Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

[Marc Hufnagel]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

I'm pretty sure those speed settings are from their 3" D/A and not the 6" D/A. Please confirm that with their CSR.

I'll give them a call , but thanks for the help though.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

I skimmed though these replies and would like to ask if one can substitute something like Ultimate Wax liquid for the finishing wax? Or are waxes other than the finishing wax not recommended for the MF finishing disc?

You can, but the idea behind the Finishing Wax in this system is for fast application, even faster drying, and incredibly fast (as in one wipe) wipe off. The Finishing Wax and microfiber finishing disc also work together to remove any hazing that may have been created by the Cutting Compound and microfiber cutting disc.

Normally when this system is broken up or hybridized with other products we see (and actually recommend) people using the compound and cutting disc to do the major defect removal first, then follow up with something like M205 on a foam finishing pad to refine the finish further, and then finish with the wax or sealant of their choice on a fresh foam finishing pad. But if you choose to experiment with any other wax/sealant on the microfiber finishing disc and you like the final result, we certainly won't tell you that you're wrong.

[mb911]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Michael Stoops - Awesome thread. I'm hoping to get the new system for the holidays! Yay!

I did have a question from you VERY first post in this thread. The Corolla only took about 3 hours, but the SL Mercedes 6 hours. I know the Mercedes is somewhat bigger in size, but really six hours? Was it that hard to remove the defects on the Mercedes compared to the Toyota?

Thanks!

[mb911]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

I also wanted to add and ask...

I noticed it was mentioned that the SL AMG (from first post) had haze after the compounding step. Considering my car *MIGHT* have similar paint being a Mercedes, this tells me this combo D300/Cutting Micro has more cut than M105/Yellow Pad because the M105/Yellow pad leaves nothing but a gorgeous finish on my car, and some of the original defects if not enough passes are made. I think this is probably good news as it does say the D300 with Micro cutting pad does indeed have more cut as a combination at least.


However...I did wonder therefore, has anyone tried Ultimate Compound with the Cutting Pad, in attempt to produce less haze on cars that show this?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

mb911, the time difference between doing the Corolla and the SL55 wasn't so much the SL taking so much longer but actually the Corolla being a really easy car to detail. Well, that was part of it....... the SL55 owner is also far more demanding than the Corolla owner (my niece) and the SL55 paint didn't correct quite as quickly as the Corolla. Put them together and you've got a major time difference.

Now, let's talk about that speed of correction difference with the two cars. On the Corolla a fairly quick, single pass would leave the paint looking beautiful; far better than I've ever seen this car look, and this wasn't the first time I'd worked on this car. So one might want to call this paint "soft", but that's only part of the story, and it's also an example of why trying to pigeon hole a given paint as "hard" or "soft" can get you in trouble. Here's the difference between the Corolla paint and the SL55 paint: both corrected pretty easily (the Corolla definitely more so) but the SL55 also hazed noticeably. So while both might be considered "soft" the SL55 was also what you might call "delicate". Same input on both cars, same level of defect removal, but quality of finish after the first step was visually different. Yes, the SL could probably be considered "harder" than that of the Corolla, but I never had to get super aggressive to remove defects, so I certainly wouldn't call it "hard".

OK, so what the potential for haze on a more delicate paint, like that of the SL, and the possibility of changing things up a bit and mixing product/pad combos? You stated that M105/W8207 leaves a beautiful finish, and that's not surprising at all. As you've probably experienced, M105 can be rather dusty when used on a DA unless you really fine tune and tweak your process with it. Even then, some dust is inevitable. Well, since writing that piece I had the opportunity to work on this very same SL55 AMG and it's stable mate, a Superformance Shelby Cobra, also in black. Knowing both cars quite well, and knowing that the Cobra didn't need much done to it other than a serious bit of claying and a quick swirl removal, I hit it first with what I know to be a process this car loves: M205/W8207/rotary at 1200 rpm. One pass, no holograms, absolutely stunning paint. Wax and move on. So I get this crazy idea to try the same process on the SL since it's in pretty decent shape still. Instantly the thing is hologram city. Incredible holograms all over the trunk lid. Truly a sight to behold!! Identical process to what was just done on the Cobra, but it was an epic fail on the SL. OK, fine, move along.

Knowing I had some time to play with, a car that I knew pretty well, and an owner who has no problem with me experimenting to maximize results, I try a couple of "outside the box" combos. Lo and behold, D300 Correction Compound on a W8207 Soft Buff 2.0 foam polishing pad, my G110v2 set at speed 5 and moderate pressure did wonderful things for this car! One pass, all the holograms were gone from the trunk lid. All the swirls gone from the next section. A quick IPA wipe down ensures that I'm actually removing these defects and not just hiding them. So I keep going, and I keep thinking "this is awesome!!!". No dust, super easy wipe off - even when the sun moved around and I ended up working on a panel that was much warmer to the touch than I would ever recommend working on. It was just a delight to work on with this combo. I cranked up the volume on the iPod and just had a ball.

Would this be the right combination for every car? Of course not, nothing is "the right combination for every car" and given what I know about that Cobra, I'd bet this would actually be a bad choice. Weird paint on those Superformance Cobras (well, until they changed paint suppliers about 6 months ago) - they seem to be very picky about DA use on them, and they don't like aggressive pads at all. Would this be as good on the Corolla? Maybe. But the DA Microfiber System is simply incredible on that car - super fast and highly effective. I can't imagine anything being "better" in that regard on that car.

Odds are that the paint on your MB is more similar to that found on the SL than either the Cobra or Corolla, but just because both cars are German built Mercedes with black paint doesn't mean they'll have the exact same paint. You've already got a system that works well on your car, but you might find D300 on that same yellow pad a bit more forgiving. If you're looking to experiment a bit, it's really inexpensive to pick up a 16oz bottle of D300 and try that with your existing pads. No need to run out and buy a couple hundred dollars worth of product only to find you don't need most of it. And if your car ends up not being as receptive to D300/W8207 as this SL, well then, that's the way this hobby goes!!!

[mb911]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Thanks Michael Stoops - That was an amazing post! Thank you!!! M105 actually takes a good bit of work for me despite leaving the eventual great appearance. Even if D300 on the same pad might be less aggressive, perhaps there is just "something about it," that will be beneficial on this type of paint.

Many SLs, including AMGs, are made in the Bremen, Germany factory which was where my SLK came from. Therefore, it's worth a good shot, the paints might be similar indeed!

I had hoped the microfiber system could make correction go faster for me, but it sounds like it might instead add a step. I'll probably still try it, but I might have to come back to my yellow pad!

I'm so lucky to have had you give this amazingly helpful post! Thanks again!

I shouldn't bug you anymore, but if I may ask, what steps did you go to next? Did you use a polish or go right to a wax/sealant? If it was Meguiars, can you tell me which one you chose in this case?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

I shouldn't bug you anymore, but if I may ask, what steps did you go to next? Did you use a polish or go right to a wax/sealant? If it was Meguiars, can you tell me which one you chose in this case?

You're not bugging me... this is what I do, and I love it!

After the D300/W8207 I used M205/W9207 then Ultimate Wax paste by hand. The M205/W9207 went pretty quickly, too. The M205 step wasn't necessary, technically, but the owner is a super nice guy (he tips extremely well!), the car is beautiful, and I just wanted to give it a little extra something.

But getting back to the first time around on the SL55: Back when this thread was first started and all that was used was the two step DA Microfiber Correction System, as you can tell from the pictures on Page 1 of this thread, it came out beautiful using just that. Was it better with the multi step process? I'd say yes, but you have to remember that the DAMF System was really designed for high volume situations, not high end concours detailing. Still, it can do a remarkable job with just the two steps.

[mb911]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

You're not bugging me... this is what I do, and I love it!

After the D300/W8207 I used M205/W9207 then Ultimate Wax paste by hand. The M205/W9207 went pretty quickly, too. The M205 step wasn't necessary, technically, but the owner is a super nice guy (he tips extremely well!), the car is beautiful, and I just wanted to give it a little extra something.

But getting back to the first time around on the SL55: Back when this thread was first started and all that was used was the two step DA Microfiber Correction System, as you can tell from the pictures on Page 1 of this thread, it came out beautiful using just that. Was it better with the multi step process? I'd say yes, but you have to remember that the DAMF System was really designed for high volume situations, not high end concours detailing. Still, it can do a remarkable job with just the two steps.

Awesome. I have so many options to try out now. It will be fun experimenting with some of these options outside my normal M105/W8207.

I'm always a bit lazy to do the M205 step, hard for me to see much extra given to the paint, but I once I dial in the best correction step, I will add this in, once a year or so.

Ultimate Wax paste by hand. Nice! I was doing some touch up claying today on just a handful of panels and restored the protection with UW paste. I must admit Ultimate Wax paste is much more enjoyable than his liquid brother. M21 is still great too.

Thanks . I really have some amazing options now from possibly similar type of paint.

I am VERY thankful!!

Have a great winter!!!

[Murman]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Michael,

I purchased a 2003, Anniversary Red Metallic, C5 convertible with 66K miles last fall. The car has a shale top and interior. The finish has signs of wear and age. I am interested in making the finish looking as good as I can. After I got it home, I hand applied a coat of Zaino All-In-One. It looked a little better, but there were still swirls and scratches that I believed could be removed with the right stuff. So, I scheduled an appointment and took the car to a "Professional Detail Shop". I was not impressed with what they did or their level of pride. I know I can do a better job (they could have too...). The car is garaged and I do have a cover. It will be my daily (3 season) driver. Some of this data is posted in the Welcome Section.



I initially started out wanting to develop a plan, purchase the equipment/supplies during the winter months (I live in the Northeast Sierras at 5,000 elevation) and start work on it this Spring. I have read all the threads (and watched the videos) for the introduction and use of the DA MF system. From this, I believe the DA MF system will work well with my car and allow me to produce positive results. I just picked up a copy of the "Art of Detailing" and I am on about page 100. I also studied the 5 step process and DA polisher videos. My wife gave me a PC DA polisher for Christmas. Now, I need to build the system.

I plan on using the following items as my initial setup.

Ultimate Wash & Wax
Smooth Surface Clay Kit
DMCKIT5 DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit
DMC3 DA Microfiber Cutting Discs
DMF3 DA Microfiber Finishing Discs
Unigrit 3 Inch Professional Backing Plate and Adaptor Kit
(I think the 3" BP and pads will be of benefit when working the body side moulding/vent and bumper areas)

I have a large box of new white no-name microfiber towels I was given by Turtle Wax. They have a cloth tag in the corner. There is an air compressor in the garage for cleaning the DA MF pads. The water supply is filtered and softened.

Your input is welcome.

Thank you,

Murray

[Mark58]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Well what are you waiting for ? get to work! LOL
I done things little different. I used 5" with D300 microfiber compound followed up with Ultimate Polish and topped it of with Ultimate liquid wax on black caddy. In my opinion I think that Ultimate Polish gives it little more definition and clarity.I would assume that 205 would be same as UP.

[Bill1234]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Thanks mike for the info, I have just purchased this 6 inch kit. However I still have questions. It says after each panel of the car you should clean the pad. Should this be done also on one panel if the defects are heavy? I also would like to know if rubbing the product in with your hand would be sufficient enough instead of using two passes to get the pad primed

sincerely
Bill1234

[TLMitchell]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

I purchased a 2003, Anniversary Red Metallic, C5 convertible with 66K miles last fall.

Murray, you've got the products, Mike Phillips' book, you've seen the videos. It's time to pick a small area on your car and practice. Don't expect remarkable results initally, those that post amazing before & afters have experience. You will too eventually.

Remember Corvette clearcoat is usually notoriously hard. It may take multiple passes or heavy pressure on the DA to remove defects. Just remember when it comes to D300 more is not better nor is faster, usually 4.5 - 5 on a PC. If you start to bog down the polisher with pressure back off a bit and keep the BP rotating. Use slow arm speed and increase working time and make more passes if you need to. The MF DA System works best slow and clean, IME. Wipe off the pad or blow it out every time you lift it from the paint. Change pads when the MF doesn't fluff up or gets gummed up with compound.... usually a sign you're using too much.

I'd think twice about using MF with sewn in tags on paint. Unless you can pull them out cleanly and insure there's no threads remaining you risk marring what you just corrected. There's a lot of pricey MFs out there but I've become a big fan of ADS' Premium MF Towels. As nice as I've used and inexpensive... a box of a dozen is only 12 bucks. I've never seen anything thing else to rival them for cost effectiveness vs softness.

Now get your butt out to the garage and get cracking! By the time the snow melts in the Sierra you ought to have a showcar finish.

TL

[Murman]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Now get your butt out to the garage and get cracking! TL

Aye, aye, Sir!

There is no crying in detailing. No crying.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Murray, it sounds like you're getting your ducks in a row before putting buffer to 'Vette, and we applaud that. It's a shame that the detailer you went to didn't do a better job, either on the car itself or in impressing you with their attitude. The "Z" product you used by hand, good as it is, is only going to do so much - but that can be said of any all-in-one product hand applied. Our D151 is great stuff, when used with the proper amount of skill behind a rotary buffer. But by hand we wouldn't expect it to transform your car either.

So, the DA Microfiber System looks to be your choice - smart move. You've got compressed air, which is a huge bonus when using this system. Use it often to keep the discs clean and you'll be well ahead of the game. Don't be afraid to put some serious pressure down on those microfiber pads if you need to. Corvettes, especially in C5 and C6 generation, are notorious for having pretty hard paint (though we've worked on a couple that were very straightforward to correct, so they aren't all that hard) so you may need that extra pressure to get the job done. But work your way into that, don't just assume the paint is rock hard and then lean on it. If you need to, fine. If you don't, don't. Common sense is a fantastic tool in this hobby - use it.

We're also thinking about taking this car to another level, though. As so many of us are with our fair weather toys, you're obviously very taken with this car. We get that. You're reading Mike's book, you're lining up detailing products, asking questions, watching training videos - you want to make this the best looking Anniversary Red Metallic 'Vette convertible you can. Might we suggest, after the initial correction with the cutting disc and D300, that you follow up with M205 Ultra Finishing Polish on a W9207 Soft Buff 2. 0 finishing pad at speed 4 on your DA? That should go a long way toward really maximizing the gloss and clarity of this paint, and making the metallic flakes really pop. Top that with Ultimate Wax and your wife won't be able to drag you out of the garage because you won't be to stop ogling the amazing finish you just created.

Please extend our apologies to her now.

[Murman]

Re: Using Meguiar's D/A Microfiber Correction System

Michael,

Thank you for the reply. Your enthusiam and advice are welcome. I was also burnt by a moble detailer who worked on my 2000 Black Pontiac Trans Am. In the evening after he was finished, it looked sweet. The next day, it had a glow, like metal flake. Closer inspection showed tiny "fish hook" like swirls, that were catching and reflecting light. Not the desired outcome.

My DA MF system arrived yesterday. I had ordered the products on the evening of 26 December, from a supplier that offered 10% off and free shipping that day. When doing my homework, the DA MF System really seemed like the right choice for me to use, given the condition of my car and me being new to using a DA tool. It looked like a no brainer - four items designed to compliment each other specifically made for using with a DA polisher.

Should I wave off on using the DA MF System? Should I try the system "as is" to get the hang of my DA polisher? If after using the DA MF System I feel I need to turn it up a notch, can the M205 Ultra Finishing Polish and Ultimate Wax be applied on top of the D301 finishing wax?

I think I drank too much of the DA MF System Kool-Aid.

Murray