Mothers 3 phase and Reflections

[NattyBumppo]

I've pretty much been a Meguiars user for years but have heard lots of good reports about the new Reflections product and want to give it a try. I generally like to stick with things that are available locally. Is Reflections a polymer type product like Klasse or Zaino or is it a polish (like #7) with the polymers or wax added?

I'm not sure where Reflections fits in the process? The mothers pre-wax cleaner obviously would be first but then which? The Sealer and Glaze then Relfections or Reflections then Sealer Glaze. Is the pre-wx cleaner basically the same thing as Meguiars Body Scrub and the Sealer and Glaze basically the same as Meguiars #7?

My monthly process is;

Wash (weekly wash and QD )
clay and qd
#7 Show Car Glaze
#26 paste wax

I'll do the Meguiars Paint Cleaner twice a year (the truck is only 7 months old).

Where would Reflections fit in the process?

Sorry for all the questions folks...I don't know if I'm coming or going anymore.

[McMustang]

Actually, all you would have to do is use the pre-wax cleaner and then the Reflections. Using the sealer and glaze before the Reflections would be pointless because the Reflections has mild cleaners in it which would take off the Sealer and Glaze. I use Reflections and I love it! It is easy to work with and if you use it once a week, wow! what a shine! Hope this helps.

[NattyBumppo]

Thanks MCMustang. So then Reflections is also somewhat of a cleaner since it has an abrasive quality to it. But is it a wax/carnuba based product or more along the line of Klasse / Zaino?

You mention applying every week...is that because it only lasts a week or so? Does it offer protection like Klasse or even carnuba?

[DETAILKING]

EOM

Originally posted by DETAILKING
EOM

[2wheelsx2]

I haven't used Reflections, so I can't comment on that. However, I used the 3 Phase for years until I discovered Autopia and started to use Meguiar's #20 polymer sealant.

Anyway, it's the pre-wax cleaner, then sealer and glaze, then the pure carnauba wax. The paste or the liquid have not cleaners. Just don't use anything with cleaners after the glaze and you'll be fine. You'll be amazed at what the shine will be like after the glaze. And you use just the sealer and glaze, then wax, every time you want to wax. Unfortunately, if the vehicle is outside, the wax doesn't last too long. But on my motorcycles, which only go outside when I ride, and then is garaged, I only have to wax every couple of months and they have an unrivalled shine. Both my bikes (a '91 and a '96) look like they just rolled out of the showroom. Or if you want an even better shine, try Meguiar's #26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax on the of the sealer and glaze. It's pretty spectacular.

Oh yeah, #7 and the sealer and glaze are equivalent. I have used both, and now I prefer the #7.

[forrest]

...and the paint were in good shape, it would be wash, clay and Reflections.

If paint works needs to be done, Pre-Wax Cleaner is a choice, as would be 3M 39009 or MG #9 v2.0. PWC is milder than the other 2.

Reflections is a resin based synthetic wax, which is similar to a polymer in that it's not organic, but not of the same family as the polymers. And yes, it does have a mild polish in it, so you can't really layer it.

Also, resins are softer than carnauba, so the finish will not feel as slick (because of the softness) as carnauba does.

My opinion, it's a durable product that's exceptionally easy to work with and has an outstanding shine. It can be applied and removed in the sun without any worry. It does not respond well to being put over inexpensive silicone based propducts like Nu-Finish or Finish 2001. It also does not like to be applied heavily.

I use it on my daily driver and my wife's mini-van. For what it is, and the price point, it's a tough product to beat.

[NattyBumppo]

Thanks Forrest, that cleared it up .

I appreciate all the info gang. I love this site!