Follow-up to #83

[6SpeedBowtie]

What's the best follow-up to #83 DACP?

I cleaned my Vette last evening, and noticed that a dirty waterspot (which I regretably left on my car for nearly a week) had etched the clearcoat a little.

Not wanting to leave the etching in the paint, I broke out my products. I've read over and over to use "the least agressive method first", so I tried the SMR that I had (It happened to be the 3M SMR) with the PC and a yellow MEG's pad on 3 setting. The SMR had little effect on the etching. So, I broke out my next most aggressive polish, #83 and the only other pad I had available to use with the DACP, a yellow CMA cutting pad. I used this at 5 setting and this worked quite well on the etching. It's still there, but VERY hard to see.

I followed the #83 with the SMR again.

Once I finished, it looked pretty good, but there was still some very slight marring (I think that's the right term) left. I suspect, I need something a little less coarse than the #83 to really take the shine to the level I want.

What would be the suggested next step? Should I get a polishing pad and use the #83 again, or should I get some #82, #81, or #80 and use a polishing pad?

What is the primary difference between the #80, #81 and #82??

Thanks for any advice.

[2000]

what color is your vette? on my black truck, when I step down from #83, down to #82, I find that I have to use a finishing pad with the smr other wise I get micro marring. hope this helps.

[6SpeedBowtie]

My Vette is LeMans Blue Metallic (think Pepsi Can Blue). Just a hair darker than the Electron Blue.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Tim Lingor]

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!!

Your question was just recently asked in another forum and can be seen here:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2247

However, just to add, part of the hazziness could be caused by a couple of factors. One, you did not mention what color your Vette is. I am guessing that it is a darker color. Therefore, part of the hazziness could be caused by either not breaking down the #83 DACP far enough (it will take any where from 3 - 6 minutes for a 2'x2' panel when using a PC set to speed 5). The other part is that with a dark color, I have found that you should follow the #83 with a less aggressive product like #82 Swirl Free Polish or #80 Speed Glaze. This will remove any hazziness left behind by the #83.

Secondly, the other part of the equation may be the cutting pad when used with a PC. Although I do not know how similar they may be, Meguiar's does not recommend using their W-7006 Cutting pad with a PC. The results can be a dulled down finish that looks good overall but lacks depth.

In your situation, I suggest using a clean W-8006 Polishing Pad and #83 DACP and go over the entire finish again. I would follow this with #82 Swirl Free Polish with a W-9006 Finishing Pad. With the #82, you must work it in thoroughly (PC speed at 4) but remove while still damp.

Next, apply a coat of #81 Hand Polish. No need to work it in, just apply to a panel and remove.

Finally, top with 2 coats of NXT Tech Wax.

As for the differences between the #80, #81, and #82, there are many. Meg's #80 Speed Glaze is the most aggressive of the three. It contains a cleaner, polish (TS Oils) and a paintable polymer.

Meg's #82 is next in terms of aggressiveness. It is a light swirl remover that leaves an incredibly glossy and deep finish.

Meg's #81 is a pure polish with no cleaning abilities. It is designed to beautify the finish even more, by adding a richness to it.

I hope this helps!

Tim

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

I was typing as you answered the question about the color of the Vette. Man, I have to learn to type faster!!!

Tim

[6SpeedBowtie]

Thanks for the tips and the link, 2hotford. Very informative and helpful. Guess I should have done the search prior to my post. Will have to remember that.

I'm obviously in need of some additional pads (I don't have a finishing pad, and may need an additional polishing pad), and will go with either the #80 or #82 as my goal is to really clean the paint before applying the next product.

I was sooooo glad that the #83 and the cutting pad took the etching out, but at the same time, not totally happy with what was left. I'll try the #83 with the polishing pad tonight and see if that improves it any. Will have to wait until Sat at the earliest to try #80 or #82 as work will prevent me from getting to the local Megs distributor before closing.

Thanks again for your help.

[duckvett]

2hotford,
I just read your reply re: #83 follow-up. I posted a question earlier about "still fighting cobwebs". After reading your reply, I'm sure I didn't use #83 long enough - 3 to 6 minutes on a 2' x 2' area! Guess I need to go back over our Corvette again with #83 and follow up with #9 (I don't have any 80, 81, or 82).
Thanks for the tip.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey duckvett


With the PC, Meg's #83 does take a while to break down. Remember to run the PC at speed 5, place some downward pressure on the buffer's head, and move the buffer very slowly. Use a cross-hatch pattern, and continue buffing until the #83 turns into a light residue/dust. But do not dry buff.

Give that a try and let us know how it turns out!

Tim

[fiberrich]

How much product (#83) should be used on the pad for a 2X2 section. If it's appropriate to apply for several minutes to one section, I would assume I should be using more product than I have been.

How much? X on pad, nickel size, quarter size, several nickel sizes around the pad??? - Inquiring minds want to know!

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

The thick "X" of product is used to prime the pad at the very beginning. After that, I will place a healthy sized ring of product on the pad for a 2'x2' area. The time it takes to break down is only an estimate as there are many factors that may affect the process.

Cheers!
Tim

[zzzzzeke]

since its looks likes theres tons of threads about DACP, i'll post here since its a similar situation

here's my situation / question

dacp then either #7 or DC#2? (choices of what i have sitting at home)

i then plan on applying nxt

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by zzzzzeke
here's my situation / question

dacp then either #7 or DC#2? (choices of what i have sitting at home)

i then plan on applying nxt

Either or, you'll find Deep Crystal Polish to be eaier to remove.

Mike