M Ultimate Compound Review, comparison

[davidmelis]

Does Meguiars Ultimate Compound leave your paint LSP ready?

I know that this OTC product has been reviewed a few times; however, I wanted to give my two cents worth.

This morning I took it to a rear quarter panel and experimented with various pads and a DA. It removed 3000 grit sanding marks with a maroon cutting pad. It removed medium swirls with a polishing pad AND it did finish off very nicely with a Soft Buff 2.0 black finishing pad. All of this was on a soft paint, yet I was still impressed.

There are 3 things that stood out the most to me about this SMAT abrasive:

1) It has a LONGER working time compared to 105 and 205. The trade-off is that the extra oils do act as fillers. I would not say that the product purposely fills, but it does leave something on the paint after the remaining residue is wiped off. Close inspection and an alcohol rub-down revealed just a few little surprises that were otherwise covered. Just a few however, I would say that it corrects 92 percent and covers-up 8 percent.

2) Because it is a SMAT technology, it does finish off very nicely. With a few very light passes at the end of the run it did not leave any polish induced marring that needed further correction. Even my cutting pad finished off well when I used very light passes at the end.

3) Now for the question, does it really leave it LSP ready? The answer is - yes, it could. For your customers who just want a 1 step correction - this will do the trick! I still found myself reaching for the 205 which brought me back to reality when I saw that extra jewel that only a finishing polish such as 205 or PO85RD can obtain.

Happy detailing,

David

[Todd@RUPES]

Excellent review! I agree with your review 100%

Ultimate Compound is a FANTASTIC product that, IMO, is perfectly matched for the targe audience. As we all know though, its products go far beyond what the newbie wondering in to a store looking for something to buff out his scratch, would ever know.

The average consumer is not going to know anything of a finishing polish, wants something that works quickly, and leaves the paint looking nice. Not only does Ultimate Compound work nice by hand, removes must scuffs and light scratches by hand (likely how it will be used by 99% of the people who buy it) but it likely leaves the paint looking better than the rest of the paint around it.

[BIOLINK]

I am a big fan of Ultimate Compound. I find it versatile and capable on a variety of paints. I`ve even used it on gel coat. I have also gone directly to LSP after using it.

Very nice review, good work!

[glen e]

I have a pretty good routine of UC with a orange or white pad and then d151 with a black or blue pad. I use a flex 3403, set at 1500, moving quickly...I get wet like results a lot...

[rzatch]

For the price point you can`t beat UC and UP. For 95% of the people out there it works just fine.

[tw33k2514]

UC is definitely a hidden gem that a lot of professionals just look past. To bad for them!

[Addicted2Bling]

I`ve been using this the past year and have had no complaints with it. It does everything you tell it to. Meguires really did a good job of making this a starter compound. One of these days I`ll have to break down and try some 101 tho

[Old Pirate]

Wow, a great review there. With so many folks doing these reviews anyone out there one would get the best information on period.

[TroyScherer]

Nice review. Its good to know that this is doable.



What color is the vehicle you are working on? I am wondering if you can get the same results on Black.

[davidmelis]

Nice review. Its good to know that this is doable.



What color is the vehicle you are working on? I am wondering if you can get the same results on Black.

I was working on a Chrystler paint called "Patriot Blue Pearl Metalic" It is pretty dark yet has a nice flake.

I have not tried UC on black but my guess is that it will be a little more deceptive because of that 8% of accidental cover-up that the oils achieve.

Anyone else have experience with it on black?

[Bunky]

Thanks for the report

[Pats300zx]

Great review !!!!

[Todd@RUPES]

I was working on a Chrystler paint called "Patriot Blue Pearl Metalic" It is pretty dark yet has a nice flake.

I have not tried UC on black but my guess is that it will be a little more deceptive because of that 8% of accidental cover-up that the oils achieve.

Anyone else have experience with it on black?

My experience with it on black is that it does leave behind micromarring, which is often visible before the oils have been stripped (and tends to only increase slightly when stripped). This is not bad though as we are talking about a compound here.

[rzatch]

Yes I`ve used it on black with a SM Arnold Cool It white pad on a rotary and could have gone to an LSP if I had wanted to.

[davidmelis]

Yes I`ve used it on black with a SM Arnold Cool It white pad on a rotary and could have gone to an LSP if I had wanted to.

Thank you for this. I will try it on a black test panel soon.