UPDATE: 08-26-10. I have found that the ICE brand of products work really well on my newer car than the car in the review below. I have been quite pleased with the clay bar kit and soap. The ICE products always maintain a shiny appearance. Had some questions with regard to the polishing compound and the ICE Customer Service Rep took the time to make sure that I completely understood the use of the ICE product. Looking back on the experience of applying zainy polish versus the ICE products, I am very pleased with ICE. Their products took less time to complete and I got much better results. Skip the 18 or so steps of the zainy and crazy polish regime and get something that works.


Original Review:
After not having waxed my brand new car for over two years, I thought that I had better do something to maintain my investment. Searching around and reading car sights, this product kept being mentioned over and over. Seeing the price kinda gave me a scare not to mention all the steps that are required to perform on the car. At first, all the steps were confusing.  As a birthday treat, I ordered a small kit of about eight products. Individual products and a kit are available on their website. I don't recall receiving any special discount for a kit versus buying all the products in the kit individually.

When the kit arrived, I was very excited about my new toys and was eager to get to work. Being in my mid forties, there was a big challenge in doing all the steps. Luckily my car is small, though the task certainly took it's toll on me. I had to spread it out over a couple of days. My two year old car now has a deep glow as advertised on their website. It looks great, but I also had something really nice to begin with. I've considered trying this stuff on my mom's 1990 Oldsmobile to see if it really works.

Initially, I was disappointed from the start with the free terry towel wrapped sponges included in the kit. I laundered them before my first use and they started unraveling. Calling the zainy customer service line, they denied they'd ever had issues with the sponge and were quite cranky. Considering that I'd just dropped a ben franklin and a couple of georges into their pocket, I thought that they'd replace them. No go! Furthermore at the time of this writing, the directions are confusing on the website and those packed with the kit. Reading and becoming familiar with the steps isn't easy if you've never really encountered this type of system. Again, the customer service rep was quite defensive and was only helpful while a strain was clearly developing. The website list instructions, their not consistent and often seem contradictory in spots.

After going through all the steps, the car looks great. Looking back on the process it was fun, though a long major task the fist time. The entire time I was concerned that I might do something to damage the car*. (Note*: Once you read the next paragraph, you'll understand my concern of doing damage.)  Launching into this process, I read the website and instructions packed with the kit multiple times. The instructions seem to jump from one thing to another without fully explaining some steps. 

Reading the website, it mentions to go ahead and put #2 on rubber and painted plastic. Unfortunately, I misread what they were trying to say and put it on black plastic. (I'll share 50% of the blame, the instructions should go a step further and say what not to put it on. Again, I see it as a customer service issue.) It did not do so well and actually left white streaks. From now on, once I get this s**t off (pardon me, I'm a little upset) I will not apply it to black plastic parts.  I'd suggest instead to use a dressing made for black plastic: example, black magic, armorall, meguiars, etc. The streaks currently on the plastic disappear for a short time while the dressing is still on it. Once it is washed away, the streaks reappear. I'm researching ways to get the plastic back to a pre #2 finish. I've considered having to replace the black plastic trim (it never came off.)

I'm disappointed that after contacting the firm about the white streaks they've ignored me. No recommendations have been offered to help me with the removal of the streaks. Though if there customer service is anything like I first experienced, I could almost be glad they have not. Not being experienced in these matters and needing a little hand holding as I learned the process, I found Zaino's attitude to be quite arrogant to the tune that they felt they were doing me a favor (my two cents worth).

Overall, my car looks better now with some polish (if that's what one would call this stuff). Hopefully, I'm protecting it now. I will not buy anything from these guys, again. I've considered treating my mom and dads car just to get rid of it (see update above about ICE products and my satisfaction).

*UPDATE: Visiting a local auto store, I found a product by Meguiars that seems so far to correct the damage caused by using Zaino #2 on black plastic parts. It is made specifically for black plastic, rubber, etc. The other benefit that caught my eye states that it removes wax from black plastic. I've applied one coat, and will know more when I wash the car again.

**Update #2: The Meguiars product worked to keep the black rubber parts darkened as original, however, nothing that I've tried will remove the white streaks.  The black plastic fender trim would eventually need replacement as the Meguiars product does wear off and the white streaks reappear. At this point, for me, it is no longer relevant as I traded the car. That's one way not to have to worry about the white streaks.

I stand by my experience with this product. Customer service goes a long way in satisfaction of a purchase. The review expresses what the product does. The lack of service given to me in these instances speaks for itself. I don't plan to purchase this again.

Recommended: No

Ease of Application: Poor; takes some time to apply and shine