Here's my Zaino recommendations.
Let me first say that I know there's a lot of people, particularly in the Corvette community, who use Zaino for the "ultimate show car shine." Although I have a Corvette, that's not me. It's nice to know that, but I use Zaino because it's easy, it doesn't take a lot of time or effort, the protective benefits of synthetic polymers, the lack of ANY abrasives and of course the shine.
The Zaino site or the other Zaino sites may have more complete or slightly different info, but here's my suggestions and findings...
If you're starting from the beginning with a car that has conventional wax applied to it, you first need to remove the old wax and polish.
1. You can do this by washing the car with Dawn dishwashing detergent or use a commercial wax remover. Dawn worked well for me. This is a one time thing you shouldn't wax your car with Dawn or detergents as a regular practice.
2. After the old wax is off, I do another quick wash with the Zaino Z-7 car wash. It's the best car wash I've ever used. Many carnauba wax users in the Vette community use the Zaino wash.
3. At this point, if you wish to "clay" your car, now's the time. I used Zaino's clay bar and keep the surface wet and soapy by using a spritzer bottle with water and a capful of the Zaino Z-7 wash. Claying is a whole thing onto itself, but you need to be careful to keep the clay CLEAN. Keep away from grit and grime in the wheel wells and try placing newspaper around the car so if you drop the clay it won't pick up any crud.
** Oh, I put my clay into the refrigerator to make it easier to remove the cellophane wrapper **
4. After you clay, do another quick wash with the Z-7 wash just to remove the residue. By the way, I use one of the high-speed leaf blowers to dry the car. I find it's quick and you won't run the risk of water spots. The usual washing tips (e.g. don't wash in sunlight, etc) apply.
5. At this point you may find that there's some scratches or imperfections in the paint. If these are significant you may need to use a swirl-scratch remover such as 3Ms swirl remover.
6. At this point you can actually apply the Zaino polish. You have a decision to make. If your car is pristine and has swirl free shiny paint I would start right off with the Zaino Z-2. If it's an older car with signs of light swirl marks I would start with Z-5. Once you've chosen the Z-2 or Z-5 you mix it according to directions with the ZFX. It's a catalyst that causes the synthethic polymers to harden and dry. ZFX comes with a little mixing bottle that you put a small amount of the Z-2 or Z-5 with a few drops of the ZFX.
7. You then apply the mixture VERY sparingly with a cotton applicator or a 100% cotton towel. You should only see a slight haze on the surface. In fact, if you're doing it right it should be hard to see where you've applied and where you haven't. Work in small sections at a time. Oh, did I mention to use it sparingly?
8. By the time you're finished, the first sections should be dry and you can remove with another clean 100% cotton towel. You might want read up on towels on the Zaino site.
www.lazaino.com has a good deal on "prepped" towels, or you can make your own.
9. At this point, if you want, you can apply the Z-6 gloss enhancer. It's a spray liquid and you simply spray it on a small section, rub it in and remove it. Very, very quick and easy. It also smell great.
You can do the entire car in 15-20 minutes. This makes the shine even greater and it really does cut down on static and dust.
10. I generally reserve applying the Z-6 until after I wash the car. It keeps the shine looking great and it also helps to get rid of any minor water spots that still might remain.
That's basically it. That's my Zaino regimen.
If you start with Z-5 because of swirl marks you can switch over to Z-2 at any time the swirl marks disappear. You may find that your car looks better with Z-5 and elect to keep using it. You can switch back and forth as you see fit.
I apply Zaino polish several times a year. Maybe 3 times, maybe 4 times. There have been times when I was going to enter a special car show that I applied several two or three coats in a day. Since it goes on and comes off SO easily, it's no big deal.
Another thing I like about Zaino, both the Z-2/Z-5 polish and the Z-6 spray, is that there is almost zero residue. If you apply it correctly (read sparingly) there should hardly be anything on your removal towel.
-Jim
