Hello from the UK

[sss1987]

Hello Everyone!

Long time lurker, first time joiner!

I have found this forum incredibly useful for understanding the vast amount products and detailing advice out there, and thought it would only be fair to say hello!

Ive recently sold my black 1992 NA Mx5 (Miata) for a 2007 VW Golf GTI (reflex silver). So two opposite ends of the detailing spectrum.

I had my MX5 for 8 years (the ol girl never put a foot wrong). Back then I didn't know as much as I do now, and with my living circumstances (apartment) the paint on her suffered. However, in the early days I used to look after her with meguiars products. The black paint always gleamed. I used to use the red bottles of the crystal system (2 and 3). I remember at one point claying her, and then using ultimate compound (by hand), and then ultimate polish and then wax.

Nowadays I have much better access to cleaning facilities and intend on keeping the silver golf gleaming and not neglecting her like I did the mx5.

If anyone has any advice on really making a silver car pop, please share!

[Nick Winn]

Re: Hello from the UK

Welcome! Congrats on the new car. Light colors respond well to products with cleaning ability in them. A light color can really pop with a "cleaner/polish" like Meguiar's Professional Mirror Glaze M205 Ultra Finishing Polish, especially applied with a machine, like a dual action polisher. Ultimate Polish is actually derived off of our M205 Ultra Finishing Polish's technology, but for this particular situation of trying to make a light color pop & produce a high gloss, the M205 Ultra Finishing Polish has much more cleaning ability, and for that reason it would be the better one to go with.

Hope this helps!

Nick

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Welcome! Congrats on the new car. Light colors respond well to products with cleaning ability in them. A light color can really pop with a "cleaner/polish" like Meguiar's Professional Mirror Glaze M205 Ultra Finishing Polish, especially applied with a machine, like a dual action polisher. Ultimate Polish is actually derived off of our M205 Ultra Finishing Polish's technology, but for this particular situation of trying to make a light color pop & produce a high gloss, the M205 Ultra Finishing Polish has much more cleaning ability, and for that reason it would be the better one to go with.

Hope this helps!

Nick

Nick, thankyou for the repy.

I've literally just ordered a dual action polisher! What pad would you recommend for a mild cleanup and to make the colour pop on VW paint.

Secondly, my dad has a 17 year old Honda accord (soft paint?) which needs some attention. I was thinking of using ultimate compound on a polishing pad (rather then a cutting pad as im not sure how the paint will cope). Could i use M205 instead to clean up some scratches and swirls? What pad/s would you recommend?

[Nick Winn]

Re: Hello from the UK

Nick, thankyou for the repy.

I've literally just ordered a dual action polisher! What pad would you recommend for a mild cleanup and to make the colour pop on VW paint.

Secondly, my dad has a 17 year old Honda accord (soft paint?) which needs some attention. I was thinking of using ultimate compound on a polishing pad (rather then a cutting pad as im not sure how the paint will cope). Could i use M205 instead to clean up some scratches and swirls? What pad/s would you recommend?

Nice! Our Soft Buff DA Foam Polishing Disc (Yellow) comes in either 5(DFP5) or 6 inch(DFP6) (also 4 inch under G3508 DA Power Pad) would be the perfect combination with a finishing polish like our M205 Ultra Finishing Polish.

M205 Ultra Finishing Polish is actually quite versatile, with some users applying it via our DMF5/DMF6 DA Microfiber Finishing Disc, or even our Soft Buff DA Foam Cutting Disc (DFC5/DFC6). So with that said you can certainly try it! If it does not remove the defects to your satisfaction, or the pads are too aggressive for the paint, you can always use Ultimate Compound via a foam polishing pad, and move up from there. Ultimate Compound on a foam polishing pad is a great combination for certain paints so I like your thinking!

Hope this helps.

Nick

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Thanks Nick, i will give that a go. I just received my DAS6 yesterday. So hopefully i'll get the chance to use it! I will report back!

[johnpegal]

Re: Hello from the UK

Hello Everyone, I'm John from Scottsdale, AZ. Nice to meet you all.

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Hey John, good to meet you!

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Nice! Our Soft Buff DA Foam Polishing Disc (Yellow) comes in either 5(DFP5) or 6 inch(DFP6) (also 4 inch under G3508 DA Power Pad) would be the perfect combination with a finishing polish like our M205 Ultra Finishing Polish.

M205 Ultra Finishing Polish is actually quite versatile, with some users applying it via our DMF5/DMF6 DA Microfiber Finishing Disc, or even our Soft Buff DA Foam Cutting Disc (DFC5/DFC6). So with that said you can certainly try it! If it does not remove the defects to your satisfaction, or the pads are too aggressive for the paint, you can always use Ultimate Compound via a foam polishing pad, and move up from there. Ultimate Compound on a foam polishing pad is a great combination for certain paints so I like your thinking!

Hope this helps.

Nick

Hi Nick, in the next month i plan on correcting two VAG cars (a Skoda and a Seat). I have been looking into the DA microfiber system with a lot of interest. I was thinking this could be a great way as a noob to correct two harder paint types.
The question is had relates back to my original posts regarding my own Silver VW gti, and my dads 00 Honda accord.

In regards to the DA300 and MFC disc, would this be too harsh a combo for my dads honda accord? I know its probably hard for you to tell without doing a test spot, but is there a general rule of thumb? I mean i've read through some posts which say UC and a burgundy combination can be a very aggressive combination on softer paint, so im just sort of mentally trying to establish a hierarchy of cutting aggressiveness. My theory is if I know enough of the background, hopefully I should be well versed, even as a newbie to get myself out of any trouble I may face. Product Knowledge is key.

If i invest in the MF system, could DA301 polishing wax and a finishing MF disc provide a similar amount of cut to M205 on a Polishing foam pad (yellow)? Ideally i'd prefer to use DA302 Polish with a MFF pad as my starting point, but the UK doesn't stock DA302 which *****!!
Could i alternatively use DA300 on a yellow polishing foam pad? to create a stage of cutting which falls between the full blown aggressiveness of Da300 with a MFC disc and say that of DA301 with the MFF disc? Thus bastardising the MF system to go "safe" on softer paint types, and correctly finishing with DA301 and a MFF disc?

Last question(s), is that on my VW you recommended M205 with a polishing pad (yellow) to really make the paint pop.
Would DA301 with a MFF disc provide a similar amount of pop and finishing ability? (just thinking if i could stay within one system)
Would M205 with a MFF disc provide a bit more cut and still give me good finish to make the paint pop (as ive noticed a few light scratches and swirls in a few places- nothing major).

I think what im getting at is, im trying to figure out what pads and products its best to invest in, so that i don't run into any issues which i can't sort out because i have limited products and knowledge. Ideally i'd like to stay within one product system, but i also appreciate that to get the best, i may have to have a few "extra" products like M205 and some select foam discs to help have a rounded system which i can rely on.

My shopping list would be
- DAMF system
- M205
- Foam polishing pads (yellow)
- Foam finishing pads (black)

Sorry for the long *** post

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Could i alternatively use DA300 on a yellow polishing foam pad ? to create a stage of cutting which falls between the full blown aggressiveness of Da300 with a MFC disc and say that of DA301 with the MFF disc? Thus bastardising the MF system to go "safe" on softer paint types, (and then correctly finishing with DA301 and a MFF disc)?

Or alternatively use DA300 on the MF finishing pad? Thus not being as aggressive? but still providing more cut then on a foam pad?

[Nick Winn]

Re: Hello from the UK

Hi Nick, in the next month i plan on correcting two VAG cars (a Skoda and a Seat). I have been looking into the DA microfiber system with a lot of interest. I was thinking this could be a great way as a noob to correct two harder paint types.
The question is had relates back to my original posts regarding my own Silver VW gti, and my dads 00 Honda accord.

In regards to the DA300 and MFC disc, would this be too harsh a combo for my dads honda accord? I know its probably hard for you to tell without doing a test spot, but is there a general rule of thumb? I mean i've read through some posts which say UC and a burgundy combination can be a very aggressive combination on softer paint, so im just sort of mentally trying to establish a hierarchy of cutting aggressiveness. My theory is if I know enough of the background, hopefully I should be well versed, even as a newbie to get myself out of any trouble I may face. Product Knowledge is key.

In general, No, it's not too aggressive. Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction System is recommended for all factory cured OEM paints. Whether or not you need the aggressiveness of the D300 & DMC DA Microfiber Cutting Disc is another question though. To determine this, just perform a test spot, and work your way up in aggressiveness. For example, test Ultimate Compound on a DFC5 Soft Buff Foam Cutting Disc. If this does not provide enough cut, or in other words remove the defects to your satisfaction, an example of a more aggressive combination would be D300/DMC DA Microfiber Cutting Disc.

If i invest in the MF system, could DA301 polishing wax and a finishing MF disc provide a similar amount of cut to M205 on a Polishing foam pad (yellow)? Ideally i'd prefer to use DA302 Polish with a MFF pad as my starting point, but the UK doesn't stock DA302 which *****!!
Could i alternatively use DA300 on a yellow polishing foam pad? to create a stage of cutting which falls between the full blown aggressiveness of Da300 with a MFC disc and say that of DA301 with the MFF disc? Thus bastardising the MF system to go "safe" on softer paint types, and correctly finishing with DA301 and a MFF disc?

D301 DA Microfiber Finishing wax applied with a DMF5/DMF6 DA Microfiber Finishing Disc is significantly less aggressive than M205 Ultra Finishing Polish via yellow foam polishing disc. An example of a less aggressive combination than D300/DMC5/DMC6 is D300 applied with a soft foam cutting disc, Ultimate Compound applied with a soft foam cutting disc, utlimate compound applied with a yellow foam polishing pad. Hope this helps.

Last question(s), is that on my VW you recommended M205 with a polishing pad (yellow) to really make the paint pop.
Would DA301 with a MFF disc provide a similar amount of pop and finishing ability? (just thinking if i could stay within one system)
Would M205 with a MFF disc provide a bit more cut and still give me good finish to make the paint pop (as ive noticed a few light scratches and swirls in a few places- nothing major)

D301/DMF5/DMF6 typcially will not provide as good of gloss or pop like M205 on a yellow polishing pad. Remember, our DA Microfiber Correction System is primarily designed for high production environments, to deliver great results, in a short amount of time, among other benefits. Not nesscarrily to deliver the absolute best Concor level gloss & results.

M205 Ultra Finishing Polish applied with a DMF5/DMF6 is becoming a popular combination for moderate defect removal while leaving behind a great gloss. Would just have to try it out for your particular cars. Typcially this is popular on harder or more resilient paints.

I think what im getting at is, im trying to figure out what pads and products its best to invest in, so that i don't run into any issues which i can't sort out because i have limited products and knowledge. Ideally i'd like to stay within one product system, but i also appreciate that to get the best, i may have to have a few "extra" products like M205 and some select foam discs to help have a rounded system which i can rely on.

My shopping list would be
- DAMF system
- M205
- Foam polishing pads (yellow)
- Foam finishing pads (black)

Sorry for the long *** post

Or alternatively use DA300 on the MF finishing pad? Thus not being as aggressive? but still providing more cut then on a foam pad?

Can you remind me what products you have now? I can then suggest some additions based on what your are looking for.

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Nick, amazing reply (thankyou very much!!).

Currently I have only bought a DA which came with 3 flexipads foam pads (cutting/polishing/finishing).
I have some Ultimate compound (however I may buy another bottle as the UC has been sat dormant for 3-4 years). Although maybe a MF cutting pad with M205 would actually give me a similar result as UC on a cutting/polishing foam pad...and I wouldn't have to buy any more UC..

I have been contemplating the DAMF system as my starting point as I'd like to invest in a "system" which can "cover the bases". I figured with the cars which need a correction, this could help me learn the ropes fairly quickly and get a "good enough" finish for those who aren't going to be staring at their cars (unlike all us car guys/girls).

The refinement of the paint was generally for my car (hence taking your earlier comments of using M205 to really make the silver pop).

My shopping list (because I am only just starting out and don't really have anything other then the Da at the moment) would be:

-M205
-Megs Foam pads (red,yellow,black)
-DAMF system (pads and liquids)
-UC if the one I have is out of date? (maybe over kill)

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Hi Nick, i've been doing some more reading up this weekend.

I've actually been debating whether the best course of action for myself would be to buy:

- DA300 compound
- DMC MF discs 6" and 4"
- M205
- Megs foam Yellow and black 6" and 4"

This could be a relatively cheap way to have two products which will let me correct and refine the paint to a relatively high level (inexperience being the thing that holds me back) on both honda and VW paint types.

After deciding what was important to me.. and after reading up..it seems DA300 with a MF cutting disc should be relatively safe for a noob even on soft honda paint (i hope).
M205 on a foam pad should let me get rid of any marks that the cutting process may have put in, and finish to a higher level then DA301 could.
My last stage protection will be a paste wax applied by hand (or even a liquid wax with a black pad).

I think having a decent selection of pads and just the two liquids.. i should be able to refine the paint if i get into any trouble..seeing as M205 is pretty versatile with all 3 of the foam pad types (from what i've read and heard from yourself).

Does this seem sensible?

[Nick Winn]

Re: Hello from the UK

Hi Nick, i've been doing some more reading up this weekend.

I've actually been debating whether the best course of action for myself would be to buy:

- DA300 compound
- DMC MF discs 6" and 4"
- M205
- Megs foam Yellow and black 6" and 4"

This could be a relatively cheap way to have two products which will let me correct and refine the paint to a relatively high level (inexperience being the thing that holds me back) on both honda and VW paint types.

After deciding what was important to me.. and after reading up..it seems DA300 with a MF cutting disc should be relatively safe for a noob even on soft honda paint (i hope).
M205 on a foam pad should let me get rid of any marks that the cutting process may have put in, and finish to a higher level then DA301 could.
My last stage protection will be a paste wax applied by hand (or even a liquid wax with a black pad).

I think having a decent selection of pads and just the two liquids.. i should be able to refine the paint if i get into any trouble..seeing as M205 is pretty versatile with all 3 of the foam pad types (from what i've read and heard from yourself).

Does this seem sensible?

Yes, it sounds like you have a good plan, and remember, always use the least aggressive combination necessary. If a compound on a red foam pad takes care of the defects to your satisfaction, then no reason to go to the MF Cutting Disc.

Always dial in your test spot, from start to finish, compound, polish, etc.

The less haze left behind from your compound step, the less work it will take to finish polish the paint back to a haze free/high gloss.

[sss1987]

Re: Hello from the UK

Cheers Nick,

We got there in the end! Its really about understanding as a rookie what im trying to achieve on the paint. Otherwise the outcomes are endless!
Im even thinking just the foam pad selection, and M205 will be all i need to order.

Would Ultimate compound be out of date just being sat around for 3-4 years? If it doesn't this could really be my DA300/M105 substitute especially while im learning.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Hello from the UK

Cheers Nick,

We got there in the end! Its really about understanding as a rookie what im trying to achieve on the paint. Otherwise the outcomes are endless!
Im even thinking just the foam pad selection, and M205 will be all i need to order.

Would Ultimate compound be out of date just being sat around for 3-4 years? If it doesn't this could really be my DA300/M105 substitute especially while im learning.

Woo hoo!

Regarding Ultimate Compound, give it a good shake, and inspect to see if the product's consistency is still similar to when you first purchase it, i.e. make sure it is not separated and/or watery in consistency. If it is, it should perform just as good as new. If anything, it will never hurt to use the product, it just may not perform as well as a fresh bottle. If the product is watery & separated, then it has spoiled and it is time for a new one. Shelf life is 3 - 5 years, & products should not be exposed to prolonged extreme heat or cold.

Hope this helps. Feel free to post further questions!