I love the forums, but think I have spent too much time and now have myself confused...

[sillybinaries]

Need help please….

Cars: 2010 Black Honda Pilot, 2011 Maroon CRV
What I hear from the forum {soft paint}
Paint condition, very good, minor micro scratches from New England winter + car washes., always garaged at night.

Always use 2 car wash w/grit guards using Duragloss 902 followed up by Maguire’s QD + Ultimate Wax

Need purchase help / guidance for the next:

GG6 {decision made}
5” LC back plate {decision made}

OPC to strip wax {diluted 4:1}?

Meg’s 205 or Menzerna PO85RD? {easiest to use if possible}
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

Do I need a paint cleaner after the previous step? Klasse or Pinnacle paint cleaner, other?
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

What Sealer? Does Pinnacle make a sealer? Menzerna Power lock, other?
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

Wax -- 845
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

Pinnacle XMT Pad Care Combo
Paint tape




Thanks you big time in advance! As it will be raining for the next week, I look forward to finally ordering and getting this adventure under way.

[HeavyMetal]

I followed forum advice and went with the 5.5" thin flat pads for a DA. They work quite nice. I also tried HT pads for 4", I am not a fan. I thing they don't correct nearly as well as the flat pads.

I use the Wolfgang Twins - Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze. These are made by Menz and I'm told are very similar to the Menz line. There are also many posts about the Megs 105/205 combo, so either should be fine for you. I would go with a swirl remover followed by a finer polish whichever line you choose.

As far as a sealer, I chose Menz PL based on all the postivie comments here and on other foums. It does have a very nice look and is very slick. I've only had it on for about 2 months so I can't speak to durability, although others have noted it lasts quite a long time.

I tried the 845 but did not like the look and feel. While fine for winter, I wanted something glossier and slicker for good weather months. Pinnalce Liquid Souveran is quite nice and lasts about a month.

[FivePoint.0]

Originally Posted by sillybinaries

Need help please….

Cars: 2010 Black Honda Pilot, 2011 Maroon CRV
What I hear from the forum {soft paint}
Paint condition, very good, minor micro scratches from New England winter + car washes., always garaged at night.

Always use 2 car wash w/grit guards using Duragloss 902 followed up by Maguire’s QD + Ultimate Wax

Need purchase help / guidance for the next:

GG6 {decision made}
5” LC back plate {decision made}

OPC to strip wax {diluted 4:1}?

Meg’s 205 or Menzerna PO85RD? {easiest to use if possible}
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

Do I need a paint cleaner after the previous step? Klasse or Pinnacle paint cleaner, other?
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

What Sealer? Does Pinnacle make a sealer? Menzerna Power lock, other?
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

Wax -- 845
What 5.5” LC pads? {CCS, Hydro, flat? Color{s}…}

Pinnacle XMT Pad Care Combo
Paint tape




Thanks you big time in advance! As it will be raining for the next week, I look forward to finally ordering and getting this adventure under way.

Dilute OPC 3:1

M205 is much easier to use than 85rd and seems to be more suitable for your application.

Try a white LC flat pad, if it doesn't do the job, step up to orange.

You do not NEED a paint cleaner after polishing, just re-wash the car.

Powerlock is a great sealant. Use with a blue LC flat pad

845 is a hybrid LSP, it's both a wax and sealant. You would apply a wax with the same color pad as you would a sealant.

[CEE DOG]

Hydro Tech pads. For what you are doing it sounds like you definitely want the tangerine. I would pick up some cyan as well. The Cyan pads will knock swirls, etc. out FAST (especially if used with 105) and finishes down great for the cut they offer.

If you have soft black paint I would recomend you try using the Crimson HT pads or the flat Grey pads with Menz PO85RD for finishing. The 85RD is actually incredibly easy to use.

Both 205 and 85RD are very simple products to use.

[FivePoint.0]

Originally Posted by CEE DOG

Hydro Tech pads. For what you are doing it sounds like you definitely want the tangerine. I would pick up some cyan as well. The Cyan pads will knock swirls, etc. out FAST (especially if used with 105) and finishes down great for the cut the offer.

Corey, what are your experiences with HT's and soft paint? They've left behind a lot of marring, IME.

[CEE DOG]

Originally Posted by 07 z-oh-6

Corey, what are your experiences with HT's and soft paint? They've left behind a lot of marring, IME.

Hmm, I haven't had any issues with them on soft paint Mark. Which pad did you specifically have issue with? All of them? What polish and what car model & year?

[FivePoint.0]

Originally Posted by CEE DOG

Hmm, I haven't had any issues with them on soft paint Mark. Which pad did you specifically have issue with? All of them? What polish and what car model & year?

I'm referring to the Cyan pad, specifically. I used it on a re-painted(soft) Civic with M105/Cyan and it left behind a lot of marring. LC flat orange did not leave behind nearly the marring with M105. Maybe I should have tried the tang HT? I needed a good amount of cut, though.

[sillybinaries]

great information guys. quick follow-up

So I can wash 3:1 with OPC -- got it..
Then use either a white or possibly orange flat pad, or a tangerine hydro without concern with the 205? -- got it
Once I use the 205, I don't need to use a paint cleaner, just rewash with OPC.. cool.. one less step
If i am going to use 845, then I do not need to use power lock?
But if I use say a p21s or pinnacle then I do use a power lock?

thanks again!

[FivePoint.0]

Originally Posted by sillybinaries

great information guys. quick follow-up

So I can wash 3:1 with OPC -- got it..
Then use either a white or possibly orange flat pad, or a tangerine hydro without concern with the 205? -- got it
Once I use the 205, I don't need to use a paint cleaner, just rewash with OPC.. cool.. one less step
If i am going to use 845, then I do not need to use power lock?
But if I use say a p21s or pinnacle then I do use a power lock?

thanks again!

Yes on most of what you asked.

A few clarifications...

You don't need to *re-wash* with OPC, you can use a regular car soap.

If you're going to use 845, you do not need to use another sealant or wax, IMO. 845 is very durable and looks great!

If you use p21s or pinnacle, for better durability, you would want to top powerlock with either of these carnaubas.

[sillybinaries]

Awesome! thank you very much...

I really do love these forums, but sometimes there are just soooo mannnny options {mind-boggled}!

Time to create an order this evening for AG...