rrobello

This weekend I got a last minute invite to roll up with Nestor and some guys from Stangpede for a detail day at Meguiars. Had a lot of fun and learned a good deal of new pointers and about some new products.
here is a link to the forum discussion on this day on the Meguiars site:
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...0&pagenumber=1
and here are the pics I took....
Full gallery:
http://surfnsocal.com/gallery/MeguiarsDetailDay8-12-06
some highlights:




How to Claybar:

taped off for comparison:

ScratchX by hand:

Using G100 and Speed Glaze #80:

Swipe test to know when wax is dry:

Using Cutpad and Microfiber Bonnet to remove wax:

Final inspection; top is before (nothing done), right side is Scratch X by hand, and left side is G100 and #80




another hood:


VID (G100 in action):
http://surfnsocal.com/vid/RRobello/U...%20removal.MOV

Hollywood_North GT

That's an interesting comparo there. Thanks.

Even though Zaino puts them ALL to shame.

Scothew

Very nice report. That'd be really cool to do

rrobello

that is your opinion

Bullitt995

Yeah right in astronomical price.

stangster

Matter of preference. For my money, I prefer Meguiars.

2005GTDELUXE

What car are you currently using Zaino on that makes you feel this way?

rrobello

its not even a matter of money, if Meguiars cost more Id still use it, it just is a much better product when used propperly.

Hollywood_North GT

Y'all think so, huh?

Let's put your theories to the test: Zaino vs. Meguiars

rrobello

I will gladly do a tape off test for you on a black car if you send me some Zaino, I am not gonna waste any money on it. on a black hood that hasnt been touched by anything in a long time, it has been sitting under a cover so it will be a fair test. I can even post up pics without saying which side is which and let viewers decide which is better before they know.

ultimately it comes down to personal preference though, ease, cost, results, what your purpose of use is and if you are happy with it, ect. but here in sunny socal where the sun beams down on the car all day long (mine being black) and shows any and all flaws, my personal favorite is a Meguiars process.

GhostTX

Ack! Do I see swirlies on the paint!?!?

IWantMyNewGT

Scratch X is amazing for removing fine scratches and swirl marks by hand (no buffer needed) without being too abrasive. I consider it and a California Duster the two essential items for keeping my ride looking nice between waxings (with Meguiar's NXT). Just my $.02. Your opinions may vary.

rrobello

yes thats why they were using that for a test subject, when done there were no more swirls on any of the car.

the other cobra hood was used to demonstrate how to remove hazing that was put in by trying to cut the paint to remove swirls, cutting pads work great for that but then leave a haze look.

nonsensez9

how do they apply the scratch-x. do they put a lot of pressure on the pad? circular motion or back and forth, and how fast? what kind of applicator? lastly, there appears to be a swirl or two remaining, is that an acceptable amount? thanks

rrobello

applied by hand

about 5-7lbs of pressure

circular or back and forth it doesnt matter, it is a diminishing abrassive so it wont scratch, they say that a combo of both is best, but I like to just go back and forth because it allows for more pressure

speed:about how fast you put on wax, doesnt need to be fast

applicator:


swirl marks: not acceptable by my standards, its up to you with what you are happy with, machine works better than applying by hand but then switch to #80 (or even #83 for more aggresiveness) instead of scratchx (intended for applying by hand only), this example was only a quick once over, a couple passes with the scratchx are normally required (depends on the hardness of the paint and how bad the swirls are) usually 3-5 (maybe more for deeper scratches); also this was also done in a classroom setting (first half of day) where time was limited and a lot was covered, after the first half of the day where the lessons are given then it is a free for all on your own cars where assistance and more tips are given and things are finished up on the demo cars, but I had to bounce for work.

nonsensez9

how was the #80 applied, rotary? what speed and how much pressure is used with that product? thanks again.

rrobello

it was applied with a G100A, dual action polisher (PC)....

http://meguiars.com/?pro-car-detaili...ction-Polisher

set to speed 5; use 5 to apply all compounds and polishes with foam polishing pads, use 2 to apply wax with a finishing pad and use 5 again to remove wax (if removing by machine) by using a cutting pad with a microfiber bonnet over it

the machine alone applies about 5 lbs of pressure, so very little is needed to be added a total of about 8lbs should do, but the nice thing with the PC is it is moron proof pretty much, it wont burn the paint or cut too hard on sharp corners or edges like a rotary will if you dont know what you are doing and do it wrong.