Best AOI, all things considered!!!

I have Menzerna 3:1, BF, Opti Poli Seal, Megs 151, Rupes UHS, all in their smallest containers. I have only tried UHS so far, and was not that impressed, but I am not a huge fan of the Rupes style pads, It was on my wifes silver Camry and it wasnt in optimal conditions.

I will be knocking out my Aunts Mustang, and Mothers RX350 in the next few weeks. Will be trying all on my Aunts Mustang as it is a pearl blue that is beat up and will have a drastic turn around.

What pads do most of you use? I have most of the LC CCS pads, but read Green is what is suggested. I understand the type of paint could determine going stronger or lighter.

This may be a dumb question, but since it preforms a cleaning/polishing stage, and a LSP stage, has anyone tried working the product in with a more aggressive pad, then finishing the product with a softer pad?
 
That's kind of a wasted effort. If a car needs a drastic turn around you'll be better served by products that can do it -- like Meg's M105/205 or Menzerna FG400/SF4000 -- especially if you're considering a multi-step anyway. Since you have the tools to do it right, get the products that do it right as well.
 
This may be a dumb question, but since it preforms a cleaning/polishing stage, and a LSP stage, has anyone tried working the product in with a more aggressive pad, then finishing the product with a softer pad?

Meg's 151 actually suggests start out with an LC Orange then finishing up with an LC White. I'm kinda looking for a one pass sort of situation. I realize I may have to throw in a few extra passes, but wanting the convenience of one total "car" pass.


Peace,

Darrin
 
That's kind of a wasted effort. If a car needs a drastic turn around you'll be better served by products that can do it -- like Meg's M105/205 or Menzerna FG400/SF4000 -- especially if you're considering a multi-step anyway. Since you have the tools to do it right, get the products that do it right as well.

That's what I'm thinking.:iagree:
 
D151 on a white hybrid pad has been my go to for two years now. I have Blackfire but find it hazes wayyyy too much on dark colors for a one step. Menz 3-1 is another great AIO.
 
Cool, I do love Menzerna products. To the list it goes. Several suggestions point that way. Thanks y'all.

Peace,

Darrin
 
Meguiar's M66 "Quick Detailer" is a trusted friend. I use it with white polishing pads.
 
XMT360 may not be the best, but is is certainly probably the easiest to use.

Uber AIO has pretty good correcting ability as well.
 
First contestant will be the HD Speed, looks like an excellent choice, via mass opinion. Thanks. More comments are certainly welcome. Take care.

Peace,

Darrin
 
I am a big fan of Optimum Poli-seal.

great product (underrated) that doesn't get talked about too much these days. does a great job of cleaning up the paint and very easy to use as well...
 
XMT360 may not be the best,


Best what? :)

Yesterday I shared a link to an article I wrote and in the article I wrote I did my best to explain there are different levels of cleaning or abrading ability among the different cleaner/wax options on the market.

They are not all the same. Some are a lot more aggressive than others. Some are a LOT less aggressive than others.

This gives we the "users" a choice and the ability to match the level of cleaning/abrading power to the job at hand.

I also go deeper into the article to explain the problem with cleaner/waxes and the solution.

XMT 360 is a Category #2 Light Cleaning cleaner/wax. It won't compete with D151 or M66 because it's not as aggressive on purpose.

That's an apples versus orange situation. A well equipped detailer should have at least one or two categories of cleaner/waxes that way he can choose and use the best product for the paint on the car in front of him. Just like they should have more than one buffing pad in their arsenal.

It's actually the only article of it's kind that I've ever seen. I also included this in my Flex 3401 how-to book, which is also full of helpful information for anyone working as a detailer that owns is going to purchase a Flex 3401.


How to choose and use a one-step cleaner/wax by Mike Phillips



I also cover using cleaner/waxes and doing production detailing on day one of my 3-day detailing boot camp class.


Next Detailing Boot Camp Class - July 17th, 18th & 19th



Friday
Production detailing inside and out is covered the first day with follow-up on the second and third day as we work through a total of 6 to 7 cars used for each class.

  1. How to evaluate the customer and match your services to their needs.
  2. How to set-up your service menu to offer 4 detailing packages.
  3. How to evaluate the vehicle and fill out the VIF form.
  4. Full engine detailing.
  5. Cosmetic engine detailing.
  6. Glass polishing.
  7. Headlight correction.
  8. Hand and machine scrubbing tires to prepare rubber for coatings and dressings.
  9. Iron X to chemically decontaminate painted body panels.
  10. Foam guns and two bucket method for washing cars.
  11. Nanoskin Wash Mitts and Towels to mechanically decontaminate paint.
  12. Dupray Hill Injection Steam Cleaner to steam cleaning interiors.
  13. Mytee HP60 Spyder & Mytee Lite II 8070 to extract interiors.
  14. One-step exterior production detailing - Learning the correct way to use an AIO or Cleaner/Wax.
End of day Questions and Answers Session


We go over cleaner/waxes in our boat detailing classes also....


Marine 31 Boat Detailing Class - Saturday & Sunday August 22nd & 23rd

Our next 2-day hands-on Boat Detailing Class will be held on Saturday & Sunday August 22nd & 23rd.


If you plan to detail for money, this class is a must!

Learn the ins and outs of boat detailing from world-renowned detailing expert Mike Phillips! The Marine 31 Boat Detailing Class covers all the major aspects of boat care and detailing including

  • Personal safety
  • Proper washing order and techniques
  • Machine scrubbing molded in non-skid
  • Machine polishing Eisenglass to remove scratches, yellowing and oxidation
  • The four categories of boat condition and how to address each category
  • #1 New and like new
  • #2 Light oxidation
  • #3 Medium oxidation
  • #4 Heavy or severe oxidation
  • How and when to use a one-step cleaner/wax
  • How to use the Porter Cable for new and like new boats
  • How to use the Flex 3401 for light oxidation
  • How to use a rotary buffer to remove medium oxidation
  • How to hand sand and machine sand to remove severe oxidation, staining and deep water spots
  • Wet sanding to remove scuff marks and scratches from gel coat
  • Wet sanding to remove "ghosting" left after removing lettering and graphics
  • Canvas cleaning and protecting
  • Mildew removal & mildew prevention
  • Metal polishing and protection


Fact is... most detailers should be using a cleaner/wax but using the right cleaner/wax for the job.

Another fact is that most car waxes for sale at your local auto parts store are in face cleaner/waxes. They have to be and I explain why here,


The Difference Between a Cleaner/Wax and a Finishing Wax





:)
 
I got a gallon on D151 few weeks ago to try out. Have not had a chance to play with it on my paint with my machine. But I did try it out by hand on my chrome bumpers that had light small rust spots from this winter, and it did a really nice job cleaning it up and removing the rust stains/spots.
 
Thank you all and especially Mike with the references. I have been building up my arsenal as funds permit. Can you believe the bank actually wants me to pay them to live here, and this WiFi I'm on, don't get me started. I love cars, I especially love shiney cars. I drive down the road now and I'm disgusted with the condition of cars, let alone high dollar rides. I do also appreciate when pass a Bimmer or even a Fit that is properly washed an waxed. I really can't wait until I'm ready for a proper business. Been getting some good practice, my wife's car, mine, bosses GFs Lexus, his Carrera, a few neighbors. The thing is, there is no intimidation, even on the Carrera, because you all are her to back me up, and you all have provided a solid backbone which I can rely upon. Thanks and take care. :buffing:

Peace,

Darrin
 
Thank you Mike, I was going to try and defend my position on 360 but you did a much better job.

It is a GREAT AIO product. I have not used SPEED but Im sure it is too.
 
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