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a different sort. Note that all of these answers are based on my experience and opinions, with obviously great support from the fine folks at Meguiar's.
Background: I first heard rumors of a 'radical, cool, totally new' way of polishing about two years ago. About 18 months ago I met up with Jason Rose from Meguiar's in Tampa, signed some top secret paper work, and was given the 'keys' to the new system; still in development.
I have been using the system on and off for the last 18 months, here is a couple pictures from December of last year (I think) using the DA Microfiber system in prototype of form.
Looks bad?
With just the prototype compound and prototype pad...
Here is the back bumper before...
Here is the bumper after (notice the blue box)
Here is a picture of what the blue box was hiding 14 or so months ago...
The System
What is the Meguiar's DA Polishing System?
The Meguiar's DA Polishing System offers a holistic approach to Dual-Action Polishing system. It is a two part system, matching a specific foam cutting pad to a specific polishing liquid. Meguiar's has been developing this system in various guises for about 5 years, and it is my understanding it is the most focused, most developed, most researched product in the 100+ year history of the company.
The first step in the system is Meguiar's D300 DA Compound. It is a thick, cinnamon scented polishing liquid that uses Meguiar's SMAT (non-diminishing abrasives) technology and represents the first time in the history of Meguiar's that a polishing liquid was custom tailored for a particular type of pad. That pad is the Meguiar's DA Compound Cutting Pad. This pad features a specific microfiber polishing surface on top of a unique maroon colored urethane backing. This compound and pad combination will quickly remove light to moderate surface imperfections while leaving behind a near LSP ready surface on most paints.
The second step in Meguiar's DA Microfiber System is Meguiar's D301 DA Finishing Wax. This is a thick, gray colored All-In-One wax that uses both ultra fine SMAT abrasives to lightly polish the paint as well as leave behind a formidable blended wax (synthetic and carnauba blend similar to Meguiar's M26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax). This is used on a the DA Microfiber finishing pad which features a softer, black foam backing and a unique nap of fiber.
When will Proper Auto Care carry the products?
ASAP! The products were announced today and our order is in. You guys will be the first to know when we have it in stock!
How aggressive is the new system? How does the cutting action compare to a rotary, wool pad, cutting compound?
It is not as aggressive, or better stated, it will not cut as fast (on some paints) has a big rotary at high speed slinging gritty abrasives into the paint. However the DA Compound/Pad will leave a finish on most paints that is near LSP ready and only requires a finishing polish. However it may require more time if the paint is extremely hard and has deeper scratches or 'RIDS'.
For paints that have moderate to light swirl marks, the DA Compound/Pad tends to remove these very quickly and ends up being an invaluable time saver.
Which is more aggressive. M105/Surfbuff pad or D300/Microfiber Cutting Pad?
On most paints the M105 Surbuff pad combination is going to cut quicker by roughly 10 to 20 percent. However the resulting finish will have more marring (possibly requiring a second polishing step) and will have more dusting. Also it is common to use multiple Surbuff pads on a vehicle vs. 1 microfiber pad.
What is the proper procedure for using D300/DA Cutting Pad
First, prime the pad with product and allow it sit for several minutes. Then brush the pad out or blow it out with compressed air. You are ready to start polishing your first section. In general you will want to use lower OPM's. Meguiar's recommends about 4800 for maximum effect, although I have gotten better results with slightly more speed (about 5200). This makes the Meguiar's G110 V2 an invaluable tool with this system, since it has precise speed control and the ability to hold that speed when pressure is varied with the 'cruise-control' system. Polish using moderate pressure and slow arm movement. The DA Compound will turn clear/opaque quickly which will provide a good view of your work area. Polish until the defects are removed or the cutting action ceases.
If you cannot quite get the cut needed, stop polishing and lightly mist the surface with water, and continue polishing. The water, a supplemental wetting agent, will 'reactivate (for a lack of better terms)' the abrasives and increase the cutting ability. Make sure to clean your pad after every section, either by brushing with a nylon brush with the machine running or blowing out with compressed air.
Add slightly more product (three small dots is what I used) and polish section by section, inspecting your results, and cleaning the pad often (very often).
What is the best way to clean the pads and why is it necessary?
The absolutely best way to clean the pads is blow them out with compressed air hooked up to a high velocity nozzle. If this opition is not possible then brush the pads frequently with a nylon brush while the machine spins the pad. This is important to keep the fiber from matting down as well as prevent contaminated abrasives from clumping together and marring the surface.
Is it necessary to use a medium step before going to the DA Finishing Wax?
Not usually, although some paints may experience DA haze. However you can take advantage of a DA's action as well as the unique ability of the SMAT abrasives to utilize a 'built-in' middle step. If you see DA haze after wiping the residue away, try this trick first. After polishing, leave the residue on the surface. Clean that pad thoroughly by blowing and brushing it out, until you can no longer see the pink colored dust being expelled from the fiber. Now polish over residue using about 3000 OPMs, and light to moderate pressure. This will take advantage of a DA polisher combined action to polish the paint to a higher level and in most cases dramatically reduce any DA haze or marring. In fact this step is so helpful that I use it all of the time (it only takes an additional 20 seconds per section) to insure a high gloss finish.
What is the proper procedure for using the DA Finishing Wax/Pad?
The DA Finishing Wax is can either be classifed as a ultra fine polish with a wax or as an aggressive All-In-One polish. It can be used by itself for very light corrections and touch ups (I was able to remove 80 percent of the swirls on a soft vintage Aston Martin for example), as a follow up to any product or procedure, or as intended, a follow up to the Meguiar's DA Compound.
Apply a little bit of product to the pad, there is no need to prime. Polish using moderate pressure at about 3000 OPMs, polishing over the section 2 to 3 times. You can remove the wax immediately after polishing or allow to haze, depending on preference. There is no noticeable benefit to either method.
How does the wax look? How long does it last? How easy is it to remove? Tell me more!!!!
To me the wax is very similar to appearance to Meguiar's M26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax. It wipes off extremely easy, usually requiring no more than one wipe from a microfiber towel. In the Florida summer I experience between 2-4 months of solid water beading, with about 30 percent longer light in the drier, milder Florida winter. I also did not notice any staining of trim, although I was careful to remove any 'mistakes' quickly.
Does the wax or compound fill?
Any polish or wax has the potential to fill depending on the particular paint it is being applied to and these two are no exception. However any filling is easy to check, as a light alcohol wipe down (even window cleaner) will remove it. As a rule of thumb I would check once section after each step to see if there was any filling. If none was noticed I did not wipe down any sections after that.
Does this system work on everything? Is rotary polishing or traditional DA polishing done a thing of the past?
No. This is another (powerful) tool in a detailer's hand bag. Heavy corrections on some paints will require a more aggressive combination (at the expense of adding a third polishing step prior to finishing. Also some paints simply do not like the action of a DA and will experience micro marring, even when using the finishing pad and wax.
What sizes are the pads available in?
The pads will be available in 6.5 inch diameters which Meguiar's recommends for pneumatic DA polishers and forced rotation DA polishers such as the Flex.
They are also available in 5.5 inch diameters which Meguiar's recommends for tradtional 'random orbital' DA polishers.
Finally they are available in tiny 4 inch diameters for spot repair.
Thinking outside of the box.
Can you DA Compound on the finishing pad?
Yes. The finishing pad features a slightly different microfiber as well as a softer, thicker backing. While the DA Compound is tuned (and Meguiar's spent a long time 'tuning') for the DA Compounding Pad, there are times when the shorter, stiffer backing simply won't work. The rear hips and front fenders of a Porsche 911 are a perfect example. Using the softer finishing pad will allow you to apply pressure and polishing compound curves easier. However you will sacrifice some cutting action.
Can you use the DA Compound or Wax with different pads on a DA? What about a rotary?
You can... But you will likely see a negative effect on the performance. I used the DA compound on a rotary with a wool pad and could not achieve adequate cut (in fact the compound cut far faster on the DA with the microfiber pad). It almost felt like the same lubricants that allow the compound and wax to attach to all of the microfiber hydroplane when used on the linear motion of a rotary.
I have played with both products on a various foam pads and DA and could not mimic the results (in terms of both cut and finish) achieve with the microfiber pads. Detailing being as dynamic as it is, I am sure there are times when a foam pad could achieve amazing results, as there tends to be exceptions to every rule.
Can I use the DA Microfiber pads on a rotary?
No. Use foam or long nap wool pads a rotary to take advantage of the machines linear motion.
Can I use other polishes with the DA Microfiber pads?
Sure. Keep in mind that most diminishing abrasives work best when they can dislodge from a pad and roll across the polishing surface (like ball bearings) which promotes their break down. Since the microfiber will hold the abrasives it may prevent some of them from breaking down which could degrade the surface quality. I would absolutely recommend cleaning the pad out about 3/4's of the way through the polishing section and trying a slower speed to refine the finish.
I have used the cutting pad with Menzerna SIP and found it to cut extremely well and leave a nice finish and I have used Menzerna PO85rd with the finishing pad and found the finish on most paints to be amazing. On some softer paints I achieved a higher by sticking with a traditional foam pad.
I don't like the idea of combining a wax and polish for my last step and prefer a seperate finishing step and waxing step. Any suggestions?
Use DA Cutting Compound and Pad to polish the paint then follow with your favorite final polishing step. Wax or seal as you like. Many of the beta testers reported excellent results by combining M205 and the finishing pad as a final polishing step.
Miscellaneous
What makes the system so special?
Microfiber pads are for a DA are nothing new. They have been around for many years and used on some OEM lines for just as long. However life in the OEM fast lane doesn't require a durable pad, which is the microfiber's biggest weekness. It is difficult to bond the microfiber to the foam backing when exposed to the stress of a DA polisher. Enter Meguiar's.
If you think of machine sanding on a DA, you will find that the backing (behind the abrasive paper) plays a huge role in how the product performs. A stiffer backing increases the cut but alters the motion and finish. A softer backing increases the uniformity of the finish. Meguiar's spent a long time applying that concept to the backing of the DA polishing pads. When you are polishing with a foam pad a certain amount of the orbital motion is absorbed by the pad, it never reaches the paint. By altering the stiffness and height of the backing Meguiar's fine tuned the system to deliever the exact amount of cut and orbital moition to the paint. Any they made it durable.
The microfiber's biggest asset is that it takes full advantage of the DA motion. The short fiber has a lot of surface area (think of a head of hair). As the machine oscilates it exposes fresh fiber, and when packed with with abrasives, you get a lot of polishing action. The surface area of the DA microfiber pad is many many many times greater than even a large foam pad, and the DA's action takes full advantage of it. You are polishing the paint with a far greater amount of abrasives than a foam pad and a rotary polisher could ever dream of, which is why it is possible to get huge amounts of cut while still having a high gloss finish.
Meguiar's has fine tuned every part of the system, from the way the hook and loop limits motion, to the motion transferred through the backing foam to the microfiber, to how different lengths and types of fiber effect the polishing action. Then they built two liquids, applied them, and tweaked the pads to make them work better, which lead to tweaking the polishes to make them work better on the slightly different pads, then tweaking the pads to work better with the slightly different polishes, and so on and so on, for five years.[/FONT][/COLOR]
Background: I first heard rumors of a 'radical, cool, totally new' way of polishing about two years ago. About 18 months ago I met up with Jason Rose from Meguiar's in Tampa, signed some top secret paper work, and was given the 'keys' to the new system; still in development.
I have been using the system on and off for the last 18 months, here is a couple pictures from December of last year (I think) using the DA Microfiber system in prototype of form.
Looks bad?
With just the prototype compound and prototype pad...
Here is the back bumper before...
Here is the bumper after (notice the blue box)
Here is a picture of what the blue box was hiding 14 or so months ago...
The System
What is the Meguiar's DA Polishing System?
The Meguiar's DA Polishing System offers a holistic approach to Dual-Action Polishing system. It is a two part system, matching a specific foam cutting pad to a specific polishing liquid. Meguiar's has been developing this system in various guises for about 5 years, and it is my understanding it is the most focused, most developed, most researched product in the 100+ year history of the company.
The first step in the system is Meguiar's D300 DA Compound. It is a thick, cinnamon scented polishing liquid that uses Meguiar's SMAT (non-diminishing abrasives) technology and represents the first time in the history of Meguiar's that a polishing liquid was custom tailored for a particular type of pad. That pad is the Meguiar's DA Compound Cutting Pad. This pad features a specific microfiber polishing surface on top of a unique maroon colored urethane backing. This compound and pad combination will quickly remove light to moderate surface imperfections while leaving behind a near LSP ready surface on most paints.
The second step in Meguiar's DA Microfiber System is Meguiar's D301 DA Finishing Wax. This is a thick, gray colored All-In-One wax that uses both ultra fine SMAT abrasives to lightly polish the paint as well as leave behind a formidable blended wax (synthetic and carnauba blend similar to Meguiar's M26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax). This is used on a the DA Microfiber finishing pad which features a softer, black foam backing and a unique nap of fiber.
When will Proper Auto Care carry the products?
ASAP! The products were announced today and our order is in. You guys will be the first to know when we have it in stock!
How aggressive is the new system? How does the cutting action compare to a rotary, wool pad, cutting compound?
It is not as aggressive, or better stated, it will not cut as fast (on some paints) has a big rotary at high speed slinging gritty abrasives into the paint. However the DA Compound/Pad will leave a finish on most paints that is near LSP ready and only requires a finishing polish. However it may require more time if the paint is extremely hard and has deeper scratches or 'RIDS'.
For paints that have moderate to light swirl marks, the DA Compound/Pad tends to remove these very quickly and ends up being an invaluable time saver.
Which is more aggressive. M105/Surfbuff pad or D300/Microfiber Cutting Pad?
On most paints the M105 Surbuff pad combination is going to cut quicker by roughly 10 to 20 percent. However the resulting finish will have more marring (possibly requiring a second polishing step) and will have more dusting. Also it is common to use multiple Surbuff pads on a vehicle vs. 1 microfiber pad.
What is the proper procedure for using D300/DA Cutting Pad
First, prime the pad with product and allow it sit for several minutes. Then brush the pad out or blow it out with compressed air. You are ready to start polishing your first section. In general you will want to use lower OPM's. Meguiar's recommends about 4800 for maximum effect, although I have gotten better results with slightly more speed (about 5200). This makes the Meguiar's G110 V2 an invaluable tool with this system, since it has precise speed control and the ability to hold that speed when pressure is varied with the 'cruise-control' system. Polish using moderate pressure and slow arm movement. The DA Compound will turn clear/opaque quickly which will provide a good view of your work area. Polish until the defects are removed or the cutting action ceases.
If you cannot quite get the cut needed, stop polishing and lightly mist the surface with water, and continue polishing. The water, a supplemental wetting agent, will 'reactivate (for a lack of better terms)' the abrasives and increase the cutting ability. Make sure to clean your pad after every section, either by brushing with a nylon brush with the machine running or blowing out with compressed air.
Add slightly more product (three small dots is what I used) and polish section by section, inspecting your results, and cleaning the pad often (very often).
What is the best way to clean the pads and why is it necessary?
The absolutely best way to clean the pads is blow them out with compressed air hooked up to a high velocity nozzle. If this opition is not possible then brush the pads frequently with a nylon brush while the machine spins the pad. This is important to keep the fiber from matting down as well as prevent contaminated abrasives from clumping together and marring the surface.
Is it necessary to use a medium step before going to the DA Finishing Wax?
Not usually, although some paints may experience DA haze. However you can take advantage of a DA's action as well as the unique ability of the SMAT abrasives to utilize a 'built-in' middle step. If you see DA haze after wiping the residue away, try this trick first. After polishing, leave the residue on the surface. Clean that pad thoroughly by blowing and brushing it out, until you can no longer see the pink colored dust being expelled from the fiber. Now polish over residue using about 3000 OPMs, and light to moderate pressure. This will take advantage of a DA polisher combined action to polish the paint to a higher level and in most cases dramatically reduce any DA haze or marring. In fact this step is so helpful that I use it all of the time (it only takes an additional 20 seconds per section) to insure a high gloss finish.
What is the proper procedure for using the DA Finishing Wax/Pad?
The DA Finishing Wax is can either be classifed as a ultra fine polish with a wax or as an aggressive All-In-One polish. It can be used by itself for very light corrections and touch ups (I was able to remove 80 percent of the swirls on a soft vintage Aston Martin for example), as a follow up to any product or procedure, or as intended, a follow up to the Meguiar's DA Compound.
Apply a little bit of product to the pad, there is no need to prime. Polish using moderate pressure at about 3000 OPMs, polishing over the section 2 to 3 times. You can remove the wax immediately after polishing or allow to haze, depending on preference. There is no noticeable benefit to either method.
How does the wax look? How long does it last? How easy is it to remove? Tell me more!!!!
To me the wax is very similar to appearance to Meguiar's M26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax. It wipes off extremely easy, usually requiring no more than one wipe from a microfiber towel. In the Florida summer I experience between 2-4 months of solid water beading, with about 30 percent longer light in the drier, milder Florida winter. I also did not notice any staining of trim, although I was careful to remove any 'mistakes' quickly.
Does the wax or compound fill?
Any polish or wax has the potential to fill depending on the particular paint it is being applied to and these two are no exception. However any filling is easy to check, as a light alcohol wipe down (even window cleaner) will remove it. As a rule of thumb I would check once section after each step to see if there was any filling. If none was noticed I did not wipe down any sections after that.
Does this system work on everything? Is rotary polishing or traditional DA polishing done a thing of the past?
No. This is another (powerful) tool in a detailer's hand bag. Heavy corrections on some paints will require a more aggressive combination (at the expense of adding a third polishing step prior to finishing. Also some paints simply do not like the action of a DA and will experience micro marring, even when using the finishing pad and wax.
What sizes are the pads available in?
The pads will be available in 6.5 inch diameters which Meguiar's recommends for pneumatic DA polishers and forced rotation DA polishers such as the Flex.
They are also available in 5.5 inch diameters which Meguiar's recommends for tradtional 'random orbital' DA polishers.
Finally they are available in tiny 4 inch diameters for spot repair.
Thinking outside of the box.
Can you DA Compound on the finishing pad?
Yes. The finishing pad features a slightly different microfiber as well as a softer, thicker backing. While the DA Compound is tuned (and Meguiar's spent a long time 'tuning') for the DA Compounding Pad, there are times when the shorter, stiffer backing simply won't work. The rear hips and front fenders of a Porsche 911 are a perfect example. Using the softer finishing pad will allow you to apply pressure and polishing compound curves easier. However you will sacrifice some cutting action.
Can you use the DA Compound or Wax with different pads on a DA? What about a rotary?
You can... But you will likely see a negative effect on the performance. I used the DA compound on a rotary with a wool pad and could not achieve adequate cut (in fact the compound cut far faster on the DA with the microfiber pad). It almost felt like the same lubricants that allow the compound and wax to attach to all of the microfiber hydroplane when used on the linear motion of a rotary.
I have played with both products on a various foam pads and DA and could not mimic the results (in terms of both cut and finish) achieve with the microfiber pads. Detailing being as dynamic as it is, I am sure there are times when a foam pad could achieve amazing results, as there tends to be exceptions to every rule.
Can I use the DA Microfiber pads on a rotary?
No. Use foam or long nap wool pads a rotary to take advantage of the machines linear motion.
Can I use other polishes with the DA Microfiber pads?
Sure. Keep in mind that most diminishing abrasives work best when they can dislodge from a pad and roll across the polishing surface (like ball bearings) which promotes their break down. Since the microfiber will hold the abrasives it may prevent some of them from breaking down which could degrade the surface quality. I would absolutely recommend cleaning the pad out about 3/4's of the way through the polishing section and trying a slower speed to refine the finish.
I have used the cutting pad with Menzerna SIP and found it to cut extremely well and leave a nice finish and I have used Menzerna PO85rd with the finishing pad and found the finish on most paints to be amazing. On some softer paints I achieved a higher by sticking with a traditional foam pad.
I don't like the idea of combining a wax and polish for my last step and prefer a seperate finishing step and waxing step. Any suggestions?
Use DA Cutting Compound and Pad to polish the paint then follow with your favorite final polishing step. Wax or seal as you like. Many of the beta testers reported excellent results by combining M205 and the finishing pad as a final polishing step.
Miscellaneous
What makes the system so special?
Microfiber pads are for a DA are nothing new. They have been around for many years and used on some OEM lines for just as long. However life in the OEM fast lane doesn't require a durable pad, which is the microfiber's biggest weekness. It is difficult to bond the microfiber to the foam backing when exposed to the stress of a DA polisher. Enter Meguiar's.
If you think of machine sanding on a DA, you will find that the backing (behind the abrasive paper) plays a huge role in how the product performs. A stiffer backing increases the cut but alters the motion and finish. A softer backing increases the uniformity of the finish. Meguiar's spent a long time applying that concept to the backing of the DA polishing pads. When you are polishing with a foam pad a certain amount of the orbital motion is absorbed by the pad, it never reaches the paint. By altering the stiffness and height of the backing Meguiar's fine tuned the system to deliever the exact amount of cut and orbital moition to the paint. Any they made it durable.
The microfiber's biggest asset is that it takes full advantage of the DA motion. The short fiber has a lot of surface area (think of a head of hair). As the machine oscilates it exposes fresh fiber, and when packed with with abrasives, you get a lot of polishing action. The surface area of the DA microfiber pad is many many many times greater than even a large foam pad, and the DA's action takes full advantage of it. You are polishing the paint with a far greater amount of abrasives than a foam pad and a rotary polisher could ever dream of, which is why it is possible to get huge amounts of cut while still having a high gloss finish.
Meguiar's has fine tuned every part of the system, from the way the hook and loop limits motion, to the motion transferred through the backing foam to the microfiber, to how different lengths and types of fiber effect the polishing action. Then they built two liquids, applied them, and tweaked the pads to make them work better, which lead to tweaking the polishes to make them work better on the slightly different pads, then tweaking the pads to work better with the slightly different polishes, and so on and so on, for five years.[/FONT][/COLOR]
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