DA Polisher/Product Help Request

So I think I've got the handle on this; except that the 4" MEGS pads are on back-order. I've decided to go with the new SoftBuff MEGS 5.5" and 4" pads and will get 2 QTY of the 6 packs of each. So that means 4 of each of the 3 pads, per size! I really like the fact that I can just wash them like I do my clothes.

For the Corolla:
1.) UC or SwirlX - depending on my test spot results; 2.) UP; 3.) M7 Glaze; 4.) M21 - weather pending; 5.) then to finish with M26.

For the Impreza:
1.) M7, 2.) M21 - weather pending, and then 3.) M26.

Of course I will clay both before the work. I know that M7 is a glaze and will look great on the Impreza due to the new paint; I just am not quite sure if the UP, with it's mild abrasives, will bring out enough depth on the Corolla or if I should put on a light coat of M7 for added depth. I wanted to keep things oriented towards the consumer line of products but added some of the professional items in there too.

Thoughts?
-Alan
 
In doing additional research; I think I'm leaning more to:
Compound - UC (Bubba-Proof = Joe Schmo weekend warrior detailer = average consumer = hard to mess up using it)
Polish - Still torn; really enjoy the thought of SwirlX as being my lead off point in lieu of UC just in case that is enough to correct the Corolla's paint.
Sealant - Debating if I want to go this route now or wait until Fall (I'm the guy who waxes his car every month).
Wax - M26 from what I've seen, this is a pure yellow wax and has no cleaners unlike the Gold Class which I was previously unaware had cleaners in it but worked well as I've used it on daily drivers that required a cleaner anyway. This would be good for the Corolla after paint is corrected but I'm unsure if I should use it on my new Impreza or use a cleaner wax first then top with M26. The paint is only months old on my Impreza :props:
Pads - Still up in the air. MEGS pads look more simplistic in that there are only 3 choices but my thoughts are that the LC pads provide multiple pads to increase or decrease aggressiveness of my products used and allow me to branch out in the future. I guess this is my largest debate.

Got it. Was not sure what you mean but now I do. M205 is bubba proof. The reason I recommend it is because it can do everything that swirlx and UP can do. You can also increase the correction of the product depending on the pad you use.

Just a follow up on M26 and Gold Class. M26 is a finishing wax. Gold Class is a polish wax and not a cleaner wax. So it will not clean the paint like a cleaner wax. The polishes within it will fill in defects that are not polished out. It will darken the paint.

So I think I've got the handle on this; except that the 4" MEGS pads are on back-order. I've decided to go with the new SoftBuff MEGS 5.5" and 4" pads and will get 2 QTY of the 6 packs of each. So that means 4 of each of the 3 pads, per size! I really like the fact that I can just wash them like I do my clothes.

For the Corolla:
1.) UC or SwirlX - depending on my test spot results; 2.) UP; 3.) M7 Glaze; 4.) M21 - weather pending; 5.) then to finish with M26.

For the Impreza:
1.) M7, 2.) M21 - weather pending, and then 3.) M26.

Of course I will clay both before the work. I know that M7 is a glaze and will look great on the Impreza due to the new paint; I just am not quite sure if the UP, with it's mild abrasives, will bring out enough depth on the Corolla or if I should put on a light coat of M7 for added depth. I wanted to keep things oriented towards the consumer line of products but added some of the professional items in there too.

Thoughts?
-Alan

Just so you know those 4" pads are the DA power system pads. You can find them locally at any auto parts store if you need some. You need a 3" backing plate to use them.

In regards to your correction for the corolla I would skip M7. UP has enough polishing oils in it. M7is really beneficial on single stage paint. M21 is a great sealant. I would definitely put that on a daily driver. M21/M26 is a nice combo as well.

For the imprezza same thing. I would opt for UP over M7. It will clean the paint and remove slight defects. Then follow up with M21 or M26. You can use UP with a finishing pad since the paint is in good shape. If it is in really good shape then just clay and seal.

One thing you should ass to your list is ultimate quik wax. It's a great way to maintain your choice of protection.
 
UP has abrasives in it though; whereas, M7 is plain oils. In regard to the Corolla, since I will have brought it up to par, I thought the M7 could be skipped but didn't know if the abrasives from the UP would be a detriment instead of using a full on polish like M7.

In regard to the Impreza, wouldn't it be beneficial as the paint is unblemished?

Since the 4" pads are the same as the over the counter ones...are they still washer machine cleanable?

I think I'll try out the UP and see how that goes this time then look into the M205 next round!
 
I used to be an all-Meguiar's kinda guy, and I still use quite a few of their products. But don't be afraid to branch out. It's okay to be "disloyal"...there are no Megs Nazi's who are going to come and lock you away LOL. You might actually prefer and enjoy using other brands/products as well. I know I do.
 
The abrasives in UP are not going to remove your clear coat in one shot. It's safe to use it even on new paint. The polishing pad will also be doing the work when polishing. M7 can be a pain to remove if too much is used. Since you are still starting out I would recommend to get the hang of UP first. Then you can experiment with M7 if you choose to do so.

If your imprezza's paint is in good shape you can just clay and seal. If you want to clean the paint up some then use UP. It's completely up to you.

I can't comment on the pads. I usually wash any pad by hand.
 
So I think I've got the handle on this; except that the 4" MEGS pads are on back-order. I've decided to go with the new SoftBuff MEGS 5.5" and 4" pads and will get 2 QTY of the 6 packs of each. So that means 4 of each of the 3 pads, per size! I really like the fact that I can just wash them like I do my clothes.

For the Corolla:
1.) UC or SwirlX - depending on my test spot results; 2.) UP; 3.) M7 Glaze; 4.) M21 - weather pending; 5.) then to finish with M26.

For the Impreza:
1.) M7, 2.) M21 - weather pending, and then 3.) M26.

Of course I will clay both before the work. I know that M7 is a glaze and will look great on the Impreza due to the new paint; I just am not quite sure if the UP, with it's mild abrasives, will bring out enough depth on the Corolla or if I should put on a light coat of M7 for added depth. I wanted to keep things oriented towards the consumer line of products but added some of the professional items in there too.

Thoughts?
-Alan

The only thing that you probably don't need is M7, but I get where you're coming from. M21 should accomplish what you're looking for on it's own.

If you wanted to stay in the consumer line, Deep Crystal Polish is more geared towards clear coat finishes, and Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax bears some resemblance to the beloved M26. NXT 2.0 is the consumer version of M21, and unbelievably easy to apply and remove, looks fantastic, and has always delivered good durability - for me.

I'll throw yet another ingredient to the mix. M09 Swirl Remover. It's a cleaner/polish, with both a light diminishing abrasive, and polishing oils. To this day it's still one of my favorite Meguiar's offerings.
 
I'm currently getting rid of my GG6 comes with 6" and 5" Backing Plates also the White brissel attachment for carpets and seats. I've had it a year. If your interested shoot me a PM. Pics are available.
 
Well I made my first purchase! However, I was informed by autogeek customer support that meguiars 4" pads are discontinued and are no longer being carried. That being said, they referred me to lake county pads. Any thoughts or ideas on 4" pads? Any issue with using my 5" megs pads with a different brand 4" pad?
 
No issues using different brand of pads. I last did an Audi Q7 with the Meguiar's 5.5" pads and Buff and Shine 4" pads. I used to use the Lake Country, but the Buff and Shine are much better and I have moved on to using them.
 
No issues using different brand of pads. I last did an Audi Q7 with the Meguiar's 5.5" pads and Buff and Shine 4" pads. I used to use the Lake Country, but the Buff and Shine are much better and I have moved on to using them.


Second this. Buff-n-shine pads are very good. Long lasting and haven't had Velcro issues. They are more or less chem guys pads that aren't private labeled, at least that's what I've seen. I use lots of CG hex-logics and then buff-n-shine microfiber compounding pads (LOOK IDENTICAL TO CG's ONES).
 
Don't get hung up in using all one brand. LC 4" pads work just fine are very capable. You will need the proper backing plate

If you really must have the Meguiar's pads you can get the DA power pads locally.
 
I've been using the 4", but prefer 3". I like the variation between 5.5", and 3".

As far as mixing brands, LC doesn't offer a 3" Microfiber pad, so I use the Rupes. I also have a ton of both LC, and B&S/Hex Logic pads. I tried to decide between the two, but my selections actually compliment each other, so I'm keeping both.
 
just keep in mind that if you're going to buy a 3.5" DA backing plate, you should also buy the 3" as well. some 4" pads like the megs have less hook and loop (velcro) than others...
 
With the GG6 on sale it's a no brainer. Advance Auto Parts has it online and if you search around you can find a 30% off coupon that they'll let you use. ;) (They WILL NOT let you use any discount on the 3" GG buffer though for some reason.) :dunno:

Use Code WD518 and get $50 off $125. IN STORE pickup only, just ordered mine. $95.39 with tax.
 
I've been using the 4", but prefer 3". I like the variation between 5.5", and 3".

As far as mixing brands, LC doesn't offer a 3" Microfiber pad, so I use the Rupes. I also have a ton of both LC, and B&S/Hex Logic pads. I tried to decide between the two, but my selections actually compliment each other, so I'm keeping both.

Correction : Lake Country does in fact offer 2", and 3 1/4" Ultra Fiber microfiber pads.:pc7424:
 
Thanks, All! I finally made the purchase (more to come later). I decided my first car would be my mom's 2006 Focus which only should need some clay and UP. I bought MEGS #21 and MEGS #26 for a sealant/wax topper combo, but don't have the time to let it sit on her car overnight. I do have some MEGS Ultimate Wax though....

Can I use the following combo: Clay, UP, UW, then MEGS #26 as a topper? Or is that redundant? Her paint is in really great condition for a DD.

-Alan
 
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