Sold all my polishes/pads. Starting Fresh. What's the latest n greatest?

sparkism13 said:
Amazing job, Art. My plan is to use the Orange pad with cleaner wax on silver and white, and a white pad on dark to black. Is that your approach?
It would be interesting to see how an orange pad finishes on black. Have you ever considered using the Chemical Guys green pad which is in between orange and white, and geared for use with AIOs. Looks like a good compromise.
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That has been my approach so far, but dsg03gt results were good. I might try it soon.

Do Chemical Guys get there pads from Buff N Shine?

If so, I have been using these pads more now. They work great.


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sparkism13 said:
That D151 keeps calling my name. lol. I don't think it's sold in anything but the gallon though. It would take me years to use that much. So I picked up some Meg's White Wax today, which I have a sneaking suspicion, is a very close formulation to D151. Can't wait to try it next week.
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You can try this too, I haven't tried it, but have heard good things about it as a 1 step.

Meguiars DA Microfiber Finishing Wax, final wax, car wax, cleaning wax



I've heard really good things about white wax too.
 
sparkism13 said:
Amazing job, Art. My plan is to use the Orange pad with cleaner wax on silver and white, and a white pad on dark to black. Is that your approach?
It would be interesting to see how an orange pad finishes on black. Have you ever considered using the Chemical Guys green pad which is in between orange and white, and geared for use with AIOs. Looks like a good compromise.
Click to expand...
Oh and almost forgot. Thank you very much.
 
I haven't used D301 as a cleaner-wax, I've only used it as part of the DAMF two(-plus)-step approach. I'm not certain it has enough cut to smooth out deeper swirls and I'm pretty sure it won't hide RIDs.
 
hernandez.art13 said:
That has been my approach so far, but dsg03gt results were good. I might try it soon.

Do Chemical Guys get there pads from Buff N Shine?

If so, I have been using these pads more now. They work great.


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Not sure about CG pads but I doubt they come from B-n-S. The hex logic pads are as high quality as those. Also, the B-n-S pads list green as their mid polishing pad, and white as their heavy polishing pad. The CG pads list white as light polishing, green as heavy polishing, then orange as light cutting. One of these days I'm going to break down and buy all color pads and do some testimg just to get it out of my system! lol
 
SameGuy said:
I haven't used D301 as a cleaner-wax, I've only used it as part of the DAMF two(-plus)-step approach. I'm not certain it has enough cut to smooth out deeper swirls and I'm pretty sure it won't hide RIDs.
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Same here. I haven't used D301 as an AIO yet, though I did do a test spot with it and while it brightened up the paint nicely, it did not remove anything but the finest swirls. I tested SwirlX on a mf finishing pad right next to it, and the SwirlX easily removed more. So, you might be right about it not having much (if any) cut, but then again it's only desiged to remove haze left over from D300 compounding.

I'm gonna try thr White Wax with the mf finishing pad and see what lind of reaults I get.
 
I would have saved at least $1,000 if I stick to what I have now. But it was all for experience and what (I feel) is best for me. After all trials and tribulation; my go to products are Menzerna FG400 and Menzerna SF4500. I like any Lake Country CCS Pad, Hydro-tech and Hybrid.

I like the 6.5" Orange, White, Red and Gold CCS Pads for my Flex 3401 VRG.

I like the 5" Hybrids and 3" Hydro-techs for my PC7424 XP.

I tried the polishing products from all the brands on this thread. As for a Sealant: Polish Angel Master Sealant and Menzerna Power-Lock.

The waxes are a different story....I like trying all types of (carnauba only) waxes. I am not too fond of the hybrid/sealant waxes. I have about 15 - 20 different brands of waxes along with the hybrid/sealant waxes. I have a current favorite and never had a wax like this before...PM me if you want to know. Unfortunately, it is discontinued and the replacement is over $500....YIKES!!
 
I forgot to mention All the Backing Plate sizes for the Flex 3401 VRG and 2 7/8", 3.5", 4", and 5" backing Plates for the PC7424XP
 
Good notes, thanks! I have yet to try Menzerna products (a wife who sees a garage full of Meg's, WG, Pinnacle and DP every day will kinda put the kibosh on expensive German products for a while). I've read time and again that FG400/SF4500 are like upscale versions of M105/205, but for ease of use it's hard to beat D300/301 with the DAMF system. If I get a Flex or BigFoot of course my system will change, but for now I keep restocking D300/301... Though I've had the correction pads delaminate after just a few washings which is a concern.
 
Menz FG400
Menz PF2500
Menz SF4000
Flex 3401 HD
Flex Plates Kit
Hybrid Pads (1-2 Orange and 2-3 whites)
LSP (one sealant and one wax)

I use orange hybrid pads with FG400, white pads with PF2500 and SF4500.

PF2500, is pretty much a one step, try it, you'll be glad you did. I always follow FG400 with SF4000 then LSP. However; if a less aggressive approach can be done, I use PF2500 and then go to LSP.

For LSP, I prefer Duragloss 111/601 combo as far as sealant, and wax I like Callonite #915, but you can't go wrong with #845 either. I like to apply these by hand, but if you must, get a 5" flat LC red pad.

Pretty much all you need in my opinion. Now on to tires, wheels, exhaust tips, interior, apcs, etc etc, thats a whole different thing, but it wasn't your question. Hope it helps you out a bit.
 
I like the idea of not having an overwhelming amount of supplies on hand, especially since I'm not doing this for a living. I have the 105/205, but would also like something in between, which is where the m86 comes in. I would also like to have the Menzerna equivalents on hand as well. I love both the LC CCS, and CG Hex Logic pad lines.
 
Rez90 said:
Good post and thanks for the info. Question...which hybrid pads do you think are mandotory? I ask because there are usually something like 6 options but only 2 or 3 are really mandatory to have.

Thanks.
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For Menzerna compounds grab FG400, PF2500, and SF4000. This will ensure all necessary areas are covered. "Mike" same philosophy I have.

I was sent some hybrid pads from Lake country and have not tried them all yet but it was the blue light cutting pad I used and it was better in every way than any orange pad from several manufactures I have used over the years. Not even close! I look forward to trying the rest. This was with fg400. Mike Philips has recommended the hybrid pads for the flex to me and others and he was right on.
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
With the 3401, the best way to equip it is with the LC Hybrid pads and Menzerna compounds. Starting off I recommend going with the smaller 4" plate included with the LC plate system and outfit it with the 5" Hybrid pads. Paired with Menzerna is the bee's knee's.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...rning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

For the PC, dedicate this to small area repair fitted with 3" pads such as the Hydro tech pads. The closed cell construction of these pads excel with Menzerna polishes.

For Menzerna compounds grab FG400, PF2500, and SF4000. This will ensure all necessary areas are covered.
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Mike, I've been anxious to try the Menzerna line up but haven't yet. Is it true that Wolfgang products are made with Menzerna. I think I heard this on a video made at AutoGeeks. You would know if they are similar. Anyone that has studied history knows that German chemical and mechanical engineering is the finest in the world. The WG line up is really impressive. As I said in another post, Fusion is the best, hands down that I have ever used as a final top coat.

Do you think their polishing products are better than WG, if so I need to order some.
Thanks, Gary
 
Garyhw48 said:
Mike, I've been anxious to try the Menzerna line up but haven't yet. Is it true that Wolfgang products are made with Menzerna. I think I heard this on a video made at AutoGeeks. You would know if they are similar. Anyone that has studied history knows that German chemical and mechanical engineering is the finest in the world. The WG line up is really impressive. As I said in another post, Fusion is the best, hands down that I have ever used as a final top coat.

Do you think their polishing products are better than WG, if so I need to order some.
Thanks, Gary
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Yes Wolfgang is made by Menzerna to Wolfgang specs. It is Wolfgang's formula but made by Menzerna.

Roughly speaking this is how they stack up.
Uber=FG400
TSR=SI1500
FG=SF4000

German engineering is at the top of the list. After all they gave the world many great things. The first V8 and Diesel engine.

Fusion really is something to behold. I love this stuff.

Wolfgang polishes fit a wider audience as they are formulated to work with any machine and any user while delivering top notch results. Menzerna is formulated for straight drive machines and work very well with the gear driven 3401. Im sure you have seen my technique on extracting the maximum performance from Menzerna on the Flex machines.
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
Yes Wolfgang is made by Menzerna to Wolfgang specs. It is Wolfgang's formula but made by Menzerna.

Roughly speaking this is how they stack up.
Uber=FG400
TSR=SI1500
FG=SF4000

German engineering is at the top of the list. After all they gave the world many great things. The first V8 and Diesel engine.

Fusion really is something to behold. I love this stuff.

Wolfgang polishes fit a wider audience as they are formulated to work with any machine and any user while delivering top notch results. Menzerna is formulated for straight drive machines and work very well with the gear driven 3401. Im sure you have seen my technique on extracting the maximum performance from Menzerna on the Flex machines.
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Mike, I am definitely ordering Menzerna. Speaking of German engineering, we would have not gone to the moon in 1969 if we hadn't had the help of German scientists and engineers. All one has to do is research the methods used in building a Porsche engine and the amazing way they connect the rods without caps and put the crank shaft together. A absolute marvel of delicate and advanced engineering!
 
Garyhw48 said:
Mike, I am definitely ordering Menzerna.
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Sounds great! Please provide feedback when you can.

Speaking of German engineering, we would have not gone to the moon in 1969 if we hadn't had the help of German scientists and engineers.
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That's right.

All one has to do is research the methods used in building a Porsche engine and the amazing way they connect the rods without caps and put the crank shaft together. A absolute marvel of delicate and advanced engineering!
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:iagree: Porsche's are incredibly high tech!
 
I suggest that a 3" Meguiar's DAMF pad on a 2 7/8" BP is a great combo for your PC

Wonderful for pillars, bumpers, etc

I have started edging out RIDS with this combo too. For this technique, the 2 7/8" BP is superior to the 3" BP. The 3" goes to the very edge of the MF pad and makes edging more precarious

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/products-guides/39598-edging-da-game-changer.html

Some favor a 3" BP for this (link above). I like the margin of error that the smaller BP provides
 
Garyhw48 said:
Mike, I am definitely ordering Menzerna. Speaking of German engineering, we would have not gone to the moon in 1969 if we hadn't had the help of German scientists and engineers. All one has to do is research the methods used in building a Porsche engine and the amazing way they connect the rods without caps and put the crank shaft together. A absolute marvel of delicate and advanced engineering!
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If you want to see amazing engineering look up Koenigsegg running cam less engines and traction control in the Agera R.
 
Yeah I tried to tell myself 3-ish years ago that I was going to stick to one manufacturer. In fact, I was going to *try* and go only with SMAT based products. I mean, why not.... that was supposed to be the way of the future. :dunno: As good as Meguiar's products are, I ended up using a combo of Megs and Menzerna (as I think most everyone does). :laughing:

Want cut, want it fast, want it to last, first to last pass. Meguiar's SMAT products.

----- If all you're doing is your own cars ------
---- And you want to get away with as little as possible ----

Heavy cut stuff you won't need but once, from there it just sits.

Meguar's products:
For that though: 101, (105 is just too hard to work with for most) D300, Ultimate Compound
Polishes: 205, (possibly D301 & D302), Ultimate Polish

Menzerna products:
FG400 is amazing!
2000 I like better than 1500 being as it cuts almost as much but finishes a LOT better.
4000 I also like better than 4500 for the reverse reason. It cuts a bit better but finishes so close that on all but crazy soft paint you'll never notice the difference.


That's just about as short of a list as possible.

Sure you can load up on all sorts of others. Megs for instance I'd say 151 and 83 at least. Menzerna you'd go for 1000 if not 1500. (I like 1000 then 2000 though.) And of course.... 4500 just to get jiggy with it. :D

Pads are a personal preference though. But orange as well as white CCS gets a lot of work done on a lot of different vehicles with a LOT of different products. In all sizes I easily have more white pads than all others. Then there are a few yellow for those times you really need to work something. But moreover than yellow blue and black are something to invest in. Then there is the whole "crimson" thing where in one line from Lake Country it's a really light finishing pad and in another line it's more of a general duty pad. Have to do a bit of research there to figure out where they fit when comparing to other lineups.
 
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