well, that's a thing of the past. Now, can't wait to see what the results end up being here!

[BookemDano]

Originally Posted by Klasse Act

^^^ Well said ^^^

I used to be trapped by using one brand for everything but since coming here, well, that's a thing of the past. Now, can't wait to see what the results end up being here!

Klasse,

Hi. Unfortunately, my back is giving me problems so detailing my Audi isn't proceeding as planned. That said...

Regards, I think my next steps will be to remove the LSP from the hood, polish it to remove some light marring I missed on the first go round, and then apply Zaino Z5, UPGP, and 4*UPP in test strips. I think I want to see them on a large panel side by side.

Regards,

Dan.

[Barryb97]

So whatever happened to this thread?

[Setec Astronomy]

Looks like the OP was having back problems, according to his post just before yours.