I'm still using Zaino after about 15 years. It works for me and I haven't been able to force myself to try something different....even The Critic could not persuade me to change several years ago, LOL. IF I did attempt to try something else, I have interest in Jescar Power Lock, Collinite 845, and Finishcare 1000. No interest in the coatings like CQuartz . The Zaino is expensive, but with my regimen it turns out less than $20 per year.
Here's my story. Michigan is generally messy with lots of clouds, rain, snow, salt, you name it. Protection is more important to my daily driver vs. pristine looks. It sits outdoors 24/7 and I rarely wash it between my 6 month spring/fall detailing. I have never "corrected" my paint (except maybe some specific scratch repair). The less I touch the paint, the more I avoid swirls, etc. (much different scenario than those that do their cars several times/month). The Zaino is still sheeting/beading at the 6 month detailing period.
My bi-annual spring/fall detailing day takes a good 8 hours, exterior and interior:
- Wash the car very well with whatever local car wash product I have (Usually Mequires Gold wash).
- Clay the car, using water and car wash solution. My claying is quick and painless, not taking over 20 minutes to remove any embedded "nubs".
- Wash and rinse well again, blow off with leaf blower, dry with waffle weave towel.
- Apply Zaino AIO as a cleaner/prep step. I'm always surprised how much grime still comes off the paint after the initial washings. The door jambs see AIO only (no Z2). I think the AIO could be eliminated for frugality IF you get the paint squeaky clean some other way.
- Apply 2 coats of the Zaino Z-2 with the ZFX additive. Again, if you are frugal, you could skip the ZFX and save some bucks. I store the ZFX bottle in my fridge, lid sealed with electrical tape to make it last 4 years+.
That's about it until the next 6 month detailing. I also do the glass, interior, etc. during my bi-annual detail. I welcome comments, especially attempts to convince me to try some of the products I listed above. I do use off the shelf products at my workplace, including trying the Duragloss system (meh), NuFinish, Mequires Ultimate Wax, etc.(Even farm tractors appreciate an occasional clean up).