Question on MF system.

[woblynne]

Hi all, I will be having a career change in a couple of weeks. I've secured a dream job as Detailer/Valeter for a local independant Mercedes garage who specialise in SL's (maily 1970's-1980's).

I have been given a lot of freedom regarding products etc and am very interested in the new MF system due to the great results posted on here and level of correction that can be achieved (I have no rotary experience so this is a plus).

My question is: If I were to use the 2 stage MF system, would there be anything to gain by laying down a coat of pure polish on top of the D300/301 combo and then sealing it with a wax?

I will be preping newly purchased cars for the showroom and freshening up cars that have been on test drives.

Many thanks
Mark

[Shawn T.]

Re: Question on MF system.

D300 is the compound and D301 is the cleaner/wax.

The point of the system is that the traditional 3 step process of compounding, polishing and waxing is condensed into 2 steps thereby saving time and increasing production.

However, I must ask, what is the goal of the garage you will be working for? Show car quality or simple, quick restoration?

If the shop is shooting for show car quality then the Microfiber System may not be in your best interest. You may want to look at some of the other Mirror Glaze Line products to see what fits the ticket. But, if it is simple restoration then the Microfiber System would probably be your best bet.

[woblynne]

Re: Question on MF system.

Thanks for the quick reply!!

The cars will need to be worked to showroom standard, not concours or show car. I figured that since I don't have any experience with a rotory (my new boss is aware of this) that I will get the best results with this system?

I have my own DA and use it with 83/80 and UC on single stage paint but these cars will all be Mercs and most (if not all) will be clearcoat paint so I thought that the slightly greater cut of the MF system would come in handy.

Thanks
Mark

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Question on MF system.

The DA Microfiber System is perfect for this application - it's sort of what it was designed for. As you said, from a routine dealer prep perspective you are not going after a full concours prep here, nor would most customers be willing to pay for the time needed to do so. What they do want is a new car presented to them that is clean and free from defects - this is something a lot of dealerships struggle with, but the ones who get it right have a system in place to achieve that result quickly and efficiently. Enter the DA Microfiber System. As you suspect, it will allow you to achieve near rotary level correction without the learning curve of a rotary, and without the inherent dangers associated with rotary use in the hands of a novice.

But since time is so critical in the environment of a dealer prep department we'd suggest just staying with the two step of the system on the vast majority of cars you prep. Now, if the dealer wishes to offer a higher end prep, or a detailing center for their customers when a car is brought in for service (either way, it's an additional cost to the customer and a new profit center for the dealer) then you most certainly can and should change up the program. Usually, however, that change up involved use of D300/cutting disc for initial correction, then M205/foam finishing pad for a higher level of refinement and gloss, and finally a quality wax or sealant to finish it all off.

While it's great that your new employer is willing to give you wide latitude to select products and processes, we can only imagine that the one thing they are not willing to give you is extended time to prep the vehicles. By using the two step process of the DA Microfiber System you will likely deliver a better finish in less time than the dealer has been providing up to now, which makes the dealer look better to its customers, and makes you look better to your new employer. Win-win.

[greg0303]

Re: Question on MF system.

You could certainly extend DA MF Correction System into 3 steps if needed: D300/ MF cutting disc / M205/ foam polishing or foam finishing pad / finishing wax M21, M26 etc.

You'll be very pleased with initial cut produced by D300 and microfiber cutting discs. If speed is needed stay with 2-step D300/ D301 combo.

[woblynne]

Re: Question on MF system.

Thanks again, as it is a smaller family run independant garage (at present they sell approx 2-3 cars a week and service about 3-8 but will be looking to expand) its not as much of a pressure cooker environment. I have been told that I can take about 2 days per car if needed this will depend a lot on the condition of the cars he is buying in (the newest will likely be 15-20 years old) so plent of scope for prior abuse!!


I'm looking for a system that can get me great results and save me time if needed. As stated above, I can expand/improve on the system once I have my feet under the table so to speak and have a feel for the speed/quality he is expecting.

I think that the MF system will shortly be part of my arsenal

Many thanks for the quick and informative replies

Mark

[greg0303]

Re: Question on MF system.

Mark, DA Microfiber Correction System was designed for original/ factory paints and it performs best on those paints. If you decide to take it outside Meguiar's recommended zone (re-sprayed) perform a test spot(s) first to make sure the results meet your needs/ expectations.

If paint is on delicate side or just mild defects are present a one-step application of D301 Finishing Wax with microfiber finishing disc may be all it's needed to complete a job.