Removing Zaino Z-5

[hulksdaddy]

Need to remove it to do some correction. Should I just let the polish remove it(fear gunking up the pads) or would a spray down of 50/50 IPA/water help? Don't want to go a paint cleaner route.

Thanks for your help!

[prisonerofcs]

Dawn dish soap should remove it pretty easily. I had to remove 4 layers of it, and after a single wash with dish soap it wasn't beading at all. It's Zaino's recommended removal method.

[maximus20895]

Chemical Guy Citrus Wash.

[Setec Astronomy]

IMO just polish right through it, there isn't enough on there to gunk up the pads.

[LuxuryMobile]

It can be difficult to see the true condition of the paint if there are several layers of wax/sealant still on, IMO.

[Setec Astronomy]

It can be difficult to see the true condition of the paint if there are several layers of wax/sealant still on, IMO.

Are there going to be several layers of wax/sealant still on there after he polishes it? Dawn is going to remove it but polishing won't?

[maximus20895]

He is saying you don't know what polish/compounds to use if you can't see the true condition. So yes, polish might remove it, but you might be using a compound/polish that is too aggressive.

It would be better to start with a bare car so you can see the true condition of the paint before you reach for a compound in order to remove the least amount of clear while still correcting the paint as possible.

[Setec Astronomy]

Ok, so my LSP is masking my defects, so it looks better than it is...so I start with a compound?? You guys aren't making any sense.

[rwright]

Pre-soak the car with Optimum Power Clean straight, then wash with a mix of OPC (1oz./gallon) and Dawn or CG Citrus Wash & Gloss. Sometimes a wipe down with a body solvent is required. IPA is not going to cut it so don't waste your time. Z5 is not as durable as Z2 but I still wouldn't waste time.

[LuxuryMobile]

I always strip any layer of protection (i.e. wax or sealant) prior to doing any paint correction. I usually use dish soap or diluted APC to remove the prior protection.

Now that the surface is free is protection, I feel like I am dealing with the true condition of the paint and can make sure all visible swirls/defects are being corrected.