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View Full Version : Need Polish Between Menz FG400 & SF4500


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Radarryan
10-27-2013, 03:38 AM
I am trying to decide on a good polish that fits between Menzerna SF 4500 (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-final-finish-po85rd.html) and Menzerna FG 400 (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-fast-gloss-fg400.html).

I currently own the SF4500 and in the cart right now is the FG 400 . I want to find a polish that finishes nicely enough that I would not have to follow up with SF4500 on harder paints. Also, hopefully this polish could be a good first step on soft paints with a follow up, if necessary, with SF4500.

Throughout my research I think I have it narrowed down to two (2) polishes.

1) Menzerna SI 1500 (Super Intensive Polish - PO83Q) (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-super-intensive-polish.html)

2) Menzerna PF 2500 (Power Finish - PO203) (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-finish.html)

From what I understand, PF 2500 Power Finish was designed to be a one step polish. That being said, if there is a lot of damage, I am concerned that this would not have enough cut and I would be best served to go with FG400, with a follow up with from the SF or PF. Then again, I have heard that FG400 finishes down so good that all you really need is something like SF4500 after, so then I would go with SI1500 for times I don't need a compound. According to the chart, they are only two steps apart, but those two steps seem to be making this decision even harder.

As you can see, I have successfully gone in circles, both in my brain (multiple times) and in the forum. I would appreciate any feedback and combos that you all use. I am not married to any of these products, save for the SF4500 which I already have.

I love Menzerna polishes, so I would like to stay in the line, however if someone has a compelling reason, I would switch.

Here's links to a couple charts:
Autogeek Menzerna Compounds Comparison Chart (http://www.auto-geek.net/charts/wax-cut-chart-menzerna.htm)

Menzerna Polish & Lake Country Pad Reference Guide NEW! - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/41571-menzerna-polish-lake-country-pad-reference-guide-new.html)

Menzerna, Menzerna Polishing Compounds Products, Menzerna FMJ, menzerna polishes, menzerna car polish, menzerna nano polish, menzerna final polish, (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-of-germany.html)

Thanks for the help! Happy detailing!

P.S. I would like to get this done before Sunday night to take advantage of the promotions :hungry:

Thanks again!

EDIT: Oh heck, I forgot about SONAX! Should I just say, "enough of this!" and go with SONAX Perfect Finish (http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-perfect-finish.html)? There is also SONAX Profiline Fine Abrasive Paste (http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-profiline-fine-abrasive-paste.html) and SONAX Profiline Nano Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-profiline-nano-polish.html) (however I think I would not get this and stick with my Menzerna SF4500 for final polish/burnishing (jeweling). With everything said about Perfect Finish, it seems like there is a new king in town. Would it be smart to get FG400 and SONAX PF? Oh no, I'm doing it again... Help! :)
The Critic
10-27-2013, 03:53 AM
On one step polishes, I aim for gloss over correction...especially on soft paints. It is really easy to get carried away with correction and be left with a so-so finish.

SF4000 is probably the only finishing polish that you need in your arsenal. I have been using HD polish myself and have found it to be a great gloss-improving polish.

One member on this forum runs a high volume detail shop and swears by Blackfire finishing polish for 1-steps.
ArkayoDeetayo
10-27-2013, 04:06 AM
M205
Mike@DedicatedPerfection
10-27-2013, 04:25 AM
Have you seen this thread by Todd Helme...?

The Ultimate 1-Step Showdown! - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detailing-product-reviews/42780-ultimate-1-step-showdown.html)
Radarryan
10-27-2013, 05:28 AM
Have you seen this thread by Todd Helme...?

The Ultimate 1-Step Showdown! - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detailing-product-reviews/42780-ultimate-1-step-showdown.html)

Thanks, Mike. I read it when it was posted, but to totally forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me! Do you have a favorite? Any other advise regarding the circle I seem to be going in? :confused::doh:
Mike@DedicatedPerfection
10-27-2013, 06:35 AM
No problem. I haven't tried SPF yet but you can get either FG400 or SF4000 to give you the results you need by changing pads and altering your technique.

My favorite and what I do is what I mentioned above. Now if you want to try out something new pick up 2500 as it's right in the middle of the other two.
zmcgovern45
10-27-2013, 08:48 AM
No problem. I haven't tried SPF yet but you can get either FG400 or SF4000 to give you the results you need by changing pads and altering your technique.

My favorite and what I do is what I mentioned above. Now if you want to try out something new pick up 2500 as it's right in the middle of the other two.

Exactly what I was going to say.

FG400 finishes down so well that SF4000 may be a perfect product to finish with. Just do some test spots to see which pad gives you the best results when finishing.
Mike@DedicatedPerfection
10-27-2013, 09:41 AM
Exactly what I was going to say.

FG400 finishes down so well that SF4000 may be a perfect product to finish with. Just do some test spots to see which pad gives you the best results when finishing.

Great minds think alike.
Radarryan
10-27-2013, 09:55 AM
Agreed there, that's why I'm very thankful for the input. I have SF4500 not 4000, so there is less cut, but I'm sure I could just go an extra pass or two and experiment around until I found something I like.

I also have ye 'ole faithful M205 hanging around being SMAT, which I tend to not prefer for my finishing polish. I always end up overcooking it and instilling light micro-marring back into my dreaded PBP.

I'm starting to think that I may need both FG400 and SONAX PF. It would be the first step product depending on severity. Honest opinion needed: is there too much overlap in those products and it would be better served with one or the other plus a subsequent product (SF4000 or SONAX Nano 3/6)?
wdmaccord
10-27-2013, 10:20 AM
You can finish off FG400 with SF4500. Get the PF2500 for a one-step. These are the 3 I have in my arsenal. You can adjust your pad with PF2500 to get the results you want. Start with the white and step up to the orange if you need to.

Note: for softer and darker paint, another option I will go with is Megs UC just because it is cheap and finishes well. Knowing the paint is just going to get scratched up again when it's super soft (especially when people aren't going to do the proper wash methods once they drive off in the car). I tend to save the Menz for harder clear coats that won't re-scratch as easy, or my own cars, since I will use the proper wash techniques to maintain it without scratching.
Radarryan
10-27-2013, 10:23 AM
You can finish off FG400 with SF4500. Get the PF2500 for a one-step. These are the 3 I have in my arsenal. You can adjust your pad with PF2500 to get the results you want. Start with the white and step up to the orange if you need to.

I was planning on stocking up with LC Hydro-Tech pads. I'm really liking their feel. Do you think that their lack of differentiation (only 3 pads instead of 6) would be a detriment in this case, or would trial and error with different compounds, polishes, and pads take care of itself regardless? I wouldn't be opposed to trying flat pads, I just don't like the CCS pads I have mountains of.
Radarryan
10-27-2013, 04:51 PM
Any other input before I finalize the cart? Thank you for all the help with this matter!
goodinblack
10-27-2013, 06:06 PM
I was planning on stocking up with LC Hydro-Tech pads. I'm really liking their feel. Do you think that their lack of differentiation (only 3 pads instead of 6) would be a detriment in this case, or would trial and error with different compounds, polishes, and pads take care of itself regardless? I wouldn't be opposed to trying flat pads, I just don't like the CCS pads I have mountains of.

CSS pads are new?
Radarryan
10-27-2013, 06:33 PM
CSS pads are new?

Some of them are in the package, some have been used once. None have been used more than three times. They were purchased with my first polisher ~1 year ago.
ShaunD
10-27-2013, 10:43 PM
Maybe tryout the orange and blue LC Hybrid power finish pads. The run smooth and are more durable than hydrotechs. Tangerines are great though, just wish they held up like trad orange pads, but then they wouldn't finish so well. I think as far as a one step you kinda got that figured out. And like Todd's review stated, it kinda depends on the hardness and severity of defects on the paint you work on the most. For me FG400 had become a near one step for me on most paints; just just finish with a crimson pad and some menz sf if need be.
Have tried any MF pads with FG400? Finishes really well for heavy defect removal.