Meguiar's Polishing System
 

I plan on doing all my exterior detailing (polishing/waxing) using a PC. For those who are currently using it or have any experience using Meguiar's polishing products, please list the type of polishes you used and which type of polishing pads you use. Also include your thoughts and results, thanks.

been way too long since i used any of their polishes- and
have used just about every pad out there ...
except megs!!

i think that they are a rebrand but dont remember the manufacturer.

anyone else out there know this riddle??


info from their site on pads:

http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_lis...sectionID=38101

You have several possibilities now using Meguiar's polishes with a PC:

1) Traditional, and still most popular, combo: M80/M83. Do a test spot with M80 and polishing pad. If it does not effect the desired level of correction, move up to M83 with a polishing pad, then follow-up with M80 with a polishing pad. M80 usually leaves the surface LSP-ready. If you detect any micro-marring after M80 (unlikely, but it does occasionally happen with some paint systems), go back over it with a polishing or finishing pad with either M09, M82, M205, or even ColorX.

M80 has many fans. It is easy to use. It has been described by one experienced detailer over at Autopia as "idiot-proof" (which is encouraging for folks like me). It is chock-full of glazing oils, which gives the finish a wet look. If you are going to apply a carnauba wax, then you can apply it directly after the polishing with M80. If you are going to apply a synthetic sealant, then you might want to do an IPA wipedown in order to prevent any bonding problems.

Like most of Meguiar's polishes, M80 and M83 contain diminishing abrasives. They must be worked until the abrasives are fully broken down, i.e., until the polish becomes translucent or transparent.

2) Newest professional combo: M205/M105. Do a test spot with M205 and polishing pad. If it does not effect the desired level of correction, move up to M105 with a polishing pad, then follow-up with M205 with either a polishing pad or a finishing pad. Be sure, btw, to purchase the latest formulation of M105, which is approved for use with D/A polisher.

Unlike M80 and M83, M205 and M105 contain non-diminishing abrasives. Regarding the difference between Meguiar's diminishing abrasive technology and its new super micro-abrasive technology, see this article:

What's the Difference?

M205 in particular has been getting excellent reviews as a finishing polish. See, e.g., Dave McLean's Detailing World review:

Review of M205

3) New consumer-line polishes: SwirlX, ScratchX 2.0, and Ultimate Compound. These products are based on the same abrasive technology as M105 and M205. SwirlX is a bit stronger than M205, but finishes down nicely and leaves the surface LSP-ready. Ultimate Compound is less aggressive than M105. See the following:

Aggressiveness order for new Meguiar's polishes

SwirlX and Ultimate Compound somewhat parallel M205 and M105. When using the SwirlX/UC combo, follow the directions above for M205/M105. ScratchX 2.0 is designed for spot scratch removal.

The advantage of the consumer-line products is that they are readily available at WalMart and auto stores, whereas the professional line products usually have to be ordered online and also come in larger bottles. The consumer line products are approved for D/A polisher use but not for rotary use.

I think this covers the highlights about Meguiar's polishes. If you have further questions about them, you can get a more informed response from Mike Phillips over at Meguiar's Online. I am just a newb. I think the information I have passed on is correct, but ... caveat emptor! :)

Cheers,
Al

Real nice info about the different types of polishes, thanks Al :thumbup:

As for the pads there seems to be 3 main types: bergundy=cutting pad, yellow=polishing pad, and tan=finishing pad. Even from reading the description off of Meguiar's website it still not clear about what each one is used for and which order they should be used in...?

Regarding Meguiar's pads: Meguiar's does not recommend the use of cutting pads with dual-action polishers because of their tendency to haze the finish. Polishing pad is used for paint correction, i.e., removal of swirls and scratches. Finishing pad is used for burnishing (e.g., with M205 or M09) and the application of waxes and glazes.

You need to have at least three polishing pads and two finishing pads. Be sure to clean the pads often during polishing to prevent over-saturation.

Does that help?

Phew thanks akimel, I was almost thinking about using the cutting pad with my pc. Now I'm off to get my new pads, very informative btw :thumbup:

The only Meguiar's polish I have used is #82. Pretty much a finishing polish. With the PC, I used a white LC flat pad. Finishes nice. Can't wait to try it out with my new rotary this year.

I too just picked up a bottle of Meguiar's #82 Swirl Free Polish hoping that it will work out the swirl mark/scratches on the surface, unless anyone else has other polishing suggestions...

Wow very nice post akimel

i actually just bought my list of products, and decided to go with the 83/80 combo with a flex DA. After doing lots of reading, this "should" do the trick, but hey, theres a million possibilities of things that could happen, but i like my chances going in with these products.

Akimel, you say that you can't use a "cutting" pad with DA + megs stuff....does the LC orange pads count as a cutting pad or is it still in the "safe" range?