M105/205 or Optimum for beginner?

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Daft_detail1

New member
Hi folks, first post! Been lurking for a while and the site has really stoked my interest I detailing.

Not a total noob, I know the basics and have done about 5 cars with a friend's PC. Now it's time to buy my own kit. I'll be sourcing a 7424xp with various LC 5.5 pads.

Given my limited experience, what would you recommend as far as polish/compound ? M105/205 or Optimum compound/polish II?



Thanks Phil.
 
megs...optimum is more geared for rotary use as the working time with a PC is wayyyyyy too long.



105 has a 1 min working time roughly in a 1x1' area on the PC
 
I would think a beginner would get totally frustrated with 1 minute work times and tiny sections, not to mention dusting. I would recommend Optimum because there's no learning curve other than learning how to keep the spray on the pad initially. (I am assuming the comparison was with the new sprayable abrasives)
 
I think the jury is still out on the new Optimum polish and compound, I know I'm on the "wait and see fence" before buying. And Todd did an excellant how-to thread over on TID about M105 that should help anyone use M105 to it's full potential.
 
Note that some of us, including yours truly ;) generally *prefer* short work-times.



But from what I hear the new Optimum stuff, being non-diminishing, doesn't really *require* long work times the way the older-tech OCP/etc. did.



IMO you're not gonna go wrong with either choice. Intrigued as I am by the Optimum stuff, I'm not about to order any with M105/M205 already on my shelf. Heh heh, but then that's what I said before I tried those two; I thought I was all set with my 3M and 1Z stuff but man-oh-man am I glad I got the M105/M205 after all!
 
M105/205 and m21 on it's way! Thanks all for the help!

Can 205 be used on its own for light duty? Or should it always be preceded by 105?
 
Daft_detail said:
Can 205 be used on its own for light duty? Or should it always be preceded by 105?
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Yes, you can use M205 by itself if it'll do the job. Only use the M105 if you need the added cut.
 
integritydetail said:
I would think a beginner would get totally frustrated with 1 minute work times and tiny sections, not to mention dusting. I would recommend Optimum because there's no learning curve other than learning how to keep the spray on the pad initially. (I am assuming the comparison was with the new sprayable abrasives)
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My thoughts exactly. And this really pisses me off. People are more prone to sell a product than direct a newbie (limited exp) on proper use...........How can you learn the ropes with such a short duration of polishing time?

Its like learning to run before you can walk...........
 
Huh, never thought of it that way. I'm more likely to be frustrated by long work times, or at least by products that *require* long work times to break down, and I generally work quite small areas; I guess I project my personal preferences when making suggestions.
 
I have a half gallon of M105 and I honestly don't see me ever using it unless I run out of Optimum in the middle of a job or something. By longer work time, I mean you can work it longer before you get drying or dusting. As far as cutting time it is on par with M105. I'm sorry for the confusion. From my recent experience (10+ vehicles with Hyper Combo) its AS fast cutting, no dusting, and much easier clean up (wipes off with damp MF).



Accumulator, you're making the right decision to use up what you have before trying it...but after all, your screen name IS "Accumulator," lol. The reason I recommended it for a beginner was he can just start polishing and not have to learn to watch for flashing, overworking, dusting, etc.
 
integritydetail said:
The reason I recommended it for a beginner was he can just start polishing and not have to learn to watch for flashing, overworking, dusting, etc.
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Intriguing... How does a beginner know when he can stop polishing ? I mean if it's unnecessary to watch for flash, overwork, dust...



I meant I just passed a newbie state 5-10 cars and sometimes I still wonder do I put too much ? can I work this longer ?



So 2 spray for priming 1 spray per panel pretty much covered how much to use...But how do I know if my time is up need to stop or put more products ? :nixweiss
 
whats the point of a long working time though? 10 minutes to achieve the same resuts as 1 min? I'll take the shorter any time!



I still have optimum on hand for those times when I HAVE to work in the sun, but Ill never reach for them over M105/menzerna 203 when in the garage!
 
Even though Im onboard with the 105 and 205 I do get frustrated with the dusting and splatter. Actually I love 105 and put it up there with one of the best products of all time but the thought of a spray compound with no dusting or sling is so desirous that I am bursting at the seams to try the stuff. Infact, usually I can't stand Optimum products (except ONR obviously) but am waiting for just a few more positive posts before my sons have to go without food for week again.
 
Accumulator said:
Note that some of us, including yours truly ;) generally *prefer* short work-times.



But from what I hear the new Optimum stuff, being non-diminishing, doesn't really *require* long work times the way the older-tech OCP/etc. did.



IMO you're not gonna go wrong with either choice. Intrigued as I am by the Optimum stuff, I'm not about to order any with M105/M205 already on my shelf. Heh heh, but then that's what I said before I tried those two; I thought I was all set with my 3M and 1Z stuff but man-oh-man am I glad I got the M105/M205 after all!
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Read Todd's post on TID and you won't need 205 anymore.
 
sulla said:
Intriguing... How does a beginner know when he can stop polishing ? I mean if it's unnecessary to watch for flash, overwork, dust...



I meant I just passed a newbie state 5-10 cars and sometimes I still wonder do I put too much ? can I work this longer ?



So 2 spray for priming 1 spray per panel pretty much covered how much to use...But how do I know if my time is up need to stop or put more products ? :nixweiss
Click to expand...



Stop when you get the results you want, instead of dust, wipe off, re-apply, polish again...



toyotaguy said:
whats the point of a long working time though? 10 minutes to achieve the same resuts as 1 min? I'll take the shorter any time!



I still have optimum on hand for those times when I HAVE to work in the sun, but Ill never reach for them over M105/menzerna 203 when in the garage!
Click to expand...



The cut time of the new sprays is about the same as Meg's the work time no longer means how long it takes to break down the abrasives because the new spray compound is non-diminishing just like M105. It will cut until you stop the polisher. The new Optimum is a world apart from the old hyper and regular compounds that you may be familiar with.
 
For the record, 105/205 is tried and true and works great. I'm not debating Megs vs. Optimum because I use both and like both. But the OP asked which was better for a newb and I think the new sprays are perfect for and beginner and they will make a professional a lot more money because they cut as fast and clean up much easier than Megs. Hell, you will even use less product and not have to use as many pads because they won't be gumming up from all the product. Use 'em or don't, but you'll like them very much if you do.
 
Legacy99 said:
Read Todd's post on TID and you won't need 205 anymore.
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I read it and makes a case for M105 as a one step polish. Todd is talented. I would like to hear from others that could get the same results and what limitations there may be (soft paint?).
 
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