M85 for paints that are too hard for Ult Compound?

[Don]

I posted earlier (somewhere) asking if I should go to microfiber pads or a more aggressive compound for hard paints like the Ford F150 I just compounded. The greater majority said to use a more aggressive product to increase the aggressiveness of my process when dealing with hard paint and recommended M101.



My issue is that M101 is only available on the internet and is a touch expensive, but I can get M85 locally and it's a lot less expensive than the M101. I THINK the M85 is DAT, but other than that, what would be the difference between the two?



Could someone help me out before I get another swirled out-scratched mess with hard paint like I just had

[Eldorado2k]

Re: M85 for paints that are too hard for Ult Compound?

You're planning to use a rotary on that truck?

[davey g-force]

Re: M85 for paints that are too hard for Ult Compound?

I'm pretty sure M85 has about the same, or slightly less cut than UC (all things being equal).

M85 is DAT, and as Eldorado eluded to, it is not suitable for use with a DA (rotary only). Whereas UC is SMAT and can be used with either DA or rotary.

[Don]

Re: M85 for paints that are too hard for Ult Compound?

You're planning to use a rotary on that truck?

Not at all, I'm not that big into rotaries. I was just trying to find a compound more aggressive than Ult Compound, in case I get another vehicle with really hard clear like the truck has, but not as expensive as a full sized bottle of M101. I found on ADS that they sell a half-bottle for ~$25 which I might try once I get another detailing job.

[greg0303]

Re: M85 for paints that are too hard for Ult Compound?

On modern clear coats it's better to use modern SMAT products:M100, M101, M105. If extra cut needed with DA polishers, microfiber discs are always helpful, there are microfiber Xtra cut discs (DMX5/6) available as well.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: M85 for paints that are too hard for Ult Compound?

This is what I just posted in that other thread of yours, Don:

If a burgundy foam disc and Ultimate Compound are not up to the task, then moving to the DAMF System is the next logical choice. Quite often in our Saturday Classes we do a side by side with foam and the Ultimate Trio side by side with the DAMF System and compare the results. On extremely hard paint, paint with really severe defects, really neglected paint (like a car from the early 2000s that has had virtually nothing done to it since new) we see better performance from the DAMF System. And that performance isn't just in regards to how fast it removes defects, but also the amount of clarity it brings back to older, neglected paints. Now, that doesn't mean everyone should dump their foam discs and UC, far from it. On paint that is swirled but otherwise "healthy", or on really soft and touch sensitive paints, foam and the Ultimate Trio are often a better choice simply because they don't need the extra aggressiveness of the DAMF System. Remember the credo - use the least aggressive method to get the job done.

In those situations where even D300/DMC5 won't cut it (no pun intended - honestly!!!) then stepping up to M100 and the Xtra Cut microfiber disc will obliterate all kinds of nasty defects, even on really hard paint.

Since you specifically asked about M85 here, though, I'll add this: don't do it. M85 is a rotary only compound and you won't be able to sufficiently break down the abrasives with a DA. Go with either D300 on the microfiber pads, or step up to M100.