Nick, I understand all that and thank you for the response.
I was more pointing out that XMT #4 and 3M SD were likely to two of the hardest cutting compounds offered by Autogeek even though they're not necessarily user friendly and don't finish well. I know it's not often a person needs that much cut, but quite honestly forum members and AG staff forum members always seemed to mention that in the past that M105 and 3MPerfect-It EX are about as stout as you can get for paint and still...as you eluded to...finish down well. That said, I've not done much detailing compared to a lot of others here, but I've had no less than 2 jobs where if I hadn't had SD on hand I'd have been in trouble. Especially on hard non-metallic black GM paint around door handles. I used the 2 above products by hand as well as with LC orange CCS pads on a rotary and still had to resort to 3M Super Duty because I didn't have any small wool pads at the time. Quite honestly the 3M SD was as persnickety as some would make it out to be. It cut the job with ease actually, making refining with 105 or EX much easier...a breeze really. It was one of those moments you'd have just had to have been there because I was like DUH!...why did I waste all that time wondering why the products that should have worked, in fact didn't. Again, this was on GM paint not gel-coat. I only mentioned gel-coat because I know Mike had recommended #4 on tough gel jobs long before the Marine31 line. In fact, I don't think I ever recall seeing him recommend it on paint.
Anyway, I was asking because now I'm down to just 3M SD as a choice for tough paint and liked having the option of xmt #4. Of course, I realize low sales and old abrasive technology changes things. Still, a product like 3M SD has gotten me out of a jam more than once by having it on hand. In fact, I'd almost rather use it than M105 at times...and I've noticed that if I do have to use the SD first, then 105 isn't nearly as sticky/gummy/concrete hard as it can often get. You guys are spoiled...LOL...working on nice paint all the time...or maybe I'm cursed. LOL!!!
I guess as far as total amount of cut is concerned XMT#4 was a stand out product in the XMT line even over and above some heavy hitters in more well known and popular brands.
In my cases, when needing more cut, sanding only in small areas at the time didn't seem like a viable option. Of course, should I need a product that cuts that hard, and if I have larger areas to work with that need that much cut, I'd probably just think about sanding then using my go-to products or something like McKees Fast Compound to refine it. Then again, I'd probably be better off passing the blessing to someone else. LOL!
One other thing, was it true that xmt#4, though considered rocks-n-a-bottle, had a long working time? I find 3M SD does. I honestly haven't found even a modern 3M compound that can rival SD...if cut alone is all you're comparing.
So, Marine31 Heavy Cut for gel, then what for paint if sanding isn't an option and M105 and Perfect-It EX aren't cutting the mustard so-to-speak without resorting to a rotary and wool?
My apology for sort of getting off of the McKee's brand, but it's sort of relevant considering 2 product lines were merged.
