[mitch88]

I recently ordered the Zaino total protection show car kit. Includes
1. ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive
2. Z-2 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes
3. Z-5 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches
4. Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray
5. Z-7™ Show Car Wash
6. Z-18™ ClayBar
Now after reading the sticky "detailing 101" it sounds as if Z2 pro and Z5 pro are interchangeable and just a polish. I originally thought that you were only supposed to use Z5 pro for the fine scratches and swirl marks as stated above. Also what would be the best order to use these products in. Wash, clay, wash, polish, 2nd coat polish?
Thanks

[Ninjaneer]

Z5 has some filling power to hide swirls, so it is more suited for darker colored cars, while Z2 is for lighter colors. You're free to use them interchangeably. Some people like the look Z5 gives, while others like Z2. Personally I did 1 coat of Z5 followed by 2 coats of Z2.

Order: wash, clay, seal (1-3 coats Z5/Z2, with an optional Z6 buff in between coats). You don't need to buff off the Z5/Z2, then use Z6; you could skip a step and save time by applying Z6 on top of the dried/hazed Z5/Z2 and buff it all off together. Apply it very lightly though; too much product at once will make it harder for you to get off easily.

Also note I didn't say wash after the claying; you can but it is not necessary because as you clay and use lubricant, you'll also buff (dry with MF towel) the spot you just completed, so there should be no water spots or streaks and you'll be ready to start adding sealant. Also, just in case you didn't know, you don't need to dry the car after the first wash before claying; just wash it and start claying.

You stated you saw DavidN's sticky which is great. You can also look at picus' car prep sticky.

Also, Zaino is a sealant. A polish is used to remove swirls, although Zaino calls it a polish Z2/Z5 aren't, but the term is more familiar to people. Zaino's polish is Z-PC and polishes are better applied by a machine (PC) rather than by hand, whereas you can apply the Z2/Z5 by hand and still get great results

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

Z5 has some filling power to hide swirls, so it is more suited for darker colored cars, while Z2 is for lighter colors. You're free to use them interchangeably. Some people like the look Z5 gives, while others like Z2. Personally I did 1 coat of Z5 followed by 2 coats of Z2.

Order: wash, clay, seal (1-3 coats Z5/Z2, with an optional Z6 buff in between coats). You don't need to buff off the Z5/Z2, then use Z6; you could skip a step and save time by applying Z6 on top of the dried/hazed Z5/Z2 and buff it all off together. Apply it very lightly though; too much product at once will make it harder for you to get off easily.

Also note I didn't say wash after the claying; you can but it is not necessary because as you clay and use lubricant, you'll also buff (dry with MF towel) the spot you just completed, so there should be no water spots or streaks and you'll be ready to start adding sealant. Also, just in case you didn't know, you don't need to dry the car after the first wash before claying; just wash it and start claying.

You stated you saw DavidN's sticky which is great. You can also look at picus' car prep sticky.

Also, Zaino is a sealant. A polish is used to remove swirls, although Zaino calls it a polish Z2/Z5 aren't, but the term is more familiar to people. Zaino's polish is Z-PC and polishes are better applied by a machine (PC) rather than by hand, whereas you can apply the Z2/Z5 by hand and still get great results

Perfect summary!

[mds82]

Z-5 Pro is awesome. its actually much better the the original Z5