I've waited until I got the hang of using my PC and learning to use it "properly" before I allowed myself to order some of the more aggressive products. I already have the backing plate, the polishing pads and the finishing pad from the WDAV99 set that Meguairs sells. What I am looking to purchase now are products like #80 & #83.

I was wondering what the shelf life was like on these products? It seems crazy to spend $15 on a 32oz when you can get a gallon for $30. Also, I hear a lot of people who just jump straight to #83, even though the rules say start from least aggressive and work your way up. Well when I read through all these posts I always hear #83 and #80, never hear people using #82. Should I purchase #82 or just get #83?

- Chris

 

Chris,

First of all, that "rule" is often mis-stated. The rule should read "Start by using the least abrasive product to get the job done".

It makes no sense to start to go after spider web marks/swirls/stains with a light abrasive product, when those imperfections need a product with the cut of #80, #83, or even higher up on the scale to start the removal/minimization process. Of course, it takes some practice, attention, and common sense to make the right choices.

With that said, it has been my experience over many years, that most vehicles (even fairly well maintained), require at least a moderately abrasive product/pad/speed combination to start with (at least with a PC).

Now, with that said, if Meguiar's products are your products of choice, I would get both the #83 and #80.

Before you start, check the paint carefully...

If the swirls are "extremely" noticeable, I would start with the #83 and a polishing pad. (or light cutting pad)

If the swirls are somewhat noticeable, I would start with the #80 and a polishing pad.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Process:

Work one section completely, and wipe the area clean with a 50/50 mix of alcohol and distilled water. Check the area VERY carefully...

If the swirls are gone after working the area completely, you've probably have picked a product/pad combination that was too aggressive. This rarely happens... at least with a PC.

If you didn't even touch the swirls, you probably need to step up in aggressiveness. This could be product, pad, and speed or any combination of them. In the "bad" cases, you might need to step up to a different machine (rotary).

If the swirls are somewhat "less" noticeable, you've probably hit on the correct combo, and you need to work the area completely again with the same combo. Wipe the area, and check again...

If the swirls are significantly reduced at this point, I advise that you step "down" in aggressiveness to finish off/hide the remaining swirls. This could mean product, pad, speed, or any combination of them. I always step down in product only first (with a clean pad) and see how that works.

Think of it this way... you are not "removing" swirls. You are actually "removing" paint... to make the swirls disappear. You need to remove enough of the paint (without going crazy) to make that happen.

As for the amount of product to buy... Unless, you are doing a lot of vehicles, I would get the 32oz bottles. You really don't use that much product, and you should only need to use it 2-3 times a year max.

#82 is similar to #9. IMHO, it works better with a rotary.

Hope this helps.

 

Nice response Boss... I really enjoy reading your stuff...

 

Thanks RP! Likewise!

 

Thanks for the reponse Boss, those couple of paragraphs explained more then hundreds of posts and threads that I have read in the past.

I really appreciate it

- Chris

 

No problem Chris. Glad to have helped.

Let us know how it turns out.