Is the Meguiars Mirror Glaze line better than 3M's?

adg44 · 03-01-03, 05:32

I was looking for some more 3M products (machine polish, SMR for light colors, and IHG) and I couldn't find them anywhere, but most of the local stores had the equivalent in Meguiars line.

How can one be better than the other I guess is my question, whne in essence they do the same thing.

I just assume if I'm going to use 3M SMR instead of Meguiars SMR 2.0, then I should use the same brand fine cut cleaner before hand.

I mean does one work more effectively? Is one easier to use? Perform better?

I'm talking equivalents for Fine cut cleaner, SMR, and a glaze.

Thanks.

- Anthony

White_F150 · 03-01-03, 06:03

Both make a great line of products. Personally, I find that the Meguiar's products are generally easier to work with. For example, I find that the 3M SMR has some pretty nasty oils in it that tend to make it streak. However, that could just be me, but I never have that problem with the Meguiar's #9!

adg44 · 03-01-03, 06:35

The Meguiars #9 is for light and dark colored cars, correct?

I assume on my Infiniti I can use the Megs product line, and then on one of my other cars I can use the 3M.

I just find 3M SMR works pretty well, although it is rather dusty.

Question about the fine cut cleaner... it says only for rotary machine. Can I not use this product with my PC?

I do however like how they rate the abrasiveness of the product right on the front, much better than 3M's do-your-own-damn-research-and-find-out-how-strong-it-is method.

White_F150 · 03-01-03, 07:03

Yes, I've used the #9 on all colors.

Personally, I wouldn't try to use the Fine Cut on a PC. You can create a mess that will require that you do use a rotary to get the mess out. Others may dis-agree though!

Scottwax · 03-01-03, 08:47

Personally, I think Meguiars Body Shop Professional line is better than Mirror Glaze or 3Ms line.

adg44 · 03-02-03, 12:16

Quote:

Originally posted by Scottwax
Personally, I think Meguiars Body Shop Professional line is better than Mirror Glaze or 3Ms line.

I found some of that Swirl Free Polish in a quart size for 16 bucks at a carquest auto parts store. I assume this does the same as the SMR and the #9 2.0?

And if I shouldn't use the fine cut with a PC, can I use 3M Machine Polish with a PC?

4DSC · 03-02-03, 03:31

Quote:

Originally posted by adg44
I found some of that Swirl Free Polish in a quart size for 16 bucks at a carquest auto parts store. I assume this does the same as the SMR and the #9 2.0?

And if I shouldn't use the fine cut with a PC, can I use 3M Machine Polish with a PC?

Yes, the Swirl Free is the equivalent of #9 and SMR. One thing I like about the BSP line is that it's quite economical, and people report these products working well (and it includes the famous DACP in the lineup too). Wish I found out about BSP Swirl Free before shelling out for some SMR.

The only thing they don't have is a product like 3M's Fine Cut.

I'd just like to clarify something about the "Fine Cut" thing. Meguiar's Fine Cut Cleaner emphatically states it's a rotary only polish. I have no clue if you still can try to use it by hand though. 3M's FCRC includes instructions for both hand and machine application, so it should be okay for PC use and people have often used it this way.

Aurora40 · 03-02-03, 05:12

Quote:

Originally posted by adg44
I found some of that Swirl Free Polish in a quart size for 16 bucks at a carquest auto parts store. I assume this does the same as the SMR and the #9 2.0?

And if I shouldn't use the fine cut with a PC, can I use 3M Machine Polish with a PC?

Swirl Free Polish has the same aggressiveness rating as #9, and should perform the same task. I guess the difference is in how they perform it. SFP is pretty easy to use and leaves a nice gloss.

If you want to use Fine Cut by PC, then why not just get DACP? You can use that by PC and it has the same aggressiveness rating as Fine Cut. I believe it breaks down much better as well. I've used DACP with a red cutting pad (Meg's) by PC and it didn't leave any haze behind.

If you want a good place to get Meg's professional and detailer line, try Total Auto Parts on 850 Station St. in Herndon (off of Elden St.). They carry everything (and a lot of 3M stuff as well).

adg44 · 03-02-03, 11:32

Quote:

Originally posted by Aurora40

If you want a good place to get Meg's professional and detailer line, try Total Auto Parts on 850 Station St. in Herndon (off of Elden St.). They carry everything (and a lot of 3M stuff as well).

That's about two minutes from my house... I'll run over there today.

I guess it's just weird, IMO, that there are about 5 different swirl removers but they all do the same thing?

Well I guess I just need to buy them all and try them out.

I'll see if they have DACP, I didn't see it at any of the other stores.

- Anthony