thinking of trying something new..

[Frenchie]

OK, well I am pretty lame when it comes to changing my ways and/or methods. I pretty much stick to the same couple of products on clients cars because they work for me. The compounds and polishes in particular because I have used them for a long time, and have always gotten great results. Since I started detailing back when I was in High School, I have always used the M105/205 for anything I have done. Not always both, as not every vehicle needs the deeper cutting of 105. But in general, it's what I am comfortable with. For a tidbit of information about me, I just purchased a Porter Cable and have used it on 5-6 cars already and I am liking it OK. I come from the rotary world and have not used anything other than my Makita. For my pads, I have pretty much always stuck with the Meg Soft Buff stuff. Not because I love them, but mostly because I can get them local, and I like supporting local businesses.

Anyways, the time has come for me to detail my Jeep before a big show coming up soon (showfest). The Jeep is my daily driver, work vehicle, and weekend warrior at the offroad park. So it gets beat on ALOT. However I maintain it well. She has seen 4 trips to the park since her last detail and is COVERED in scratches, swirls, and anything else you could imagine. So I figure, since I need to order a few things I'd like to try some new products, preferrably ones that work well with my new DA.

Pads
As mentioned, I have used the Meg Soft Buff Burgandy and Yellow pads for almost everything under the sun. Looking at the Lake Country ones. I figured I would just order one each of the Flat pads in the 5.5. Then one of each of the hydro-tech 4" pads. That way I can try each of them out with various products and blemishes and see where that takes me.

Wash
Always used the Meg Gold Class. Don't know why, I just have. I like pretty much everything about it.....Business has picked up alot for me. Any recommendations on something a little more cost effective? Or maybe just something new?

Compounds
105,105,105,105,105
That's what I use. I hate the working time, and I especially hate working with it. But the results are always amazing. Maybe something out there better suited for the DA with a longer working time? But would have similar cut ability? I detail for money, so cost effectiveness is important to me.

Polish
205, mirror glaze swirl remover, fine cut cleaner. I own and use all of these, but reach for 205 more often than not because it is so dang easy to work with and again, I love the results. I see the Poorboys ssr2 is BOGO right now. I know it is a heavier cut, but might be a good inbetween polish for 105/205 combo? Anything out there as wallet friendly as the 205 with good results?

Other Stuff(AIO,Sealant,etc)
I picked up some Griots one step sealant the other day and have used it a few times. I really like it and how easy it is to work with. Not the best shine in the world, but I always apply wax over sealant. Anything else?

Nuba's
I have used alot of different waxes over the years, and lately I have been reaching for the #26 over and over again. It's cheap, and works really well for me. Thinking of trying some 845 for the first time....
Any other "WOW" bang for your buck waxes out there? Again, not looking to drop tons of money as I have to make a profit somewhere

Yes, I realize these quesitons are probably silly and redundant. However, just by me typing this alone, I have realized how limited my product usage is. I see now, that I really have not tried many different products over the years and maybe I am missing out on another awesome product just because I am stubborn...So here it is, that's what I use(mostly)....now the question is....what would you add to that arsenal?

 

[BobbyG]

The most important thing is to have products that work and you can work with.

Every manufacturer would love to have you buy their products. They compete for your business and try to edge out the competition with product performance, price, and advertizing.

An exterior product arsenal should address the following areas and one product that satisfies each is sufficient......Unless you're collecting products...like me! :laughing:

• Wash
• Clay
• Paint Correction & Polish
• Seal
• Wax
• Tires
• Wheels
• Trim
• Glass
• Chrome

 

[mjlinane]

If you are looking for pads to rock your world, try the Megs Cutting MF pads. Can do serious correction with a PCXP & M105 and generally not need the intermediate polish step.

Cost effective wash: CG is hard to beat. CG CWG & CG CWC are versatile, too.

Compound: M105 is hard to beat.

Mid-level polish: Optimum HyperPolish. And after you wipe clean you'll not want to use anything else.

AIO: Megs D151 if you need cut and BF TPnS if you don't.

 

[WRXINXS]

For a wash I would recommend you try Duragloss 901/902. It is very cost effective and performs great. You can also usually find it locally.

 

[Frenchie]

If you are looking for pads to rock your world, try the Megs Cutting MF pads. Can do serious correction with a PCXP & M105 and generally not need the intermediate polish step.

Cost effective wash: CG is hard to beat. CG CWG & CG CWC are versatile, too.

Compound: M105 is hard to beat.

Mid-level polish: Optimum HyperPolish. And after you wipe clean you'll not want to use anything else.

AIO: Megs D151 if you need cut and BF TPnS if you don't.

Thanks

I have been thinking of trying those MF pads since I read about them on here. Locally, where I buy my supplies, of of the guys there was saying he loves them and offered to take me out back and slap one on his DA and give it a whirl. Didnt have the time that day though. I definately like what I have read about the hyperpolish. And am for sure going to try some D151

 

[BostonDetails]

I've seen Seajay use Meg's MF system with his PC and have amazing results. I use a flex 3401 and swear by the orange hydrotech pads for finishing out.

As far as LSP's...if you haven't tried Blackfire it will be a good investment for you. Collinite has excellent durability but I personally don't like the plastic shine it has to it.

For washing try going outside the box and using ONR. If you haven't used it, it will surprise you. I do almost all of my clients cars with it unless I am polishing and need to strip the car of protection.