Is #34 available OTC?

B

BMW335i

New member
If it is, what would be better for the occasional bird bomb, water spot, quick detail...FK 425 or #34? Take in consideration lubricity and protection. Thanks.



Oh yeah, I just came in from cleaning a bird bomb with ONR QD concentration. It worked well, but I am wondering if there is better.
 
Yes #34 is available OTC. I use #34 a lot, that was before I learned that it was more of a cleaner than a QD. I use #34 for wiping down the paint after dusting with my CCD, also I use it when using the my clay bar.
 
#34 is available OTC at autobody/paint supply places. I've done a lot of birdbombs with it over the years, but FK425 has its advantages. For most applications I'd prefer the added lubricity of the FK 425 and the way it leaves more stuff behind, really enhancing things.



I really only use #34 for removing polish residues when buffing, and on fresh repaints. Otherwise I reach for stuff like the FK425.
 
I've seen it OTC at NAPA and at a Paint and Body Supply.



I use it alot. Meguiar's pitches it as a product to help evaluate paint condition and repairs..
 
BigJimZ28 said:
what? could you explain this to me as I thought a QD is a cleaner
Click to expand...

Well maybe I read it wrong somewhere but...my understanding was that #34 was strictly a cleaner and didnt give any protection of any kind vs. other qd's.:think:
 
I don't know if you have these chain stores in your area, but I just picked up a bottle of #34 at a Murray's Discount Auto Parts store near where I live (Chicagoland area). I think it was $5.99 regular price.
 
Monte78Carlo2k1 said:
Well maybe I read it wrong somewhere but...my understanding was that #34 was strictly a cleaner and didnt give any protection of any kind vs. other qd's.:think:
Click to expand...



maybe I am wrong and I know the lines are fuzzy but I think a QD is more about cleaning

then protection



and the all do a different degree of both

maybe someone has a better answer for us?
 
BMW335i, the funny thing is that I bought my bottle at the BMW dealership. But I think they stopped carrying it in the past year.
 
Monte78Carlo2k1 said:
Well maybe I read it wrong somewhere but...my understanding was that #34 was strictly a cleaner and didnt give any protection of any kind vs. other qd's.:think:
Click to expand...



You're correct. #34 does leave a *tiny little bit* of something behind, but it's not much and it's sure not in the same range as what FK425 or Griot's SpeedShine leave behind. Those two really leave some protection- if you use them on a birdbomb or otherwise have adjacent areas that were treated/not with them, you'll see the difference after a rain.
 
Accumulator said:
You're correct. #34 does leave a *tiny little bit* of something behind, but it's not much and it's sure not in the same range as what FK425 or Griot's SpeedShine leave behind. Those two really leave some protection- if you use them on a birdbomb or otherwise have adjacent areas that were treated/not with them, you'll see the difference after a rain.
Click to expand...



I thought #34 was good for spritzing while polishing to keep things a little wet, is this wrong?



Changeling
 
Accumulator said:
You're correct. #34 does leave a *tiny little bit* of something behind, but it's not much and it's sure not in the same range as what FK425 or Griot's SpeedShine leave behind. Those two really leave some protection- if you use them on a birdbomb or otherwise have adjacent areas that were treated/not with them, you'll see the difference after a rain.
Click to expand...



Maybe I'm missing something, but if #34 doesn't leave anything behind, and it's basically a lubricant/cleaner for use while polishing, then why wouldn't a "mild solution" of Dawn/Simple Green/Etc, do just as well?

These type of detailing products to me are the hardest to really understand for there existence, unless they impart some benefit, other than lubrication.:spit:

Changeling



PS. What is FK425?
 
I just picked up a gallon of #34 last night from O'Reilly Auto parts for $23. They had to order it. It took 2 days but no shipping costs.
 
Changeling said:
I thought #34 was good for spritzing while polishing to keep things a little wet, is this wrong?
Click to expand...



Not wrong at all, it's good for that.



Maybe I'm missing something, but if #34 doesn't leave anything behind, and it's basically a lubricant/cleaner for use while polishing, then why wouldn't a "mild solution" of Dawn/Simple Green/Etc, do just as well?

These type of detailing products to me are the hardest to really understand for there existence, unless they impart some benefit, other than lubrication.
Click to expand...



The lubricity is a *huge* part of why I like products like #34. And it doesn't require rinsing; any residue that it might leave on the surface won't cause any problems. And it's not harshly alkaline.



What is FK425?
Click to expand...



It's a QD from FinishKare1 that leaves a lot of [whatever it is] behind. Anti-static, slickness enhancing, gloss improving...it's very good stuff.
 
#34 is a excellent QD for in-between layers. FK 425 is also an excellent QD that leaves a nice slick gloss and cleans pretty well. Both have awesome scents.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top