Menzerna 3000 vs 3500

[AZpolisher15]

Hey, crew. Awhile back I purchased Menzerna 3500 based on suggestions from you all (application with a GG6). It's for my 2014 Toyota daily driver. I know there was a pretty specific reason for us choosing the 3500 over the 3000. I can't remember what that reason was. Can anyone think of what this reason could have been?

A little more info...
I'll only be working on vehicles in my family. All in good condition (minor to moderate swirls, no RIDS). I wanted to be prepared for anything that might come up- so I went with 2500 and 3500.

Totally satisfied with my choices, as I had several experienced people here help me out. And just for the sake of my own product knowledge, I'm trying to remember why we went with 3500 over the 3000. Thanks.

[Setec Astronomy]

Because (I think) 3000 is the old Final Finish which used to be FP, which nobody liked which is why they came out with FPII, which is now gone.

3500 is what used to be SF4000 which used to be PO106FF/FA, which has a bit more cut than 3800 which used to be SF4500 which was PO85RD.

Clear?

Really, the answer is that 3500 uses newer/better abrasive technology, which is why it's much more expensive than 3000.

[AZpolisher15]

Because (I think) 3000 is the old Final Finish which used to be FP, which nobody liked which is why they came out with FPII, which is now gone.

3500 is what used to be SF4000 which used to be PO106FF/FA, which has a bit more cut than 3800 which used to be SF4500 which was PO85RD.

Clear?

Really, the answer is that 3500 uses newer/better abrasive technology, which is why it's much more expensive than 3000.

Ha! I've actually got the last three generations of Menz naming schemes memorized, along with their evolution. It all happened incidentally one month while trying to figure out which bottle of polish to buy!

Yeah, you nailed it. I think it was something about 3500 simply being a newer/better tech product. Thanks.

[Setec Astronomy]

Final Polish II (FPII) used to be the go-to until PO106FF and PO85RD came out. Those two were originally intended for Ceramiclear paints, but most people found them superior to FPII. FPII did seem to have a niche with some soft (Honda, if I recall) paints.

I've never used Final Polish (which apparently became Final Finish and now FF3000), but from what I recall, people here didn't like it too much and the importer/reseller at the time got them to tweak it to FPII, which I think was a US-only product, and at that point I'm not even sure they were selling FP here. But somehow in all this shuffling FPII went away and FP came back. That's presuming it's the same product now that it was 10-12 years ago.

[AZpolisher15]

Final Polish II (FPII) used to be the go-to until PO106FF and PO85RD came out. Those two were originally intended for Ceramiclear paints, but most people found them superior to FPII. FPII did seem to have a niche with some soft (Honda, if I recall) paints.

I've never used Final Polish (which apparently became Final Finish and now FF3000), but from what I recall, people here didn't like it too much and the importer/reseller at the time got them to tweak it to FPII, which I think was a US-only product, and at that point I'm not even sure they were selling FP here. But somehow in all this shuffling FPII went away and FP came back. That's presuming it's the same product now that it was 10-12 years ago.

I appreciate all the info- thank you. I'm doubting I'll have to get into the 2500. We will see. This is my first foray into machine polishing. Fortunately I'm starting with pretty good paint to begin with. I'm really hoping the 3500 does the job. I also have UC/UP on standby.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Because (I think) 3000 is the old Final Finish which used to be FP, which nobody liked which is why they came out with FPII, which is now gone.

3500 is what used to be SF4000 which used to be PO106FF/FA, which has a bit more cut than 3800 which used to be SF4500 which was PO85RD.

Clear?

Really, the answer is that 3500 uses newer/better abrasive technology, which is why it's much more expensive than 3000.

Well said. :xyxthumbs:

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

I appreciate all the info- thank you. I'm doubting I'll have to get into the 2500. We will see. This is my first foray into machine polishing. Fortunately I'm starting with pretty good paint to begin with. I'm really hoping the 3500 does the job. I also have UC/UP on standby.

SF4000 (3500) has quite a bit of cut in it. More so than people often think of.

IME, I have found that the 3401, white Hybrid, and SF4000 has enough pull in it to clear up anything left behind from a heavy compounding session. It will clear up a heavy step from the PE14, Hybrid wool, and SC300 while finishing up LSP ready.

Let us know how it goes.

[AZpolisher15]

SF4000 (3500) has quite a bit of cut in it. More so than people often think of.

IME, I have found that the 3401, white Hybrid, and SF4000 has enough pull in it to clear up anything left behind from a heavy compounding session. It will clear up a heavy step from the PE14, Hybrid wool, and SC300 while finishing up LSP ready.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks, Mike. You contributed much to my initial questions a couple of months ago and in helping me to dial in on the SF4000 (3500). Thanks for the insight. I'll definitely come back with before/after pics in a dedicated Menzerna thread when I'm done.

[sunday joe]

This is starting to sound like "Who's on first ."

[Paul A.]

I agree with you Mike. I have all but stopped 3 step corrections in favor of Menz compounds and a Menz finish polish. And on almost all medium to hard paints.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Thanks, Mike. You contributed much to my initial questions a couple of months ago and in helping me to dial in on the SF4000 (3500). Thanks for the insight. I'll definitely come back with before/after pics in a dedicated Menzerna thread when I'm done.

No problem. Will be on the lookout for a thread. :xyxthumbs:


I agree with you Mike. I have all but stopped 3 step corrections in favor of Menz compounds and a Menz finish polish. And on almost all medium to hard paints.

:dblthumb2:

[shagnat]

I've got some of the previous generation Menzerna products and need to know if there is a chart somewhere of the previous versions and the attributes of each. (old minds just can't remember squat)

[AZpolisher15]

I've got some of the previous generation Menzerna products and need to know if there is a chart somewhere of the previous versions and the attributes of each. (old minds just can't remember squat)

If you see your product in the attached chart, you may be able to find its name/product number in the descriptions of newer products currently for sale in the AG store (the new versions).
Autogeek Menzerna Compounds Comparison Chart (http://www.auto-geek.net/charts/wax-cut-chart-menzerna.htm)

[Setec Astronomy]

I've got some of the previous generation Menzerna products and need to know if there is a chart somewhere of the previous versions and the attributes of each. (old minds just can't remember squat)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/products-guides/47067-menzerna-new-names-product-numbers.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/products-guides/47067-menzerna-new-names-product-numbers.html

Scroll down in that second thread for Jeff Silver's chart linking the P/N's from the first thread to the current ones.