My technique concerning the 3401, Menzerna products, and Hybrid pads

[dsg03gt]

Thanks for the response.
I'm not looking to purchase the LC-Interchangeable kit for the Flex YET.

But for the Flex factory backing plate, I would need to purchase and use the 6.5" Hybrid pads, yes?

Correct

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[Tato]

Yes, 6.5". But think in getting the 4" plate for the Flex soon, it worth it's weight in gold.

Let us know your outcome!

Kind Regards.

 

[Toxix]

Yes, 6.5". But think in getting the 4" plate for the Flex soon, it worth it's weight in gold.

Let us know your outcome!

Kind Regards.

Thank you.
Although reluctant, I'm about to pull the trigger on:
8x 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish Orange Pads
4x 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish White Pads

Well over $150 to spend after shipping and taxes.

That being said, would I be able to achieve the same results using my Buff and Shine EuroFoam orange and white pads?

 

[Tato]

I think so. Pads are different, for sure, but it's also a matter of personal preference as well, and product quality being used is even more important...

Hybrid pads helps working the products (specially diminishing abrasives) accordingly.

When you exert pressure on an Hybrid pad it will increase the cut (like any other pad), but at the ending passes on a section, when you release pressure, it'll not only reduce cutting power but it'll change the feel like a finishing pad. The 'hybrid' characteristic of this pad line is what differentiate them from 'the rest'. It puts you closer to the 'One-Step' more often.

The format (~perfect fit velcro + beveled edge) is also a pleasure to use.

I don't think you'll need 12 pads at all, try 2-3 orange 2-3 white at first, you'll be able to do a lot of work with them.


Hope that helps,

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Mike,

Amazing threat. I've read every single page of it.
I'm convinced and am looking to make the switch to Menzerna products after reading this thread.

I've been a loyal customer to Meguiar's for the past few years using the good ol' M105 and M205 combo and recently M101 as well.
As a 1 step, I've been using Meguiar's D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream.
Does Menzerna make something similar to Meg's D151?

Would the SF4000 be a replacement for the D151?

Also, I have stocked up on Buff and Shine EuroFoam pads and am not really looking to spend any more money to replace the pads with the LC Hybrid pads.
Will your method work with the Buff and Shine EuroFoam pads? Or am I stuck having to switch over to the Hybrid pads to achieve your results?

Great glad to hear.

I too am a loyal customer with Meguiar's products although I no longer use any of their compounds/polishes since using Menzerna. But I must say that I am happy with most of their products.

D151 is a great AIO and IMO one of the best out there. Menzerna's new Flyer 3n1 AIO should give it a run for its money and I cant wait to put them to the test.

SF4000 is not a replacement for D151. SF4000 is a fine polish like M205. D151 as you know is an AIO and Menzerna's new AIO would be it's replacement if you looking to try out Menzerna.

Tato (Rafael) gave a great explanation about the characteristics of the Hybrid pads in the last quote below.

Men's just announced an AIO product is coming out soon

There is a thread on it somewhere

I brought it up here in this thread. Flyer 3n1 AIO.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/85129-boom-menzerna-raises-bar-again.html

For the Flex 3401, what size Hybrid pads are you guys using? 5" or 6.5"?
In conjunction with the factory backing plate?

I use both size pads and match them up to the size of the panel or car that I am working on. For small vehicles I use the 5" pads. When working on large SUV's I will use the larger 6.5" pads. Make sense?

Also the fatory bp is for the larger 6.5" pads.

I may use both, but 5" are favorite by far. They fit and contour every detail of design.

I may work at least 50-60% of a car using the 5", if not more...

Kind Regards.

Good feedback. Thanks.

Thanks for the response.
I'm not looking to purchase the LC-Interchangeable kit for the Flex YET.

But for the Flex factory backing plate, I would need to purchase and use the 6.5" Hybrid pads, yes?

Yes. 6.5" pads are for the standard 5.5" plate.

Thank you.
Although reluctant, I'm about to pull the trigger on:
8x 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish Orange Pads
4x 6.5" Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish White Pads

Well over $150 to spend after shipping and taxes.

That being said, would I be able to achieve the same results using my Buff and Shine EuroFoam orange and white pads?

Can't comment on the pads you have but Rafael's post below accurately describes the performance of the Hybrid pad construction.

I think so. Pads are different, for sure, but it's also a matter of personal preference as well, and product quality being used is even more important...

Hybrid pads helps working the products (specially diminishing abrasives) accordingly.

When you exert pressure on an Hybrid pad it will increase the cut (like any other pad), but at the ending passes on a section, when you release pressure, it'll not only reduce cutting power but it'll change the feel like a finishing pad. The 'hybrid' characteristic of this pad line is what differentiate them from 'the rest'. It puts you closer to the 'One-Step' more often.

The format (~perfect fit velcro + beveled edge) is also a pleasure to use.

I don't think you'll need 12 pads at all, try 2-3 orange 2-3 white at first, you'll be able to do a lot of work with them.


Hope that helps,

Thanks for continuingly adding feedback and helping out Rafael rops:

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Just wanted to update this and share my review here using the new Menzerna SC300.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...itial-impression-menzerna-sc300-vs-fg400.html

 

[~TumbleWeed~]

Hey Mike, just wanted to say thanks for this thread….

Was wondering if You or someone else here who has been using this technique can help me with a couple of questions I have….and please excuse the nooobiness. lol

I just recently purchased a Flex w/ backing plates, fg400, sf400, orange & white hybrid pads, pad cleaner etc…. and will be using them all for the first time tomorrow after decontaminating my car.

I have read and re-read your OP a bunch of times now and the only thing I'm having trouble understanding is….. after I do a section pass, I clean my pad on the fly….and then after cleaning on the fly I add more product to the pad to do another pass. right?

Ok, so now I'm assuming that when I'm done doing two section passes (which is usually a door, half a hood etc) is when I am to wash my spent pad and switch to a new one???

I don't have one of those pad cleaners like you have so what would you suggest if you were in my shoes?
fwiw, I also ordered some BF microfiber cleaner & restorer as well as the BF pad cleaner kit….

I've got a total of 6x Orange Hybrids, and 8x White Hybrids to work with and have to do two mid sized cars… is this possible or will I need more pads?

Much thanks in advance!
®ick~

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Hey Mike, just wanted to say thanks for this thread….

Was wondering if You or someone else here who has been using this technique can help me with a couple of questions I have….and please excuse the nooobiness. lol

I just recently purchased a Flex w/ backing plates, fg400, sf400, orange & white hybrid pads, pad cleaner etc…. and will be using them all for the first time tomorrow after decontaminating my car.

Congrats on the new setup!

I have read and re-read your OP a bunch of times now and the only thing I'm having trouble understanding is….. after I do a section pass, I clean my pad on the fly….and then after cleaning on the fly I add more product to the pad to do another pass. right?

Yes. After you clean the pad after a completed section, add a few more drops and start another section.

Ok, so now I'm assuming that when I'm done doing two section passes (which is usually a door, half a hood etc) is when I am to wash my spent pad and switch to a new one???

I don't have one of those pad cleaners like you have so what would you suggest if you were in my shoes?
fwiw, I also ordered some BF microfiber cleaner & restorer as well as the BF pad cleaner kit….

Yes, switch to a new fresh pad after each completed panel for maximum performance.

Without a pad washer, I would spray the face of the pad with a pad cleaner and work it into the pad and then wash it out under running water. Wring the pad out as best you can to get it to dry. If you can, get a cheap rotary to spin dry the pads. This will dry them sufficiently to allow you to rotate them between uses.

I've got a total of 6x Orange Hybrids, and 8x White Hybrids to work with and have to do two mid sized cars… is this possible or will I need more pads?

Much thanks in advance!
®ick~

This is plenty of pads to complete one vehicle without worry of washing and re suing during a detail.

At the end of the day, wash all pads as I mentioned above and let dry. They will be ready the next day.

 

[~TumbleWeed~]

Sincere thanks Mike!

I think I can finally do this without too much worry now….as most all of my questions have been answered.

Tomorrow it's supposed to rain so i'm going to wait until Friday to get started.

Supposed to be in the mid 70's all weekend

 

[~TumbleWeed~]

Well, I followed Smack's technique exactly and am completely & thoroughly impressed with the final results.

After meticulously decontaminating My new Mazda6, I ended up going right to work with my Flex, sf400, and a white pad.

As mentioned previously, the paint on my new ride was already in great shape so little corrections were needed…mostly just the polish to make it pop.

I was then able to get the results I was looking for with only 6 passes per section.

next, I sprayed each panel with an IPA before adding Optimum Gloss Coat.

This was also my first experience with any kind of coating so i was very nervous at first.

But after trying it out on a little test panel first, I quickly became confident that I would be able to completely coat the car with no problems….so long as I stayed on top of it.

So yea, this was my very first experiences ever with a Flex 3401, Menzerna, Hybrids, and Opti-Gloss Coating.

I still have to coat all the exterior trim and wheels with Dlux (first experience with that too) and will be getting started on that as soon as I have my morning coffee. :xyxthumbs:


Again, I just want to thank Mike (Smack) and everyone else who contributed to this thread which helped me to achieve the desired looks and outcome I was hoping for.

But I'd especially like to thank Tato for taking the time to sit with me over a video chat and emails to help me also achieve my goal(s).

Thank you sincerely for your help & guidance along the way.
Much Love & Respect!

®ick~

 

[jehsautosalon]

WOW! thank you so much for this trend. I just purchase The Flex 3401 at the Sema show and I can't wait to use it on my BMW 530i 03. It is heavily swirled up and needs a heavy correction. I saw the Menzerna Fg400 at the Sema and I was impress with the results of a high gloss compound.

I also purchase the hydro tech pads, 3 blue cutting pad and 3 orange polishing pad for polishing. I don't think I will be needing the red pad because I will be coating it with opticoat optimum gloss coat.

I will post the results and I will used these technics that I just learned in this thread. Lower speed on Fg400 and higher speed on fg4000. Prime the pads and clean/change pads as needed.

Thank you Mike for the thread. and thank you Mr.Phillips for the passion that you share to us.

 

[Tato]

Well, I followed Smack's technique exactly and am completely & thoroughly impressed with the final results.

After meticulously decontaminating My new Mazda6, I ended up going right to work with my Flex, sf400, and a white pad.

As mentioned previously, the paint on my new ride was already in great shape so little corrections were needed…mostly just the polish to make it pop.

I was then able to get the results I was looking for with only 6 passes per section.

next, I sprayed each panel with an IPA before adding Optimum Gloss Coat.

This was also my first experience with any kind of coating so i was very nervous at first.

But after trying it out on a little test panel first, I quickly became confident that I would be able to completely coat the car with no problems….so long as I stayed on top of it.

So yea, this was my very first experiences ever with a Flex 3401, Menzerna, Hybrids, and Opti-Gloss Coating.

I still have to coat all the exterior trim and wheels with Dlux (first experience with that too) and will be getting started on that as soon as I have my morning coffee. :xyxthumbs:


Again, I just want to thank Mike (Smack) and everyone else who contributed to this thread which helped me to achieve the desired looks and outcome I was hoping for.

But I'd especially like to thank Tato for taking the time to sit with me over a video chat and emails to help me also achieve my goal(s).

Thank you sincerely for your help & guidance along the way.
Much Love & Respect!

®ick~

Dear Ricky,

Glad to hear about your positive experience detailing your new car.

'when I arrived' you already had done your homework, did an extensive research and even ordered everything needed.

Like I told you, my participation was towards guiding and encouraging you to believe being able to get the results. And you did it.

Once upon a time, Smack gave me similar support, so I just wanted to pass it forward.

That said, I'd feel comfortable if we give all credits to him: directly or indirectly, Smack will always be Guilty for our success as detailers.

Please, count on me when needed,

It was a great pleasure to meet you, Wish you a very nice day.

Kind Regards from Brazil.

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Sincere thanks Mike!

I think I can finally do this without too much worry now….as most all of my questions have been answered.

Tomorrow it's supposed to rain so i'm going to wait until Friday to get started.

Supposed to be in the mid 70's all weekend

Sure thing Rick.

Well, I followed Smack's technique exactly and am completely & thoroughly impressed with the final results.

After meticulously decontaminating My new Mazda6, I ended up going right to work with my Flex, sf400, and a white pad.

As mentioned previously, the paint on my new ride was already in great shape so little corrections were needed…mostly just the polish to make it pop.

I was then able to get the results I was looking for with only 6 passes per section.

next, I sprayed each panel with an IPA before adding Optimum Gloss Coat.

This was also my first experience with any kind of coating so i was very nervous at first.

But after trying it out on a little test panel first, I quickly became confident that I would be able to completely coat the car with no problems….so long as I stayed on top of it.

So yea, this was my very first experiences ever with a Flex 3401, Menzerna, Hybrids, and Opti-Gloss Coating.

I still have to coat all the exterior trim and wheels with Dlux (first experience with that too) and will be getting started on that as soon as I have my morning coffee. :xyxthumbs:


Again, I just want to thank Mike (Smack) and everyone else who contributed to this thread which helped me to achieve the desired looks and outcome I was hoping for.

But I'd especially like to thank Tato for taking the time to sit with me over a video chat and emails to help me also achieve my goal(s).

Thank you sincerely for your help & guidance along the way.
Much Love & Respect!

®ick~

Sounds good! Im sure you were able to polish it to perfection. Now we need some pictures.

SF4000 on a white Hybrid has more pulling power than what you would think and surprises most people at what it can achieve.

Glad to hear of your experiences. Thanks for sharing.

WOW! thank you so much for this trend. I just purchase The Flex 3401 at the Sema show and I can't wait to use it on my BMW 530i 03. It is heavily swirled up and needs a heavy correction. I saw the Menzerna Fg400 at the Sema and I was impress with the results of a high gloss compound.

I also purchase the hydro tech pads, 3 blue cutting pad and 3 orange polishing pad for polishing. I don't think I will be needing the red pad because I will be coating it with opticoat optimum gloss coat.

I will post the results and I will used these technics that I just learned in this thread. Lower speed on Fg400 and higher speed on fg4000. Prime the pads and clean/change pads as needed.

Thank you Mike for the thread. and thank you Mr.Phillips for the passion that you share to us.

Congrats!

Pair FG400 with the blue pad to kill the defects in the paint. Then pair SF4000 with the tangerine pad to clear up any hazing left behind while leaving a crystal clear finish.

Be sure to share your results.

Dear Ricky,

Glad to hear about your positive experience detailing your new car.

'when I arrived' you already had done your homework, did an extensive research and even ordered everything needed.

Like I told you, my participation was towards guiding and encouraging you to believe being able to get the results. And you did it.

Once upon a time, Smack gave me similar support, so I just wanted to pass it forward.

That said, I'd feel comfortable if we give all credits to him: directly or indirectly, Smack will always be Guilty for our success as detailers.

Please, count on me when needed,

It was a great pleasure to meet you, Wish you a very nice day.

Kind Regards from Brazil.

Thanks for sharing some of your side Rafael.

Very nice thing to say good sir. But I'm just a regular Joe with a passion for detailing and like to share.

 

[HateSwirls]

Thanks Mike for taking the time to write this awesome "How to" article.
Well written and makes a lot of sense to me.

 

[D.Kinsey]

Are you able lift all or most of the polish off the panel of do you still have to wipe it down between passes? Thanks for the great write-ups!:xyxthumbs:

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Thanks Mike for taking the time to write this awesome "How to" article.
Well written and makes a lot of sense to me.

Thanks Kevin. Hope you enjoyed it.

Are you able lift all or most of the polish off the panel of do you still have to wipe it down between passes? Thanks for the great write-ups!:xyxthumbs:

Welcome to AutoGeekOnline. No Problem!

After 6-8 passes the polish is fully broken down and resembles a very thin transparent haze. At this point it is time to remove the thin film of polish.

 

[GoodToGo1]

Hi Mike, I have question about holding the flex 3401 for curved panels. Is it ok to hold it like this?

Also for panels which have smaller concave parts, the pad edge is too big to enter to buff them. What is your recommendation then?

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Hi Mike, I have question about holding the flex 3401 for curved panels. Is it ok to hold it like this?

It is perfectly fine to hold the polisher like that on curved panels. The biggest thing you want to do is rotate the machine to follow the curve of the panel as depicted in the picture.

Also for panels which have smaller concave parts, the pad edge is too big to enter to buff them. What is your recommendation then?

If I can not get a 3401 into where I need it, out comes the PE14 with 3" pads. If this setup is still to big then I will resort to hand polishing.

Now with the upcoming release of the smaller 3", 2", and 1" pads from Flex I'm sure that will change things and allow me to get into those tight areas by machine.

 

[GoodToGo1]

It is perfectly fine to hold the polisher like that on curved panels. The biggest thing you want to do is rotate the machine to follow the curve of the panel as depicted in the picture.



If I can not get a 3401 into where I need it, out comes the PE14 with 3" pads. If this setup is still to big then I will resort to hand polishing.

Now with the upcoming release of the smaller 3", 2", and 1" pads from Flex I'm sure that will change things and allow me to get into those tight areas by machine.

Thanks again. When is flex releasing the small pads?

For raised body panels, only a portion of the pad is in contact with the panel. Is it OK to buff like that?

What applicator do you use for hand polish?

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Thanks again. When is flex releasing the small pads?

Should be real soon. I would say they will be available within 2 weeks. Hopefully the PBMG crew could chime in on their availability.

For raised body panels, only a portion of the pad is in contact with the panel. Is it OK to buff like that?

Yes this is fine. You always want to make sure that you rotate the machine to follow the contour of the panel. Also ease up a bit on the pressure because of the reduced contact patch.

What applicator do you use for hand polish?

EZ Grip Hydro-Tech Applicators