M205 to replace my M80?

[CharlesW]

After doing some searching, I still don't know for sure what Meguiar's had in mind with the M205.
Does/would/should it replace my M80 for relatively minor paint correction?
I use M80 when I feel something is called for that is a little more aggressive than M09 or M82 and I don't want to move up to M83.
It would be used with a PC and polishing pads.
From what I am reading, it seems like it should be ideal for that purpose.

If that is the case, is it enough better that it is worth buying the M205 even though I probably have at least 20 oz. of M80 on hand?

[Kickin Griffin]

Re: M205 to replace my M80?

I've been recently playing around with M205 .. and its an excellent product for sure, capable of light to moderate correction depending on the paint and finishes down beautifully. A really lovely product.

But you know... I have a gallon of #80 in my unit, and it also is capable of light to moderate correction and finishes down beautifully. When comparing the two I noted that perhaps M205 finished down slightly sharper on softer paint types and perhaps it was a little easier in use, but in my personal opinion if you already have M80 I would use that until it runs out and then go for M205 - waste not want not, and M80 is a superb product which is serving its purpose very well for you. On a purely practical level, I dont think you'd be missing out without M205.

However, if you enjoy trying out new products then M205 is certainly an absolute cracker, so if you cant wait for the M80 to run out then it wont disappoint you - but I dont think you need it to replace the M80 you already have.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: M205 to replace my M80?

Somewhere this question has already come up and discussed, might be in the thread for M205 in the forum for new products for 2009

Maybe read through that thread and see if it's there and if it answers your question?

M80 has a strong following and a single product doesn't tend to ALWAYS work best on ALL paint systems, this is why it's good to have a good at a minimum a few products in your arsenal so you have the ability to test different products to see which product will work best for the paint system you're working on.

Old oxidized single stage paints really like the cleaning action and rich content of polishing oils in M80 so it should continue to be popular for polishing older single stage paints.

Recently I buffed this 1938 Packard out, it was mostly clear coated except the doors were antique, single stage lacquer. I used M105 on the cleared panels to remove defects, M80 on the doors to remove oxidation and defects and then M205 over everything for the "Finishing Polish", followed by M21 for a finishing wax.

So in some cases, a person could conceivably use both M205 and M80 on one car.

[Black Bart]

Re: M205 to replace my M80?

MIKE nice job I love the old Packard.
I owned a couple of Packards years ago they were a great car.
And long live M80 I would be lost without it.

I believe you are correct the M80 post was in the 205 thread.
I currently own some single stage painted cars and M80 is the best thing I have ever used on them

[CharlesW]

Re: M205 to replace my M80?

As I said earlier, I had done some searching, but not nearly enough.
After reading the 139 posts in the M205 thread mentioned, I did find a lot of information.

All the information is good to have, but Kickin Griffin pretty well answered my question in one post.

One of the things I have always liked about M80 is that you really have to work at it to mess it up. That is particularly important to me when working on a friends vehicle. M80 and a PC with a polishing pad will eventually take care of about anything I should be tackling in the first place.

Thanks for the suggestions and a special thanks to Kickin Griffin. (I'm going to finish my M80 before I worry about M205 )

[Kevin Brown]

Re: M205 to replace my M80?

Great job on the car, Mike.

I really like the hood reflection in this pic:

Flat as a pancake reflection!