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My first bash with 3M Polishes and a touch of Zaino... Megane R26



  Megane R26
I've never, ever used the 3M range of polishes, so I ordered a sample kit from Elite earlier this week, and spent today getting to grips with them.

- FCP: Love this stuff, it sure doesn't muck about! Cuts a lot quicker and more aggressively than 3.02 which I'm used to and seems to finish down pretty well. It does dust quite badly, but adding some Ultrafina into the pad definitely helps control this. My favourite heavy cutting compound! I could have done with this on a black Megane 225 I did recently. It would have made short work of it's deeper swirls!

- EFC: Great mid range polish. Seems to fit in between 3.02 and 203S but seems nicer to use and works wonderfully well with 3M's own yellow pad (as you'd expect!). It was hard to tell if refining was needed on my Silver paint, but the finish it left was stunning!

- UF: WOW! Where has this been all of my life!? I know a lot of people love Megs 205 and PO85RD, but for me this is the finishing polish of choice. Such a pleasure to use and leaves a stunning finish which buffs off easily. I did use a little too much and got a touch of fling, but once the pad was loaded and primed I only used a couple of blobs. Again, matching 3M pad was lovely to use too! (Does anyone use the black one instead?)

Anyway, I finished off with an old friend - Zaino Z2. I probably should have used ZAIO and ZFX, but I just lamped a layer of Z2 down over the UF'd area, left it for 15 mins, removed then topped with Z8!

Some afters... not bad for silver me thinks!

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I just wish Zaino beaded a little more... probably my best finish so far on my car. What else is worth a bash on silver?

Thanks,

Russ.
 
  Titanium 182
I'm definitely getting this stuff once I've sorted out a machine polisher. Sounds ideal!

I guess you've tried Collinite and Poorboys Natty's wax?
 
  Megane R26
I'm definitely getting this stuff once I've sorted out a machine polisher. Sounds ideal!

I guess you've tried Collinite and Poorboys Natty's wax?

Yeah got all three Collinite's and Poorboys Nattys Blue. They are all decent enough but I got used to the premium waxes which offer a touch more 'sheen' for a lot more money! Sealants seems to do the business on silver I'm finding... might stick to Zaino now.
 
  Megane R26
cheers russ, i've got a machine polisher so no worries =]

Could do with some new pads though! lol

I'm having a clearout soon, I have two boxes full of pads!! I'll be selling my samples of 3M too soon and getting the big 1L bottles.
 

Steve

ClioSport Club Member
  ST3 8.5
Anytime, if you need it washing give us an approx time as the wine & beers are in full flow :D
 
  LY R26 230 F1 Team
Cool, well drop me a pm when the time comes then mate and chances are I'll have a few bits off you then!
 
  Megane R26
Anytime, if you need it washing give us an approx time as the wine & beers are in full flow :D

Yeah please Steve - you wash, I polish :) You sure you're okay washing? So that I don't have to bring my pressure washer..

About 11 then?

Have a good evening :)
 

Ali

  V6, Trackhawk, GTS
Nice work. I use 3m all the time now. I use a combo of FCP and Ulta Fina on the same pad, never needs refined after that!
 
Yet to try these Russ, even after AR swearing by them recently. When I find more time I'll get my arse in gear.
 

Gally

Formerly Mashed up egg in a cup
ClioSport Club Member
JD i'll bring all 3 down with the pads if you want?

Russ did you use the coloured pads or just your own?

I thought they were brilliant and for somebody who is new to machine polishing they were easy to work with.
 
  Megane R26
I've had the 3M pads for ages, so I used theirs. Great system, I'm going to sell everything else I have!!

Steve... not many good pics :(

Here's one cheeky one!

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  Megane R26
Lol, trust me there are no swirls after FCP!! ;)

You're one to talk anyway!!! Your last write up didn't have any direct shots did it?? ;)
 
Agreed! Tyres look pretty new (tread colour wise) as well, so presumed as much. Looks well chap! Correction or enhancement etc?
 
  Megane R26
RDS removal frenzy then enhancement. It had a good 20 deeper scratches, but the paint was only 100-120 microns all over! I've definitely mastered RDS removal after that though!!

Zaino Z2 and Z8 to finish.
 
  Megane R26
I thought you did yours? Whenever dude... extreme mates rates to you! :)

I've got some great cars coming up! R32 GTR, Focus RS in white, Evo 5 in white, and a sorry looking red 197!! :)
 

Steve

ClioSport Club Member
  ST3 8.5
Pro Race 1.2's!! They looked sweet against the silver paintwork:

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Got anymore photos Russ?

Looks amazing, really changed the colour.
Must of been dirty lacquer.

Agreed! Tyres look pretty new (tread colour wise) as well, so presumed as much. Looks well chap! Correction or enhancement etc?

Been on since Feb done several trackdays, inc Silverstone 3 days ago.
 

Gally

Formerly Mashed up egg in a cup
ClioSport Club Member
Used the pads for a while Kev, but not the polishes (if I've understood you?).
I ment both but when I do finally come down i'll bring the 3 down for you to try mate.
 


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