M205 or sf4000

[Zubair]

Hi

I have tried both M205 and SF4000 and could not see a difference in finish on different paints thus far. Both are finishing polishes and my query is what are the experience or views of those who have used both? I find M205 to have abit more cut but can't see a difference in finish. I generally use them with the white LC Hybrid on the Flex or the Rupes Yellow pad or LC HD Orbital Orange on the Rupes.

I have other finishing polishes too but am curious on the voice of the forum members on the above 2.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

I couldn't ever get M205 to finish out properly on my jet black BMW's no matter what I tried. It always left the finish with a haze no matter the pad choice.

I decided to try out the Menzerna range on my German paint and use SF4000 as a finishing polish. SF4000 behaved exactly as a finishing polish should.

BTW, Im using the Flex 3401, Hybrid pads, and Menzerna polishes now.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/77155-my-technique-concerning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

[mcate]

I always wanted to try M205, but never got around to it because I love SF4000. And I'm getting to love HD Polish as much or more than SF4000.

[HUMP DIESEL]

I couldn't ever get M205 to finish out properly on my jet black BMW's no matter what I tried. It always left the finish with a haze no matter the pad choice.

I decided to try out the Menzerna range on my German paint and use SF4000 as a finishing polish. SF4000 behaved exactly as a finishing polish should.

BTW, Im using the Flex 3401, Hybrid pads, and Menzerna polishes now.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/77155-my-technique-concerning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html

I have had this happen myself. There are things you can do to M205 on finicky paint, but this is also why you should have a couple of options when it comes to polishes. You never know what you may need.

I always liked 4000 more than 4500 as well.

HUMP

[Kamakaz1961]

My experience with M205 was not bad, however, I had a little more dusting than SF4500. Both are excellent. Either one would be a great product to have in your arsenal. SF4000 too.

IMO, we are splitting hairs on this one.

[Zubair]

Thanks, anyone else do a side by side comparison?

If I was looking at jeweling and outright gloss with either of these polishes, which pads would you recommend?

[Kamakaz1961]

Thanks, anyone else do a side by side comparison?

If I was looking at jeweling and outright gloss with either of these polishes, which pads would you recommend?

To me SF4500 would be the best of the bunch for fine polishing. It has very little cut (2) on the Menzerna chart. SF4000 is at a 4 with more cut.

SF4500 can still correct too. I use a White Hybrid Pad and if I want finer polishing I will use a Black Pad (Lake Country Hybrids or equivalent).

[Zubair]

To me SF4500 would be the best of the bunch for fine polishing. It has very little cut (2) on the Menzerna chart. SF4000 is at a 4 with more cut.

SF4500 can still correct too. I use a White Hybrid Pad and if I want finer polishing I will use a Black Pad (Lake Country Hybrids or equivalent).

Interesting you should bring up the black/grey pad. These dont have any cutting ability and finishing polishes are abrasive. Menzerna DAT abrasives in particular need to be worked fully in order to break down so as not to scour the surface. On that logic, using a pad without cut, how do these abrasives break down without scouring and still jewel the paint?

[Rob T]

I actually have a slight preference for M205 as it just seems easier to get the best results.

[tedj101]

My experience with M205 was not bad, however, I had a little more dusting than SF4500. Both are excellent. Either one would be a great product to have in your arsenal. SF4000 too.

IMO, we are splitting hairs on this one.
I am an old 205 guy - I like SMAT polishes - but I am now using Menzerna or Black Fire (Same thing). The main reasons are working time and much less dust.

[AGOatemywallet]

Interesting you should bring up the black/grey pad. These dont have any cutting ability and finishing polishes are abrasive. Menzerna DAT abrasives in particular need to be worked fully in order to break down so as not to scour the surface. On that logic, using a pad without cut, how do these abrasives break down without scouring and still jewel the paint?

The agglomerated abrasives break down into smaller component pieces as they are tumbled into each other and across the surface of the paint and the face of the pad

[hollerstiltner]

Interesting you should bring up the black/grey pad. These dont have any cutting ability and finishing polishes are abrasive. Menzerna DAT abrasives in particular need to be worked fully in order to break down so as not to scour the surface. On that logic, using a pad without cut, how do these abrasives break down without scouring and still jewel the paint?


I don't believe it's the cut of the pad that breaks down the polish, it's the action imparted to the pad by the machine which breaks it down. Pretty much what agoatemywallet just said.

I use 205 on my wife's black caddie. I also have ff3000 that I use as well. I honestly can't see a difference in the outcome. I just know I get the same result in less passes of 205 because I don't wait to break it down. I've never tried either on a soft paint system though.

[dlc95]

Interesting you should bring up the black/grey pad. These dont have any cutting ability and finishing polishes are abrasive. Menzerna DAT abrasives in particular need to be worked fully in order to break down so as not to scour the surface. On that logic, using a pad without cut, how do these abrasives break down without scouring and still jewel the paint?

The black pad has the right amount of stiffness to effectively break down the abrasives, without cutting like a blue buff and shine, or green ccs would.

[dlc95]

To the op.

I have had excellent results with both. With my polishing style, I'm better able to attain higher levels of gloss with SF4000 (now 3500) - to my eyes. The shine I get from M205 is clear, distinct, and "perfect" where the SF looks like melting ice. It glows wet.

That being said, I use M205 a lot more.

[The Guz]

For me M205 finishes very well on hard paints. I just followed up with SF4500 after M205 which refined the finish even more.