What defines a "polish," and how's it work with a DA?

[pcmark]

I'm venturing into using a DA polisher, learning as much as I can before taking the plunge.

I know that Meguiars has products like M80, 205, and Scratch-X that work with a DA to remove spider webs/holograms, but do you follow by using the DA with Deep Crystal Polish (I don't see where Deep Crystal notes for use with a machine)? Or what product do you use with a DA in-between a "defect remover" type product and NXT 2.0?

What further confuses me is that the other well-known DA seller suggests using their "polish" to remove spider webs/holograms, then go right to the top coat of wax. So, I'm confused as to what a "polish" is, where Meguiar's seems to suggest that it "feeds" the paint as its own step in-between removing defects and waxing, while another manufacturer describes it as removing defects right before waxing.

Therefore, here are my two questions

• With a DA, do you use a certain Meguiar's "polish" product in-between Scratch-X and NXT 2.0?
• What's the difference between a "defect remover" and a "polish," if there is one?

I appreciate your help. Thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: What defines a "polish," and how's it work with a DA?

Dont get too tied up in terminology.... that is usually the problem when comparing products from different companies, and even Meguiars uses some terms inter-changeably.

Think of it this way, at least as far as Meguairs:
Cleaner - Removes swirls/dirt
Polish - Adds oils to the paint
Wax - Protects and seals in results.

So, if you want to cover all 3 types of products, then you just have to check for products that cover them.

For instance, ScratchX is a cleaner, so if yo uwanted too add polish after, you would need something like DC2, #7, etc.

On the other hand, #80 is in the cleaner/polish category, so it can cover both cleaning and polishing.

The #205 also seems to be in the cleaner/polish category, though I am not 100% sure.

Of course, some people like to use a cleaner/polish and then a pure polish before waxing, but that is up to them, and if they can see a difference.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: What defines a "polish," and how's it work with a DA?

The #205 also seems to be in the cleaner/polish category, though I am not 100% sure.

M205 is a cleaner/polish.

The confusion most people run into when dealing with other company's products is their version of a polish is usually some type of compound.

If you haven't read the 5 Step Paint Care Cycle, maybe give it a read as it touches on all the questions your raise.

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle


At some point you'll decide who to go with, either Meguiar's and our G110 or someone else's something else, and then you'll need pads and products. After you make your choice of who to go with, we'll be here to answer your specific questions on our products or theirs.