What should I buy instead of Menzerna FMJ?

felthove said:
Hello All,



I have been using the Menzerna system (polishes, glaze, and FMJ) for the last 6 months and have been quite happy. In particular, I really like the slickness and gloss of the freshly applied FMJ. However, I find that it isn't quite as durable as I'd like. I always find myself reaching for my QD (been using Poorboys S&G and like it for the shine it gives) after I wash.



OTHER THAN ZAINO (I've heard enough about Zaino on all the boards), can you tell me something that provides a similar or greater level of slickness and gloss as FMJ, but with more longevity?



Again, my goal here is not to maximize durability, but to maximize shine and find the most durable high-shine product.



Also, if there is a QD that gives even more shine that S&G for a similar price I'd love to hear your opinion.



Thanks in advance!!
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Looks are up to the individual. Slickness can mean many different things as well as what

additives are in a certain product. I have tested the durability on a lot of products over the last year and a half. If your looking for durability Zaino is tops. With the addition of CS durability is now a snap. Nothing I have tested lasts as long as Zaino.
 
Is layering Collinite 845 over the FMJ out of the question, if not you can get about 5 months of beading and slickness from it.
 
3puttjay said:
Is layering Collinite 845 over the FMJ out of the question, if not you can get about 5 months of beading and slickness from it.
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I was going to suggest this myself. Good slickness, and it lasts longer than the FMJ (the slickness that is). The water beading will blow you away! I'm not sure that you need a 5 month sealer under a 5 month wax, but it can't hurt.



845 is easy to apply but not as easy as FMJ, which almost buffs off by itself.
 
Josh actually bought some Blackfire All Paint Protection today from CMA, it is supposed to be Blackfires version of FMJ, but Jon over at CMA says its better.



I forgot why cuz im tired right now, but we will see what Josh has to say about it after he uses it and tests it out.



Jim
 
Jon was telling us that basically they made this for people like us. Autopians. The basic formula is FMJ with some tweaks for better longevity and more depth. This is his thoughts not mine.
 
When I first came to this site, I was a huge FMJ advocate. It was by far the best product I ever used. Then, after reading all the hype about Zaino I decided to buy some and do a comparison test. Within a few days, I couldn't return my FMJ fast enough to CMA. Since then, I've applied Zaino to everybody's car I know and they all love it as well. Do yourself a favor and just give it a try. Try this winning combination Z-5..Z-6..Z-8. Not only will you get unbelievable durability, you get a super slick finish that is ridiculously easy to maintain. Moreover, it's really not that expensive because it lasts so long that you don't have to keep re-applying it all the time like FMJ. Check out the recent post by Scottwax regarding his review of Zaino. Check out the charcoal Lincoln pickup truck in his photos. He's not joking when he tells you that this is the look you can expect using Zaino. All he did was wash the truck and spray it with Z-8. How do I know? Because my truck looks just like this when I do the same!



Patrick
 
ptaylor_9849 said:
When I first came to this site, I was a huge FMJ advocate. It was by far the best product I ever used. Then, after reading all the hype about Zaino I decided to buy some and do a comparison test. Within a few days, I couldn't return my FMJ fast enough to CMA. Since then, I've applied Zaino to everybody's car I know and they all love it as well. Do yourself a favor and just give it a try. Try this winning combination Z-5..Z-6..Z-8. Not only will you get unbelievable durability, you get a super slick finish that is ridiculously easy to maintain. Moreover, it's really not that expensive because it lasts so long that you don't have to keep re-applying it all the time like FMJ. Check out the recent post by Scottwax regarding his review of Zaino. Check out the charcoal Lincoln pickup truck in his photos. He's not joking when he tells you that this is the look you can expect using Zaino. All he did was wash the truck and spray it with Z-8. How do I know? Because my truck looks just like this when I do the same!



Patrick
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I was the exact opposite...I only used Zaino until I found this site. Then I found FMJ, JW, and others and have not looked back. Have not used a Zaino product other than CS when it first came out since. That is why we like this stuff, it is all subjective.
 
joshtpa...so what would there be a need for the HGAS if you are going to use Optiseal? I am going to use IP, FPII, FMJ then Optiseal. Would there be a need for the HGAS and if so when would you use it?
 
I like to use HGAS after a wash if the car has FMJ on it. I think it brings back the shine. I use it the same way one would use a product like Z8. After a wash, it brings back the sealant very much.
 
so if I put Optiseal on after the FMJ would there be a point of spraying it with the HGAS after the next couple of washes or will the Optiseal hold up after the wash?
 
so then the HGAS would be a good use for that correct? also, how is that saeray treating you? i have been wanting my Dad to buy one for a while but he went with a 35' sailboat instead.
 
The HGAS does a great job of it. It really brings the car back. Z8 also does a great job at this. I have yet to find any others that do as good a job as those 2. HGAS is my fav. SeaRay is good. Really just a weekend thing, but it is great on the weekends.
 
Sense you mentioned time as being an issue have you thought about the poli-charge system? Autogeek and a few other places are selling it. I plan on ording some the next chance I get. Like you I want to maximize on shine but I also want my slickness to last as well. :hairpull



I enjoy detailing my care so reapplying product is not a biggie to me but it would be nice to not have to hit my Q with AW or SG after every wash and maintain the slickenss that I am looking for. (Wash & Go):waxing: :bolt



I also use FK#425, CG Detailer spray, and EO nano spray wax.
 
Blackfire is a close cousin to FMJ and produces great results as well



Rocket_Blackfire.jpg




1st-coat-sealant.jpg
 
Im actually doing the blackfire system today on my volvo. All Paint Protection followed by Blackfire Carnuba. Very nice look so far.
 
MagicCity33 said:
Sense you mentioned time as being an issue have you thought about the poli-charge system? Autogeek and a few other places are selling it. I plan on ording some the next chance I get. Like you I want to maximize on shine but I also want my slickness to last as well. :hairpull
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+1 for Polycharger. I've tried it so far with AJ, UPP, and Zaino . . . worked well with all three, amps up slickness and durability. I believe I saw a couple of posts in the Polycharger forum where someone had tried it with FMJ and had really good results.



Tort
 
I'm going to bump this as I'm curious about FMJ's durability in California. A lot of the people with poor FMJ durability live on the east coast or along the coast but I live in a very fair region, a good couple of miles off of the coast and almost no humidity ever. Plus my car is garaged and I mostly park in a structure so I imagine FMJ would last longer for me. But still, I'd like to know.
 
I have not had the opportunity to try the Menzerna line to compare but...

On my black Lexus and a customers Red '07 Ford Edge I used CG Extreme Shine and finished with P21S Wax. Both went on and came off extremely easy and both vehicles had a deep shine that popped! The customer couldn't believe the shine (He was comparing it with the way it was handed to him by the dealer 2 weeks ago) and did promise I was going to take care of it for him from now on.

I had applied the pair to my car 4-5 weeks ago and they seem to be holding up well. I haven't really had to use as much QD, only my daily ONR.
 
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