Menzerna or Mequiars??????

[Theostoubos]

Oh sorry that does make a difference doesn't it! I will be working on a my 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe. Its a Dark Slate Metallic. It is very hard to see the swirls in this color. Yea my car has VERY minor swirls. An i will definately take alot of pictures!

I did a two step on a Nissan Pathfinder yesterday. It was heavily swirled but the clear coat was on the medium to soft side of life.

I did a spot test with 106 FA and it worked pretty good.

The point of the exercise though yesterday was to finish close to a hundred percent, the car was heavily swirled, huge and my time was limited. So I had to work more aggressively.

 

[magna_power]

So you guys don't think the menzerna power gloss 1000 is good enough at cutting? I know that in Australia we also have a power gloss 500. I'm looking at purchasing some of the menzerna range later this week.

 

[chris.ganucheau]

I did a two step on a Nissan Pathfinder yesterday. It was heavily swirled but the clear coat was on the medium to soft side of life.

I did a spot test with 106 FA and it worked pretty good.

The point of the exercise though yesterday was to finish close to a hundred percent, the car was heavily swirled, huge and my time was limited. So I had to work more aggressively.

So would you say that 106 FA would be good enough for my minor swirls??

 

[maximus20895]

It depends on how soft/hard the paint is, how deep the scratches are etc.

Too many factors. That's why you need to do a test section first!

 

[chris.ganucheau]

It depends on how soft/hard the paint is, how deep the scratches are etc.

Too many factors. That's why you need to do a test section first!

What would you start out with on a car that had VERY minor swirls?? Just tryin to figure out what to order.

 

[maximus20895]

M205 as well as Menzerna PO85RD (SF4500) since you have a black/dark car.

You could even go to Walmart and buy Ultimate Polish and see if that works since it's somewhat close to 205.

I would just try those. Also, say 205 doesn't remove all the swirls you can also pick up Ultimate Compound as it's close to 105 and tends to be easier to work with.

I would highly recommend getting Menzerna PO85RD (SF4500) as a final polish though.

 

[chris.ganucheau]

Here is a picture of my car, I took the picture off my computer screen so that's why it looks funny. I'm really trying to go with the least aggressive thing possible because I know I don't need anything aggressive because my cars swirls aren't bad

 

[Theostoubos]

So would you say that 106 FA would be good enough for my minor swirls??

Judging from what you describe in terms the severity of the swirls, the cler coat of your Altima, and the GG your thinking to get, I believe the 106FA will be a good selection.

The other thing that you can do is to additionally get a small bottle of M105
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound, polishing compound, ultra cut compound, paint compound, car polish

For 11$ you have enough compound to do your whole car (which i still think it wont be necessary) and have some left.

Unless you detail cars professionally there is really no need for a ton of compound. Once you correct the swirls in your car, you don't really need to compound again and the 106FA will be more than adequate to maintain a perfect finish.

I suggest to pair the M105 with a Lake country Hydrotech Cyan Cutting Pad and the 106FA with a Lake country Hydrotech Orange Polishing Pad.

6.5 inch pads are great for hoods and roofs and big doors, but you will need at least 2 5.5 inch pads for tighter areas.

Your DA is great for applying waxes and sealants as well. Put on a LC HT Crimson Pad and Choose any wax or sealant. I really like Collinite 845. Cheap but great.

Before polishing make sure you wash and clay your paint. Work as clean as you can possibly imagine through every single stage.

Wash, Clay, Correct/Polish, Protect.

I'll try to post some pictures for you tomorrow.

 

[maximus20895]

Just my opinion, but I would much rather use a 5.5 inch pad than a 6.5 inch pad with a DA.

 

[Buckskincolt]

Here is a picture of my car, I took the picture off my computer screen so that's why it looks funny. I'm really trying to go with the least aggressive thing possible because I know I don't need anything aggressive because my cars swirls aren't bad

I'd just get the Meguires 5.5" microfiber system. If the Finishing wax doesn't get the swirls then you have the compound in the kit to get them. I'd buy 2 extra cutting pads and one extra finishing pad and call it good. Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit

If you want to stay traditional the I'd opt for the Wolfgang Twins with hydro tech pads. 3 - 5.5" cayan pads and 3 - 5.5" tangerine. Don't forget if you go with 5.5" pads you need the 5" backing plate. The MF kit comes with it.

There is no way I'd touch your car with 105 never having used a or buffer before!

Did you read the links I posted?

Keep us posted on you decision.

 

[Buckskincolt]

Just my opinion, but I would much rather use a 5.5 inch pad than a 6.5 inch pad with a DA.

:iagree: absolutely

 

[Theostoubos]

Here is a picture of my car, I took the picture off my computer screen so that's why it looks funny. I'm really trying to go with the least aggressive thing possible because I know I don't need anything aggressive because my cars swirls aren't bad

Based on what I can see here, there is no need to compound. The car looks in pretty good shape to begin with. 106FA finishes at the same gloss level like 85RD does but gives you a bit more cut. Just make sure that you work down the polish until it becomes translucent. Here is a comparison chart of the Menzerna line so you can get an idea what the differences are between the two.

Menzerna, Menzerna Polishing Compounds Products, Menzerna FMJ, menzerna polishes, menzerna car polish, menzerna nano polish, menzerna final polish,

 

[Theostoubos]

:iagree: absolutely

I agree too. No need for 6.5 inches pad. Especially on a DA and someone who tries to polish for the first time. 5.5 inch pad are way easier through tHenlearning curve of polishing simply because they re so much more easier to handle.

Just make sure you get the correct size plate for them cause the GG comes with a 6 inch plate which is obviously not suitable.

 

[Theostoubos]

Here is some photos for you. That's a 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo I did a few weeks ago and I finished with Menzerna PO106 FA or SF 4000.


Very heavily swirled front right fender

50/50 on the door before finishing polish

Half way through. Getting results

That same right front fender a few hours later

And a roof reflection shot for you

Finishing was done with Menzerna 106 FA #on a LC HT Orange Pad driven on my Flex PE14-2

Enjoy.

Theo

 

[Newdetailer1]

I don't think I've ran into a swirl that my SIP and a LC yellow ccs pads could't handle?

 

[BobbyG]

If I had to choose one line it would be Menzerna because of it's performance and versatility...rops:

 

[Buckskincolt]

Here is some photos for you. That's a 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo I did a few weeks ago and I finished with Menzerna PO106 FA or SF 4000.
And a roof reflection shot for you

Finishing was done with Menzerna 106 FA #on a LC HT Orange Pad driven on my Flex PE14-2

Enjoy.

Theo

That's really nice work Theo! You clearly have the rotary method mastered!:dblthumb2:

 

[Theostoubos]

That's really nice work Theo! You clearly have the rotary method mastered!:dblthumb2:

Thank you,

The way I see it, is not about mastering. It's all about educating yourself, about the machine, the product and the technique.

Autogeek and one more European Forum has been a wealth of information and education for me.

The rest is a bit of practice and common sense.

As for the finish, if someone can finish on Rotary, HT Orange and SF4000 like that, imagine what you can do again on a rotary, a HT Crimson pad and PO85 RD/SF 4500.

I love my Flex PE14-2. Great tool.

That's why sometimes I'm a bit skeptical when I hear people not being able to finish with a rotary on black paint.

Anyway that Altima does not look in need of M105 or anywhere close to that. But just in case the DA won't "cut" it, he might want to have some compound in hand.

Anyway just my .02

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Megs 105 for tough to get defects and Menzerna to finish with. Never limit yourself to one brand. You do yourself an injustice by doing that. M105 followed by 106FA is great. A DAT will always finish better that a SMAT.

As of today's date and currently existing/available products I agree.

My car is brand new an has light swirls, i don't need something very aggressive for my car. I just want something to remove them an return my car to show room shine. My moms got a brand new 2011 Malibu with HORRIBLE swirls from the dealer. I just was looking an it looks like the Menzerna has alot more steps which means to me i could get alot more refined finish. Instead of just being able to choose 2 i could choose from like 6 or 7.

I could be wrong never used any of these things an have never buffed.

Chances are very good using the right pads and good technique, Menzerna SI 1500 and SF 4000 would take care of both cars.

Menzerna - New Names and Product Numbers

So you guys don't think the Menzerna power gloss 1000 is good enough at cutting? I know that in Australia we also have a power gloss 500. I'm looking at purchasing some of the Menzerna range later this week.

I did comparison testing of M105, M101 and FG 500 when I was testing out the new 3M #5000 Grit finishing discs. On the specific paint I was testing on, M101 cut the fastest and M105 finished out the nicest. I didn't include any of the pictures showing the results but I did take pictures. Here's that thread, it's why I wasn't posting much that day...

Video: Wow! 3M #5000 Grit Polishing I mean Sanding Discs!

So would you say that 106 FA would be good enough for my minor swirls??

You're question above has the perfect answer below...

It depends on how soft/hard the paint is, how deep the scratches are etc.

Too many factors. That's why you need to do a test section first!

Paint is different from car to car, even from model to model because paint systems are continually changing. You need to do some testing and in order to do some testing you need a range of products including,

Compound
Medium Cut Polish
Fine Cut Polish
Ultra Fine Cut Polish


I cover this in my how-to book for creating a show car finish using a DA Polisher. Here's some handy links,

Word Definitions - Compounds, Polishes, Glazes, Paint Cleaners and Waxes

What condition is the paint on your vehicles?


How To Do a Test Spot

A Test Spot

Besides this most awesome forum filled with knowledgeable, friendly and helpful forum members, here are some more resources...


Resources

Paperback



E-book
(Displayed on iPad - iPad not included)

:xyxthumbs:

 

[chris.ganucheau]

I'd just get the Meguires 5.5" microfiber system. If the Finishing wax doesn't get the swirls then you have the compound in the kit to get them. I'd buy 2 extra cutting pads and one extra finishing pad and call it good. Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit

If you want to stay traditional the I'd opt for the Wolfgang Twins with hydro tech pads. 3 - 5.5" cayan pads and 3 - 5.5" tangerine. Don't forget if you go with 5.5" pads you need the 5" backing plate. The MF kit comes with it.

There is no way I'd touch your car with 105 never having used a or buffer before!

Did you read the links I posted?

Keep us posted on you decision.

Yes, I did read them. I even went to the store an looked at what the kit came with an they had a video with mike an the meguiars guys using it on a dodge caliber. Im kinda leaning to getting the kit an menzerna sf4000 an even the wolfgang twins. lol