#40

[2000]

I read a thread on autopia about dressings and it was brought up that #40 is really more of a cleaner than a dressing. now I know that #40 has cleaners in it, but is this statment to far in the other direction? because it has cleaners in it is it not as good to use alot as say a pure dressing? (using the philosophy that you should always use the least aggressive product?)

[Mike Phillips]

What you read was an opinion, and wrong. That's the problem with Autopia and other forums like it. Too many Anonymous Keyboard Detailing Experts posting misinformation all day long as though its gospel truth and nobody on these forums calling them on it. Sad.


M-40 Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner & Conditioner is a conditioning protectant with some chemical cleaners in it.

It is not a vinyl cleaner, with some condition and protecting ingredients in it.

The purpose for the cleaners is to remove any dirt or contaminant from the surface being treated so that they are not sealed, or trapped in by the protectants. Many people do not want to do a two step process when cleaning, conditioning and protecting their car's vinyl, for these people, it is best if they use a product that also offers some cleaning ability.

M-40 has been around a long time and is a superior product in this product category.

If a person wants a dedicated cleaner, Meguiar's offers that too, this would be the M-39 Vinyl Cleaner. It contains no conditioning or protecting ingredients whatsoever. It is also body shop safe.

Hope this helps...

Mike

[Bill D]

Is #40 Meguiar's answer to 303, Armor All, Vinylex. etc? In other words is it a white,water based dressing?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Bill D
Is #40 Meguiar's answer to 303, Armor All, Vinylex. etc? In other words is it a white, water based dressing?

These product are all intended for use on vinyl, I don't know the chemical composition of the competitors product, or our own.


Mike

[2000]

as always your words helped me greatly! I've used #40 and have yet to find an equal! (I just wish it had a different sent, but even that has grown on me) I know to take alot of that stuff with a grain of salt, thats why I asked here. but it did get me to thinking about if the cleaner removes something from the dressing side of it and if the cleaners that are in it (small as they may be) are hard for a dash over time. as I said I love #40 and I use #39 on the bad spots when needed. thanks for the help.

[Bill D]

Ok, simply put, does #40 look like Armor All? Can you describe it for me or take a pic of it in a cup? Much appreciated. Thanks!

[Superior Shine]

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH #40

The only problem with #40 is that it only comes in gallon sizes!! I buy two cases at a time (8 gallons).

I guess it would be cheaper if it came in 5 gallon containers.

[Bill D]

Superior Shine,


Can you describe it? What does it look like? It also comes in much smaller spray bottle sizes.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Bill D
Ok, simply put, does #40 look like Armor All? Can you describe it for me or take a pic of it in a cup? Much appreciated. Thanks!

It's a thin, white liquid.

Mike

[Superior Shine]

Thin white liquid sums it up.

It also has a leathery/new car kind of smell to it. It can be sprayed or wiped on heavy then allowed to dry for a shiner look or wipe it on dryer and buff it with a dry rag for a more satin sheen.

I also put a dab behind each ear before a "night out" for that manly leather/tough guy smell.

[jfelbab]

I've been a fan of #40 for years and here is why. Check out the trim on this 91 daily driver. #40 works.

[Superior Shine]

Looks good but I would recommend #38 for that trim. It will hold up better then #40 when subjected to rain and car washing.

[Beercan31]

If you want to compare #40 to Armor-All Don't.
The only thing they have in common is the color.
They do not smell or act the same in cleaning or protecting.
I have used both as a Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner & Conditioner, Armor-All washes off in a rain will also streaks down the finish when it does. I have found that #40 does not do this.

What I have found is that #40 will need to be applied several times before the vinyl or Rubber stops absorbing the protectant oils.
What I do is spray #40 on to an old Microfiber in till it is wet and use it as a wipe...Not a spray.

Bill D I have not used 303 so I can not compare #40 with this product.

[Bill D]

I guess the best way I can describe 303 is like a very fine version of Armor All

[Beercan31]

Bill D

We live close enough if you like to try out #40 I will run down your way and give you a sample to try out so you can compare the two.

Personaly I think #40 is the best I have tried. (yet)