Zaino Car Wax:
Should You really throw away this product?

It is hard to believe people still search for Zaino car wax. This once very popular car wax must have done something right!

Years after is was originally introduced, dedicated Zaino fans keep coming back for more. Which has only become harder and harder to do as competition in a highly competitive market pushes them further out of sight.

Of course the hyped-up marketing that can be found at their page likely has a factor in its popularity. It also comes with a very good user experience which any person who has ever waxed their car will certainly appreciate.

But is the Zaino war wax still relevant today among very stiff competition?

Why it May Be Time to Move On:
Zaino Car Wax

The simple answer for me would be yes. But what do I know right?!

The Internet is filled with endless wanna-be detailers and "Keyboard Jockey's". Guy's with little no actual experience parading their baseless opinions around for the world to see.

• What Would Darren Do (WWDD)
• What better options exist than Zaino
• Latest car wax technology and what you need to know

We will work our way down this rabbit hole that can get very deep due to the endless opinions, endless choices, and perhaps most importantly, the endless marketing hype!

Is Zaino Really the Best Car wax?

My simple answer would be no. My more complex answer would be: it depends....

If you are one of my long term followers of my YouTube videos or websites, you will know how much I dislike that term, "The best".

One man's best is another man's worst. Finding the best of anything is really a choice only you can make based on you and your world.

"The best car wax is the car wax that makes it onto your car more often, not less often"

But in many ways, this very statement throws many of us into the proverbial debate on the most durable, or longest lasting car wax or paint sealant.

After all, if you found the best car wax and it was also the longest lasting wax, then you have solved the problem of frequency. This rare find would allow you to wax your car less frequently, not more frequently.

But does the longest lasting car wax truly exist?

And if it does, how does a person determine that car wax is still there, sitting on your paint, doing its job?

Many inexperienced "know-it-all's" will tell you that if the water still beads up on your paint, then the wax is still there. But I know this simply is a false statement.

I can use chemicals to clean away any wax or sealant, and the water will still bead up on the surface.

Difference Between Car Wax and Paint Sealant?

I hate to sound like a broken record, but another set of terms that both manufacturer's and consumer's toss around casually with no set rule.

So I will tell you the accepted rule of professionals: a car wax will be formulated with some type of natural wax product.

Most often this will be carnauba wax harvested from Brazilian Carnauba Palm leaves. Beeswax is also very common.

But the car wax will need to have some form of natural wax ingredient as part of its chemical formulation. (even though manufacturer's will still label products that have zero natural wax in them as a car wax)

Car paint sealants are made using synthetic ingredients. Typically these are simply referred to as polymers (even though that word is a massive generalization) but can include a variety of both synthetic and natural occurring polymer ingredients as well as silicone's of many varieties.

It might be helpful to think of traditional motor oil (car wax) and Synthetic motor oil (car paint sealant).

Difference Between Car Polish and Car Wax:
Which one is better

The question shouldn't be which is better, a car wax or polish. It should be what is the difference between a car wax and car polish.

Another massive topic of confusion. Once again, manufacturer's will attach this term "polish" to just about anything. The problem becomes one of the English language in many ways.

Is Polish a verb, a noun, or Nationality (I consulted with this source regarding Nationality, Race, or Ethnicity). Allow me to illustrate:

You buy a product labeled as a car polish: this is a noun. (a person, place or thing. Essentially, it is something tangible)

You take this product home and you use it to polish your car: this is a verb (an action word. You are physically doing something. In this case, you are in the act of polishing your car)

Now you take the same word and you capitalize it, as in "Polish". You also pronounce it differently and now it designates a Nationality, or more precisely a person from the country of Poland. That person would be considered Polish.

But in the context of detailing and cosmetic car care, there is no set rule as to what kind of product can be labeled as a car polish or a car wax, or a car paint sealant. Literally anything goes and is determined by the manufacturer.

If you were to ask most professionals from the world of professional detailing, auto body, collision repair, or car restoration, they will usually tell you that a polish will have some form of abrasive particles.And the more aggressive the abrasives are, then people will start calling it a compound.

• Car polish would be a product used to remove imperfections and restore gloss and shine to your paint, prior to applying a car wax
• Car wax or paint sealant is something you apply for beauty enhancement and protection to your paint
  
• Car wax is often labeled as car polish despite having no chemical cleaners or abrasives to the product (which means your search for the best car wax may turn up results displaying a car polish as being the best)
  
• Beginners, novices, or the inexperienced will misuse polish, wax, and sealant. Just as the manufacturer's do not follow any set rules of labeling
• There are products that have been formulated to combine chemical cleaners and/or abrasives, along with waxes, polymers, or silicone's to make what are called All-in-One (AIO) products that supposedly allow you to both polish and wax with a single product (yet another layer of confusion)

Car Wax or Car Paint Sealant:
Which one is better?

If you follow what this hyped-up industry wants you to believe, then you will need to be shopping for the best car paint sealant, not the best car wax. According to the many manufacturers, synthetic sealants will outlast any carnauba car wax.

Many people ask what is the difference between a car wax and paint sealant. Because there really is no standardization and no governing body, the industry is in chronic confusion as many terms or misused

And just like the car wax industry, the paint sealant industry (which is one in the same) use the same hype and marketing to sell the latest and greatest in car paint sealants.

And just when you think this rabbit hole was deep enough, now we have sealants that are now parading around under what is been labeled as the latest in advanced chemical engineering with SiO2 and TiO2 technology.

Clearly the world of detailing and cosmetic car care has no boundaries it is not willing to cross in the form of hyped-up marketing to get you to part ways with your money.

Zaino Car Wax Alternatives

As someone who constantly explores the latest car detailing products, tools, and techniques, I've come to appreciate the vast array of options available, even while having my own preferred choices.

The sheer number of products on the market can be both a blessing and a curse. While the internet provides us with an overwhelming amount of information, we also face a similar deluge of choices when it comes to car care. Whether you're seeking the ultimate car wax or considering alternatives to a beloved brand like Zaino, the abundance of options is undeniable.

However, this very abundance can sometimes lead to decision paralysis. You might find yourself lost in a sea of car wax reviews, investing hours in the quest for the "best" product. In the process, you might lose sight of your real goal: a car that looks fantastic and is well-protected thanks to a fresh coat of wax.

Ultimately, isn't it the shine, depth, gloss, and protection that you truly desire?

Join me as I explore some alternatives to Zaino car wax that I believe not only deliver exceptional results but also offer a more satisfying user experience.

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid wax

Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax on Amazon

• Cross-linking synthetic polymer technology
• Hydrophobic (water fearing) technology for excellent water beading effect.
• Meguiar's most advanced wax product. (not a wax at all but advanced synthetic polymer formulation)
  
• Thin-film technology for excellent user experience.
• Can be used in direct sunlight.
• Non-staining formulation; won't stain black trim.
• My top pick for anyone looking to keep their life ultra simple. You simply stop here and you have an excellent choice that represents all the winning features any wax/sealant should have.
  

Darren's Tips: This is a great car wax. Highly popular and highly rated. If you prefer a liquid wax and trust the Meguiar's brand (despite the hyped-up marketing they also use) then you needn't look any further than this car wax due to its many features.

I think most people would find the results and user experience of this to be equal to, if not better than the Zaino car wax.

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions

Turtle wax Hybrid on Amazon

• All the hype of most any other car wax, or car paint sealant
• This product claims to have polishing abilities (This is intended to produce additional shine versus a traditional car wax or sealant alone)
• Claims to use the latest SiO2 chemistry (Silicon Oxide)
• A product most of you would be happy with

Darren's Tips: I was invited as an industry expert/influencer to the big Turtle Wax 2020 product launch out in Scottsdale, Arizona in the late fall of 2019. Their new hybrid line has some really excellent products, this being one of them.

Even though I have taken great issue with their use of terminology, hyped-up marketing, and made up terms, they still make some really great products. If your car needs some extra lovin' in the form of polishing, then this would likely be a better choice for you over the Meguiar's Ultimate liquid wax.

It will require more work, but you will likely appreciate the results. It is also cheaper than the other options on this page so far. So if you are also looking to cut corners in the name of spending less money, this will also be appealing to you.

It kind of makes me wonder what's in this formulation that allows Turtle Wax to sell it so cheaply. But that is just me thinking outside the box.(Kind of like Taco Bell and their ability to sell a fifty-cent taco. (I gotta wonder what they are putting in those things)

Mothers Ceramic Spray Coating

Mothers Ceramic spray Coating on Amazon

• Another great product
• Another great product that love hype-up marketing
• The ability to apply the latest technology in a spray application
• This product actually claims to use both SiO2

Darren's Tips: I was also paid by Mothers a couple years back (2018) to promote their products. While I did not go on record by labeling them as the best company or producing the best car wax, I did endorse them as a perfect place to start if you want a decent product, a good user experience, and did not want to overthink things.

This product is really good. This product has really good reviews. And the price is not going to break the bank if you decide this seems like a better alternative to the Zaino car wax you came looking for.

Mothers is a long established and trusted name in cosmetic car care. I know many of you like to stay with more recognizable brands and Mothers certainly has the clout to be one of those.

Top Rated Car Wax:
Raising the bar in performance!

CarPro Reload

CarPro Reload 2.0 on Amazon

• Extreme Water & Dirt Repellency: Leaves a super slick, glossy, and reflective finish.
• 3-Month Protection & Trim Safe: Effective sealant that won't stain rubber or plastic.
• Quick Wet or Dry Application: Boost shine and protection on any surface, anytime.
• Reload 2.0: More Gloss, Longer Life: Upgraded for enhanced durability and resistance, same easy use.
• Spray-On Silica Shine & Protection: Delivers glass-like gloss and hydrophobicity.
• Perfect CQUARTZ Top-Up: Water-based SiO2 formula.
• Keeps Car Cleaner, Easier to Wash & Dry: Simplifies maintenance.

Darren's Tips: This product is now taking you into the world of professional detailing. The obvious price difference alone makes that clear.

As a rule, most of us accept that you generally get what you pay for. I do love this product,

I also accept that many people just default to what the pros use. While not every professional detailer uses this product, I have yet to find any professional detailer using the Turtle Wax products or the Zaino car wax.

Zaino Car Wax Review

My goal has been to offer up alternatives to the Zaino car wax that meet the demands of my checklist for finding a top rated car wax or sealant that delivers superior performance, an exceptional user experience, along with varying price points based on you and your world.

I hope I have further educated you in the complex world of cosmetic car care!

Sincerely,

Darren Priest