Meguiars M205 vs D301

[Shogun88888888]

Couldn't find it by searching.

All things being equal which is more aggressive or has more abraiding power?

M205 or D301

[Marc Hufnagel]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

Pretty sure D301 is just a wax and 205 is a very fine finishing polish.

[Shogun88888888]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

Thanks Hellspawn


I thought D301 has some cutting ability as well but not sure how much. At least compared to M201. I've heard others using M205 in place of D301.

Just want to be certain.

I'm using D300 followed by D301 but but thought M205 might be good if D301 isn't finishing the D300 enough.

If D301 is just a wax I may skip it to get a finer finish
Following up with Meguiars synthetic sesealant

still undecided, the fun begins Sunday

[Detail Werks]

301 definitely has the ability to polish, and does contain wax. using 205 is always a good option if 301 is not producing enough clarity. I often use 205 with either the black or yellow pad on my G110V2 for a finish polish.

[Shogun88888888]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

So M205 can give me more cut than D301 but still polish down ready for wax? Correct?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

D300/D301 and the associated microfiber pads were all developed as a two step system, but for high volume reconditioning facilities rather than high level detailing. With that said, it is very common for people to use the cutting power of D300 on a microfiber cutting pad to do the major corrective work, then step away from the microfiber system and use M205 on a foam finishing pad before applying their favorite wax or sealant. By doing this they maximize the gloss and still use their fave wax/sealant, regardless whether it's a fave due to looks, durability, or whatever.

As for any direct comparison between D301 and M205, remember that D301 is a finishing wax, so it does offer a small bit of cut although most of the cut achieved by D301 on a microfiber finishing pad is due to the pad, not the D301. M205, on the other hand, is a finishing polish so it offers more cut in and of itself than D301. But it's also more versatile than D301; on a foam finishing pad at slow speeds on a DA and certainly on a rotary it can leave an incredibly glossy finish with a very high degree of clarity. It is commonly used this way after compounding to remove the heavier defects. On softer paints, or on paint that only has very light defects, it can be used as a single correction step with a foam polishing pad to enhance the cut. With the introduction of the Rupes Bigfoot DA buffers many are finding that M205, used with a microfiber pad, can offer a surprisingly high level of cut and leave a seriously nice finish at the same time.

As always in this game, which product (or pad, tool, etc) you choose for which step is going to depend on the paint and your goals.

[Shogun88888888]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

Thanks Michael

thats one heck of a reply

Very much appreciated

[jarred767]

That sounds like it could be a great combo Mike. I think I've seen a couple write-ups using this method and the cut and finish with the Rupes and 205 was amazing.

So much talk about the Rupes....how long will it take before I break down???

[Shogun88888888]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

That sounds like it could be a great combo Mike. I think I've seen a couple write-ups using this method and the cut and finish with the Rupes and 205 was amazing.

So much talk about the Rupes....how long will it take before I break down???

Probably as long as it takes to type a distributors name in your web browser and click "Buy Now"

[Shogun88888888]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

Just because I'm bored at work here. Think I will try the side by side comparison on Sunday, however, and I'm sure it's not recommended but I might try mixing M205 and D301 half and half and give it a whirl and see what happens. All on test spots of course. Seems like detailing can be fun and tedious and fun at the same time.

[jarred767]

Seems like detailing can be fun and tedious and fun at the same time.

+1

Trying new stuff and new combinations is one of my favorite parts I wish I had more time to try more stuff

[jarred767]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

I gave 205 and a cutting MF pad a shot today and got really nice results. It obviously didn't have the cut that 105 does, but it surprisingly had quite a bit of cut and was able to remove a ton of swirls while also finishing LSP ready. Oh, the amount of dust compared to 105 is absolutely amazing (there's none); I might just have to start using this combo more frequently on cars that don't require (or the customer doesn't care for) the cut 105.

If you've got the time and supplies, give it a shot.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

205, mf pad on a Rupes and D156 is the future of detailing.

[The Guz]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

That's good to hear. I need to try the mf pads. The GM paint is so hard on my 02 camaro.

[jarred767]

Re: Meguiars M205 vs D301

205, mf pad on a Rupes and D156 is the future of detailing.

How much does the Rupes improve the cut ability compared the same setup on a regular DA? I had mine going at speed 5 BTW.

And after spending the time polishing it up, why not put a higher quality wax than just a spray wax? Why not something like M26, M21, or something from the consumer line? What is it about D156 that makes it such a better option for you (besides the obvious time savings)?