The right stuff

[mrbell83]

Hello Guys,

I am new here but have been looking around for a while. I also have been using Meguiars products forever. In recent years I have started using a wheel and would like to use the profesional grade produts, only problem is there are so many. I like the standard 3 step process but I want something that is more durable and longer lasting with more shine. I live in Michigan so the snow and salt get to my vehicle. Can you guys give me som advise on what products to buy?

Thanks,
Chris

[mrbell83]

Re: The right stuff

No one has any ideas? Common guys, I would like to get this into the garage and get it done before the snow on Sunday here in Michigan......

[BlueZero]

Re: The right stuff

Welcome to MOL!

Are you looking to get rid of swirls or just for protection? For getting rid of swirls #80 is the way to go. For protection I like #21 or NXT. If it's not too cold this weekend here, I'm going to wash my truck and apply two coats of #21. If you have anymore questions just ask.

[Murr1525]

Re: The right stuff

Well, lets see what we can do..

I assume by 'wheel' you mean some kind of machine buffer? Not sure which kind you got, but you can always give this a read over:

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

Now, as far as products, there is really only a couple to worry about. #83 DACP and #80 Speed Glaze are you basic swirl removal and polishing products, #7 is optional, but would help the shine, esp on dark colors, and #21 is a great synthetic wax.

These threads were written before #21 came out and they use Nxt, but give them a read. They cover the basic process with a polisher:

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

[mrbell83]

Re: The right stuff

As far as the wheel goes its a craftsman 2 speed polishing wheel. Not an orbital buffer, I had one and hated it....... also tips on pads? My truck sits outside all the time so I need a nice looking durable finish to last me until spring.......

Thanks,
Chris

[BlueZero]

Re: The right stuff

My truck sits outside all the time so I need a nice looking durable finish to last me until spring......

Depends how much time and money you want to spend... I'll give you some options that I would do. Depends on what you have or what your local stores carry. I use the following all the time on my truck and love the results, not sure if I like one better than the other yet.

1. (2) coats of #21
2. #21 topped with NXT
3. #21 topped with #26
or if you can't find pro products where you live
4. (2) coats of NXT

And a big thing, make sure you give proper dry time before you remove the wax.

[mrbell83]

Re: The right stuff

Thanks for the tips. I can get profesional products here so thats not a problem. Any tips on the type of pads to use with my wheel? Or should I do this by hand?

[BlueZero]

Re: The right stuff

I'm not sure what types of pads are available for your buffer. I use a G100 with this pad for applying wax, then I remove with a microfiber. http://www.meguiars.com/?pro-pad/SOFTBUFF-Finishing-Pad

Other wise if you are doing it by hand, I like to use these...

http://www.meguiars.com/?specialized-tools-applicators/High-Tech-Applicator-Pad

Good luck and have fun!

[mrbell83]

Re: The right stuff

Well I guess I will do it by hand because out wheels are really very different. I have always used a soft wool or cotton pad and that has worked great, but I will try your process by hand and see what my results are.........

[remy]

Re: The right stuff

1. (2) coats of #21
2. #21 topped with NXT
3. #21 topped with #26

Would you say this is better than the DC #3 step? Is this a 'pro' equivalent to the dc3? thanks

[MaximusZTS]

Re: The right stuff

#21 is the pro equivalent of NXT.

[BlueZero]

Re: The right stuff



Just for the heck of it this weekend I'm going to do my hood with 4 different products so we can all see, side by side. It's black so it should work good. I'll do NXT, 16, 21 & 26. I have used all of the products at one time or another but they all look pretty much the same to me. This will be nice to see, and see how they hold up also. I'll be sure to post photos.

[mrbell83]

Re: The right stuff

Yes please do, I will post photos as well, I would like to see the difference this process makes on my vehicle because the color is somewhat hard to make POP so to speak. There is so much metal flake in it, that it glitters all the time, but it doesn't seem to stand out like i would like.

Thanks everyone,
Chris

[mrbell83]

Re: The right stuff

I wanted to update everyone because I said I would, I got the truck finished with stunning results, but the weather here was so bad that I never had a chance to get a photo of it after everything was finished. Now we have snow so I don't see a good day for photos anytime soon, although I do want to get another coat of wax on because it looks so great, maybe soon I can post some.

Thanks everyone for all of your help,
Chris