Debating on m205 or Optimum Finish Polish

S

SoFreshSoCean

New member
Ok I was thinking of getting the new optimum final finish but I've seen some people use M105 then m205 then LSP. Which product do you guys prefer to use as a finishing polish? I am gonna detail my moms 2001 pathfinder for mothers day present and would like to know which product would be better. The car is always parked out side and the color is beige. I want to make the car look descent. I am gonna use PC 7424 and I currently have Optimum compound II, Optimum polish II, Optimum poli-seal, Meguiars clay bar, Meguiars Ultimate Compound, Megs NXT 2.0 wax, mothers glaze/sealant 2, mothers carnuba wax 3, and collinite 845. I also have couple 5.5 orange, white pads and 4 inch pads as well.



This is my second time detailing a car so I am no expert and still learning. From my first detail the meguiars utimate compound worked better than the optimum compound on my purple 96 integra. Does the utimate compound have more cut than the optimum compound? Which one should I use I'm kinda stuck. Is it worth getting the M205 then LSP or get the Optimum finish polish or stick with what I have. Any suggesions would help. If you guys have any suggestions on on the steps I have please feel free to chime.



1. Wash

2. Clay

3. Wash

4. Megs Ultimate Compound or Optimum Compound

5. Megs 205 or OP II

6. Mothers glaze sealant 2

7. Collinite 845
 
To be honest, I've gotten great results with Optimum Polish II alone. -never really felt the need to buy Optimum Final Polish.
 
Ic, how does the m205 compare to optimum polish, Menzerna PO85RD. Are the difference really that noticeable. I'm looking for polish that would take care of most of the scratches/swirl marks.
 
You will probably need #205 or Optimum Polish II to remove any hazing or swirls #105 leaves. OF is a great finishing polish but that is what it is, a finishing polish. Not much cut but it really amps up the gloss and clarity of the finish.
 
Scottwax said:
You will probably need #205 or Optimum Polish II to remove any hazing or swirls #105 leaves. OF is a great finishing polish but that is what it is, a finishing polish. Not much cut but it really amps up the gloss and clarity of the finish.
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Scottwax is right. PO85RD has a limited amount of cut. It is like a product to finish up with before your LSP. 205 has more cut than PO85RD.
 
Scottwax said:
You will probably need #205 or Optimum Polish II to remove any hazing or swirls #105 leaves. OF is a great finishing polish but that is what it is, a finishing polish. Not much cut but it really amps up the gloss and clarity of the finish.
Click to expand...



Is 205 and Optimum polish pretty much in the same catagory? Which one gives a better shine/finish...I've heard alot of good things about 205 on a pc.
 
SoFreshSoClean said:
Is 205 and Optimum polish pretty much in the same catagory? Which one gives a better shine/finish...I've heard alot of good things about 205 on a pc.
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#205 has a touch more cut, OP II has a longer working time and seems to finish a little better. Can't go wrong with either. Or both. Can't ever have too many polishes on hand.
 
Since this is your second time or have limited skills with detailing a finish (hey, we all had to start somewhere), I'd stay on the Meguiars line as it's easy to purchase/locate locally, and the product does do very well for all people skilled or limited skill. No need to look for other polishes right now.



A good selection of pads is also needed so you can go from cut to polish quickly without having to wash and rinse pads. It's also a good idea to mark the pads which polish you use on it. This prevents cross polish contamination.



Just don't freek if things take a bit longer as it may. If you take the time, you'll learn quicker on which pad/polish combo does what and with whichever result.



Also, have fun by doing this! It takes time to gain not only experience but confidence as well. Enjoy the results when you look at the finish afterwards. This is what brings us to our pleasure, the end result of a beautiful finish.



If you have the time, post some pics, but don't try to please us, do what you have to do first.





Regards,

Deanski
 
One polish the also gets overlooked is good old Megs DACP. It cleans and polishes quite well. It works well with a PC, which is one thing you have to think about when choosing a polish. Some polishes are made to work best with a rotary and do not work as well with a PC.



Look at other sites that have tips as well. Here's one that may help in pad choice.



Detailer's Library



Deanski
 
Dean-I find that #83 works best via a DA buffer. Does more correction with a rotary for sure but the finish via PC is so much better. Others have had the opposite results, go figure. :lol
 
Scottwax said:
Dean-I find that #83 works best via a DA buffer. Does more correction with a rotary for sure but the finish via PC is so much better. Others have had the opposite results, go figure. :lol
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That is odd. maybe it's the way it reacts to the heat/friction via rotary when breaking it down.



That's why I steer people to DACP for a good all around polish when they start with a PC.



Hey, some of us remember your DACP by hand days!!:bigups



Deanski
 
What do you guys think about the optimum poliseal? Can I use Compound then opti seal. I was reading it was a light swirl remover/final polish and wax at the same time. Can I go from compound to poli seal or I have to use optimum polish in between.



Is there a cure time for collinite 845? I have the small meguiars yellow foam applicator pads. Should I also use mothers glaze/sealant 2 before applying 845 for more protection since its always parked outside...
 
Scott?:think:



I'm sure Scott can answer you on this as he has quite a bit of knowledge on Optimum products.



I'd still look into starting with Megs, and look further into different polishes and LSP's later.



No need to spend big $$ on products you may or may not use and may not be even what you're looking for.



Keep your stock of polishes/LSP small so they rotate out often. Far too often I find first time users buying way too many polishes and LSP's only to throw them out or giving them away.



Think small now, grow later!



Deanski
 
SoFreshSoClean said:
What do you guys think about the optimum poliseal? Can I use Compound then opti seal. I was reading it was a light swirl remover/final polish and wax at the same time. Can I go from compound to poli seal or I have to use optimum polish in between.



Is there a cure time for collinite 845? I have the small meguiars yellow foam applicator pads. Should I also use mothers glaze/sealant 2 before applying 845 for more protection since its always parked outside...
Click to expand...



I wanna bump this for an answer :thx
 
Scottwax said:
You will probably need #205 or Optimum Polish II to remove any hazing or swirls #105 leaves. OF is a great finishing polish but that is what it is, a finishing polish. Not much cut but it really amps up the gloss and clarity of the finish.
Click to expand...



Getting the nod from Scottwax, it's gotta be good stuff. Now I'm anxious to give it a try, as I just got a sample of Optimum Finish Polish from a fellow Autopian. Maybe on the neighbor's car he leaves in the driveway at night...
 
SoFreshSoClean said:
Is there a cure time for collinite 845? I have the small meguiars yellow foam applicator pads.
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If you ask Collinite how long you should wait (after removal) before you apply a second coat, they will tell you 30-60 minutes.



Should I also use mothers glaze/sealant 2 before applying 845 for more protection since its always parked outside...
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Mother's ain't going to give you more or better protection than Collinite. Go with 845 (2x).
 
SoFreshSoClean said:
What do you guys think about the optimum poliseal? Can I use Compound then opti seal. I was reading it was a light swirl remover/final polish and wax at the same time. Can I go from compound to poli seal or I have to use optimum polish in between.
Click to expand...



Poli-Seal is a great final polish + sealant. Does decent correction with a DA and an orange cutting pad and still leaves an excellent finish. You can follow the compound/polishing pad with Opti-Seal on hard paints. On softer paints you may have to use a finishing polish prior to OS.
 
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