Relative abrasiveness of 3M SMR, cleaner wax, and FCRC

[imported_BretFraz]

Many polishes are "ranked" by the scratches from a particular grit of sandpaper they remove. So "Super Duty Rubbing Compound = 1000" prolly means it's designed to take out 1000 grit scratches. It would be nice to get a clarification on this, however.



It would also be nice for everyone to post accurate and verifiable information if they are directly quoting the mfr. If you are offering your opinion or interpretation of information, make 100% sure you state that clearly in your post. Things get confusing when posters "quote" the mfr when they may be stating their opinion which may or may not include mfr-supplied info.



I see no logical or sensible reason to doubt what the mfr says about their products. If you are not clear then ask them; also tell them you will post their comments on a public message board. This puts everything on the table.



I am guilty of using "personal" information in a public arena and am striving to be more upfront about what I communicate in public if its from a "personal" source. I heartily encourage all of you to follow a similar direction. It only helps to ensure everyone is reading the same info in the same manner.

 

[imported_Intermezzo]

Brian:



Thanks for the info. BTW, I got my response from 3M regarding FI-2 and whether or not it truly contained little-to-no oils/fillers (thus being the perfect pre-wax cleaner for SG/Zaino) and all they did was fax me a MSDS for the product. It's not exactly the answer I was looking for and it doesn't really answer my question, but if anyone wants it, let me know and I'll e-mail it in PDF form.

I think the original post might have been deleted but I just got an e-mail from 3M regarding FI-2 and the amount of oils/fillers it contains:



"Tony,

Thank you for contacting 3M.



We appreciate your interest in our products. The polishing oils used in

our products are designed to be easily removed with a buffer or detailing

wipe, this is to ensure that we are not hiding any scratches, but removing

them. The amount of oil that is left behind depends on you level of

removal time you spent with the buffer or a detailing wipe. Getting up 100%

of the oil still may need a washing step to do this. We have found that

with our finishing glaze we are able to give good durability because it is

able to attach to the paint after using our glazes without a washing step

in between. ("Does anyone understand what he means here???") I can not speak for the paint sealants you are referring to

since I don't know the chemical make-up and curing mechanism. But we are

always concerned about leaving behind as little residue as possible. I

think you method of feeling the surface of the paint afterwards is a good

indication of this.



Regards,



Lowell Holland

3M Automotive Aftermarket Division"

 

[shaf]

...We have found that

with our finishing glaze we are able to give good durability because it is

able to attach to the paint after using our glazes without a washing step

in between. ("Does anyone understand what he means here???")

Boy that's a vague statement if I ever heard one... I think maybe he got mixed up and we should substitute the second "glazes" with the word "polish". That is, he means the glazes last a long time when applied after using polish without washing in between. He was talking about how little oil the product leaves behind (and FI-2 isn't a "glaze") so I think this follows.