The Great Debate #7 or#81

[NewlyCarCrazy]

I have two clearcoated cars, one black and one red, so polishing is really a neccessity for me. Before I learnt of this forum, I bought a bottle of #7 and have had mixed results. I have read on Autopia as well as here that the product seems to leave an oily film over the paint. Is this what it is supposed to do? I must admit that the paint is very glossy, but it is hard work. I was just wondering if #81 would be worth the money. Could someone tell me what the difference is between the two?

[NewlyCarCrazy]

I have also heard people accuse 7 of a short durability. Can a polish have a 3-4 day durability?

[KTruck]

Hi:

To prepare a BC/CC surface for waxing the best product I feel is #81. The surface must be in fairly good condition as #81 will only remote light scratches and swirl marks. At least that is my experience with it.

#81 followed by NXT is a great look.

#81 is not oily and the only draw back that I am familiar with is that some people have a hard time getting it off.

To me #7 and #81 have different applications.

To prepare a vehicle for waxing I would use #81 but after it is waxed I would use #7 to polish a vehicle. For example, if I had taken my vehicle to a car show and wanted to clean/polish the surface I would use #7. #7 would provide the maximum shine and gloss to the already prepare vehicle. That is why #7 is oily to the touch.

I feel you cannot go wrong with #81 followed by NXT wax.

May be Mike will chime in and provide a more detail answer.

KTruck

[scrub]

From what I have observed and learned

1. Show car glaze does leave oily residue behind. NXT seems to help remove this though. There is some debate whether NXT will bond correctly over #7.

2. Show car glaze, in some opinions is best used before shows which to me seems to require very little durability. SCG is a pure polish that shouldn't remove the wax or sealant so therefore SCG can be applied over the top without rewaxing or resealing.

3. I like the look after SCG. I use the method of removal that uses the skinning properties of SCG. See show car garage for thread.

4. SCG is difficult to remove compared to #81. I was very closed minded about #81. I tried it and applied it incorrectly which even further fueled my dislike for this product. I let #81 dry before removal using the #7 removal method. Oppps. #81 should be removed right away.

5. #81 still leaves the paint's surface feeling like it has been polished but not as much oily residue as #7.

6. #81 comes in a bigger bottle.

With those thoughts my conclusion is for ease of use and results I'm looking for I'll use #81 and be very happy with the results. #7 still has a place in my ultimate organizer for when I'm feeling sassy I guess.

Is this some of the info you was looking for??

Good luck

[NewlyCarCrazy]

Doh! I can't resist the urge to plunk down 15$. Now I have to go out and buy #81!!

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Meguiar's #7 Show Car Glaze is a pure polish. As such, it provides depth to the paint as well as some filling of micro-fissures etc. The product has been around almost forever, and has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years! It was designed for single stage paints, but works equally well on today's BC/CC paint. It is a glaze and not a wax or sealant. Therefore, do not expect protection from it. Hence why myself and countless others apply a topping like #20/MPPP/NXT over it.

Meguiar's #81 Hand Polish was designed as part of the Body Shop Series with BC/CC paint in mind. It is a little easier to remove yet gives similar results. Both are excellent products!!!

AS for application, Mike wrote a very informative article on the application and removal of #7. I will see if I can find a link for use. In summary, you apply the #7 to the whole vehicle. Because #7 does not really dry, it "skins" over. So, use a 100% cotton Terry Towel to go over the #7 breaking the skin. This will remove most of the product. Then follow up with a MF towel to remove the rest.

Now with the above said, I still prefer to apply it to one panel at a time, and then remove. I use a foam applicator or a PC with a W-9006 Finishing Pad to apply. I then use a MF towel to remove. Also, apply a VERY THIN coat. There is no need to apply it thick, or is there a need to work it in. Just apply it thinly and evenly and remove.


Now with the #81, I get the benefits of #7 but in an easier to remove package!

I just love what these Pure Polishes (#3, #5, #7, and #81) do for paint!!

Tim

[Mike Phillips]

Just to chime in here,

All of our pure polishes are rich in polishing oils, it is these oils that add beauty and richness to your car's paint.

#7 Show Car Glaze has the highest concentrations of these rich polishing oils and this could be one of the reasons that it can sometimes, not all the times, but sometimes be more difficult to remove.

Removal is always easier if you apply and work in a very thin coat and use good technique with the right removal cloth. I'll try to post a "How-To" article for this in the Meguiar's How To Forum.

As for durability, Meguiar's pure polishes are not formulated for or intended to provide long lasting protection. That is the purpose of a wax. How long the results you create with the application of a Meguiar's pure polish will be determined by what you do to the car. If you wash the car or expose it to inclement weather, the results will not last very long. If your car is a garage queen and you only drive it once in a while to car shows or to a cruise-in, then it will last longer.

Hope this helps..

Mike

[Tim Lingor]

Mike,

You have to stop repeating me all the time!! Shhheeeeshhh!


Tim

[gb387]

My vote is for #81 all the way! Ease of use and the finish I get from it is deeper than #7.

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by gb387
My vote is for #81 all the way! Ease of use and the finish I get from it is deeper than #7.

Absolutely GB!

[Rick]

For clearcoat you'll probably be happier with 81. I've got both and honestly I haven't touched the #7 in quite a while.