Blackfire One-step vs. Mckee's37 360 AIO

Me Time

Me Time

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Has anyone used both of these products and can give some insight as far as how they compare or not?

Thanks
 
Both very good products. I've more experience with 360 than Blackfire, though. Both products were very easy to use, and 360 gave 4-6 months of real world, daily driver protection. I will say that it stained the Griots BOSS pads I was using. Since I just re-introduced myself to Blackfire, I can't speak to it's durability, but I expect similar results. The Blackfire beat 360 as it pertains to gloss, with a slight edge also in slickness. Here's the link to my thread about Blackfire with a pic of the car I did with it:

I used to dislike Blackfire One Step...then this happened....
 
I have used both an my observations to date:

- Mckee's 360 has incredible durability. I did a friend's car - one that is ONLY cared for ONCE a year (when I do it). I was able to get just shy of 10 months durability before beading gave in. I see the car weekly and was pleasantly surprised how well it held up. McKee's 360 also does a nice job glossing the paint. Has good working time, but not quite as much as BF. One drawback, it stains pads. The only cleaner that would remove 360 was Mckee's polishing pad cleaner (the yellow powder you mix with water). Pads still don't come 100% clean so do as I do and dedicate some pads to 360. Dusts just a little but only after working it for a while. As far as smell goes, it's a mix of cherry smell combined with some light chemical smell. Not in any way offensive or hard to work with - and has a little stronger smell than the original 360 (when it was Pinnacle XMT 360 - which smelled like pure cherry candy).

- BF One-Step just did a black car with this and WOW it has amazing correcting ability for an AIO (has the most bite of any AIO I have used) and finishes down very well. It also left the paint really glossy and incredibly smooth. Has excellent working time - you could polish for 10 minutes and not dry out. Very little dusting, I mean VERY little. It too stains pads, but not quite to the extend of 360. I would call dusting a tie with 360. As far as durability, that I cannot comment on because I have not used this on either of my vehicles and none of the cars I've used it on have been back. As far as smell, it has a very pleasant coconut/pina coloda'ish smell - very easy to work with.

I would say whichever AIO you go with, dedicate a few pads to it. 360, BF and HD Speed all are pad stainers (to some extent). The only AIO that I have used that does not stain pads is Griot's Finishing Sealant. That cleans out of pads VERY easily.

Hope this helps,
ScottH
 
Thanks for the replies.

My Dad acquires a very nice 2005 red 50th anniversary Thunderbird that has been very neglected. I was going to work it over pretty good but due to his and my Mom's health my time is limited. Since he's proud of it I want to get it shined up for him. That's why I am thinking about going the AIO step to save me some time.
 
Hi. New here. I just made my first post in the introduction section of the forum. I’m trying to figure out a plan of action to detail my fairly neglected 2010 Nissan Frontier. It’s black.
These are 2 products that have caught my attention when reading posts for the last several months.
I have seen numerous posts with differing information about these products staining ( leaving residue) on plastic trim and rubber weather stripping. What is the consensus on this issue with these products ?
 
Serenitynow said:
Hi. New here. I just made my first post in the introduction section of the forum. I’m trying to figure out a plan of action to detail my fairly neglected 2010 Nissan Frontier. It’s black.
These are 2 products that have caught my attention when reading posts for the last several months.
I have seen numerous posts with differing information about these products staining ( leaving residue) on plastic trim and rubber weather stripping. What is the consensus on this issue with these products ?
Click to expand...

You can dress the trim prior to polishing, making any accidental contact clean-ups easier. If you don't dress the trim before polishing, then tape the trim, polish the paint, then dress the trim.
 
expdetailing said:
You can dress the trim prior to polishing, making any accidental contact clean-ups easier. If you don't dress the trim before polishing, then tape the trim, polish the paint, then dress the trim.
Click to expand...

Or just be REALLY careful around it.

But, expd has better advice than me.
 
Makes sense guys. Thanks. But, sorry for the dumb question, what would I dress the trim with ?
My plastic trim is fairly oxidized and chalky looking I’m really intrigued by the Solution Finish Trim Restorer. I thought I’d use that on all the plastic trim ( including bumper pads and windshield wiper cowl ) and rubber moldings after correcting the paint.
Would I still need to cover the trim from stains even if I am planning on using this afterwards ?
 
I really like the Blackfire Tire & Trim sealant. It keeps plastic trim looking wet for a long time.
 
Serenitynow said:
Makes sense guys. Thanks. But, sorry for the dumb question, what would I dress the trim with ?
My plastic trim is fairly oxidized and chalky looking I’m really intrigued by the Solution Finish Trim Restorer. I thought I’d use that on all the plastic trim ( including bumper pads and windshield wiper cowl ) and rubber moldings after correcting the paint.
Would I still need to cover the trim from stains even if I am planning on using this afterwards ?
Click to expand...

I've never used Solution Finish, so I can't comment on how well it could protect the trim from absorbing polish. Myself, I would just try to steer clear of the trim with the polisher by being careful, then dress the trim with Solution Finish. Normally it's advised to use tape if you are newer with a polisher though. Since polishes do dust a little bit, there is usually some dust on the trim that needs addressed after polishing, so I save my plastic trim dressing stage for after polishing, usually, so that I don't have to touch the trim twice.
 
ScottH said:
I have used both an my observations to date:

- Mckee's 360 has incredible durability. I did a friend's car - one that is ONLY cared for ONCE a year (when I do it). I was able to get just shy of 10 months durability before beading gave in. I see the car weekly and was pleasantly surprised how well it held up. McKee's 360 also does a nice job glossing the paint. Has good working time, but not quite as much as BF. One drawback, it stains pads. The only cleaner that would remove 360 was Mckee's polishing pad cleaner (the yellow powder you mix with water). Pads still don't come 100% clean so do as I do and dedicate some pads to 360. Dusts just a little but only after working it for a while. As far as smell goes, it's a mix of cherry smell combined with some light chemical smell. Not in any way offensive or hard to work with - and has a little stronger smell than the original 360 (when it was Pinnacle XMT 360 - which smelled like pure cherry candy).

- BF One-Step just did a black car with this and WOW it has amazing correcting ability for an AIO (has the most bite of any AIO I have used) and finishes down very well. It also left the paint really glossy and incredibly smooth. Has excellent working time - you could polish for 10 minutes and not dry out. Very little dusting, I mean VERY little. It too stains pads, but not quite to the extend of 360. I would call dusting a tie with 360. As far as durability, that I cannot comment on because I have not used this on either of my vehicles and none of the cars I've used it on have been back. As far as smell, it has a very pleasant coconut/pina coloda'ish smell - very easy to work with.

I would say whichever AIO you go with, dedicate a few pads to it. 360, BF and HD Speed all are pad stainers (to some extent). The only AIO that I have used that does not stain pads is Griot's Finishing Sealant. That cleans out of pads VERY easily.

Hope this helps,
ScottH
Click to expand...

Sorry for a late reply, been busy with my parents. But I have a question about the pads staining.

Since 360 is staining the pads, do you think that some of the product is staying in them? Or, that it just the dye in it? I have always just used one brand for years and now since I am trying different products is why I am asking. I have always thought that if I cleaned them real good most, if not all would come out. But like anything, I'm sure some product will always linger.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
Me Time said:
Sorry for a late reply, been busy with my parents. But I have a question about the pads staining.

Since 360 is staining the pads, do you think that some of the product is staying in them? Or, that it just the dye in it? I have always just used one brand for years and now since I am trying different products is why I am asking. I have always thought that if I cleaned them real good most, if not all would come out. But like anything, I'm sure some product will always linger.

Thanks
Click to expand...

My observation about 360 and BF One Step are that they give the pad a "gummy" feeling and that I have to rotate pads more often than the Griot's Boss cremes, or 3D polishes as examples. I've tried treating the pads immediately after use with a pad cleaning spray, and then ultimately soaking them in McKees pad cleaner (the yellow powder). Provided the water is warm enough, I find that a 30 min soak releases most of the product. The pads won't come completely clean but I would say 85%-90% comes out and that's plenty enough for a clean start the next use. Perhaps it's the combination of abrasiveness and protection in the product? Not sure but it doesn't in anyway stop me from grabbing 360 and BF AIO off my shelf on a very regular basis.

ScottH
 
ScottH said:
My observation about 360 and BF One Step are that they give the pad a "gummy" feeling and that I have to rotate pads more often than the Griot's Boss cremes, or 3D polishes as examples. I've tried treating the pads immediately after use with a pad cleaning spray, and then ultimately soaking them in McKees pad cleaner (the yellow powder). Provided the water is warm enough, I find that a 30 min soak releases most of the product. The pads won't come completely clean but I would say 85%-90% comes out and that's plenty enough for a clean start the next use. Perhaps it's the combination of abrasiveness and protection in the product? Not sure but it doesn't in anyway stop me from grabbing 360 and BF AIO off my shelf on a very regular basis.

ScottH
Click to expand...

Thanks

Wonder if it could be the sealant in both of them. I think both polishes are water base. I know I have found out that using a couple of the sealant only products make the pads hard to clean.
 
Me Time said:
Sorry for a late reply, been busy with my parents. But I have a question about the pads staining.

Since 360 is staining the pads, do you think that some of the product is staying in them? Or, that it just the dye in it? I have always just used one brand for years and now since I am trying different products is why I am asking. I have always thought that if I cleaned them real good most, if not all would come out. But like anything, I'm sure some product will always linger.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I have been using Blackfire One Step and have had no issues with pad staining or product remaining in the pads. I use Mckee's polishing pad cleaner (sold ready to use in a spray bottle) and it works great. I did try once to soak the pads in a microfiber wash to clean them and it didn't work well at all. I highly recommend the Mckee's cleaner. One bottle should last you 20-25 pads and saves alot of time.
 
charliehaley said:
I have been using Blackfire One Step and have had no issues with pad staining or product remaining in the pads. I use Mckee's polishing pad cleaner (sold ready to use in a spray bottle) and it works great. I did try once to soak the pads in a microfiber wash to clean them and it didn't work well at all. I highly recommend the Mckee's cleaner. One bottle should last you 20-25 pads and saves alot of time.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
I have some of each of the McKee's 37 cleaners and the APC from them. When I finally get a chance to do my Dad's T-bird, I will give them a try.
 
Me Time said:
Thanks

Wonder if it could be the sealant in both of them. I think both polishes are water base. I know I have found out that using a couple of the sealant only products make the pads hard to clean.
Click to expand...

No doubt it’s the sealant staining and making it harder to clean. I have this issue with any AIOs (some worse than others, maybe real durable ones are worse for obvious reasons??). I’ve also seen the issue with sealants back when I would use a pad to apply. Pure polishes clean extremely easily for me with pad cleaners.
 
Di-limonene is what you guys need for your AIO pads. Whether you get it from Citrol, Citra-solv, or my new cheap favorite Citra-blast (There are many others.) you want about a 10 percent concentration.

I personally mix up a packet of Snappy Clean (McKee's same thing) in a 96 oz bottle (Because that's what I had. Otherwise, I probably would have put it in a gallon container). I pour an old Dish washing liquid container about 80 percent full of this mix and fill up with Citra-blast (Citra-blast is 50 percent Di-Limonene so this gives a 10 solution.) If you use one of the high 90's concentrate products like Citra-solv use half as much.

I have seen nothing else come close to how well this cleans AIO from pads. And its relatively cheap.
 
Will have to give this a try. While I was searching for Citra-blast, I even found how to make your own using vinegar and citrus peels. Wonder how that would clean with the vinegar mixed in?
 
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