PI-III MG versus FP

C

ChadO

New member
Based on many recommendations from forum members, I was preparing an order for many items, including PI-III MG. There were some things I needed from CMA, so I decided to call them to see if they had PI-III MG in-stock (it wasn't on their website). They didn't have it in stock, but he told me that FP would be a better choice to *remove* the very minor swirl marks I have in my finish. I was under the impression that PI-III MG was non-filling and thus actually *removed* the swirls instead of filling them? CMA told me that the swirls would simply reappear.



I've spent the past hour or so reading countless threads on abrasiveness and every polish known to detailers, and every one seems to indicate that PI-III MG actually removes the swirls. Is this correct?



I have a fairly new vehicle, and I'm just wanting the least abrasive polish that will remove the swirls in preparation for AIO and SG. Should I go with PI-III MG or FP? I will be applying with a PC7336SP.



Thanks!
 
On my Caddy I used FP followed by PI III MG with the PC 7424. I wasn't too pleased with FP's abilty to remove swirls when I tested it on another car beforehand so I used the FP on the Caddy to try to get rid of some of it. I had bought the PI III MG afterwards based on the same positive reviews you read. After completely detailing the car with the FP, MG and GEPC, AIO and SG I see no swirls.



If I were to buy again I would buy all of these products except the Menzerna IP and FP. They just don't do anything for me. I also had to use alcohol to remove the haze they produced. I am please with the PI III MG and I would buy again. I also got it locally so I avoided s&h charges. :)
 
Thanks Bill. Your experience reiterates what others have seemed to experience as well. So far I'm leaning towards my original plan of just getting the PI-III MG.
 
You won't be disappointed. More and more 3m products seem to be finding a home in my garage. :)
 
New Lexus SC430, swirls from dealer's "Swirl mark and scratch application department", I used 3M PIII-MG then followed with Menzerna FP on a grey pad to let only the polish work, not the pad.



Came out great! See my sig below and judge for yourself!



3M PIII-MG is more polish than glaze. It removes swirls that are light very well. Follow with a finer glaze such as Megs #3 or Menzerna FP or other fine glaze. If you are going to wax, the 3M PIII-FG has carnuba in it and does a great job!



Regards,

Deanski
 
Deanski, your SC430 looks incredible indeed, but I'm curious as to why I'd want to use MG and FP and not just MG or FP? I read that FP contains no glaze/oils/etc., so wouldn't I just remove whatever work the MG did before the FP? I'm not at all questioning you, I'm just curious.



I bought some FP in addition to the MG; might as well "play" with each to see which works best. This newfound interest of mine is getting expensive! ;)
 
ChadO- Not sure why CMA told you what they did. *I* find PI-III to be just what the label says: "NON FILLING". It is a mild abrasive that will REMOVE fine swirls.



For that matter I don't know why 3M calls it a "glaze" :nixweiss .



ONLY problem is that some people get a tough to remove residue. Have some MF's and some Final Inspection on hand.
 
Anyone have any good tips to avoid the residue that comes with MG.



Also, are the abrasives in MG "diminishing" like they are in 3m SMR where they start course and then gradually get smaller the more you work it?
 
hubris63,



In my experience, MG seems to be very easy to work with, and usually doesn't have a residue problem. Sometimes, though, it leaves a cloudiness behind that is just stubborn polish residue . . . I haven't decided if it's weather dependent, or if the polish just reacts a little differently on different paint finishes. Regardless, as Accumulator said, MF and some quick detailer such as Final Inspection usually takes care of it. Lately, I've also been experimenting with Hi-Temp's Prep-Solv, with makes short work of the residue and removes any remaining carrier oils on the paint, leaving it ready for sealant (replacing a Dawn wash or alcohol wipedown).



And yes, I'm pretty sure MG uses diminishing abrasives. I can't say with 100% certainty, but given that it actually removes swirls and leaves a very nice final gloss, I'd venture that the abrasives are breaking down.



Tort
 
2 tips for removing 3M PI-IIIMG residue.



1) "Work" the PI-III enough to where there is very little residue. If you're getting a significant amount of residue then you may be using too much product or not be working the PC long enough.



2) I use Meg's FI. I sit a bottle and a MF close by and it will come right off.



I'm not certain as to the abrasives "diminishing" with PI-III. It does produce a pretty fine finish. My "guess" is it does not. :nixweiss



Russ
 
*IMO* if the abrasives are diminishing, they do it quite readily. *I* don't think it's any big deal you need to worry about. Not like DACP, at least. If you work it as long as you should most any polish, it won't be an issue. I've wiped it on/off by hand, with little working of the product, and it didn't leave any marring that *I* noticed.



*I* get the residue most often when I'm cutting through existing protection, like layers of SG. If you REALLY get it, AIO takes it RIGHT off, better than anything else I've tried (and I've tried a LOT of different products for this).



Sorry about all the "*I*"/"*IMO*" disclaimers, but experiences seem to vary.
 
I use a damp MF towel followed by a dry MF towel to buff the 3M PI-III MG off. Works for me every time and lets a very "wet" looking finish.
 
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