Menz Acrylic Jacket followed by BF MS wax

[imported_al1515]

Hey, guys & gals. First post for me.

I am a father of 2 and unfortunately have limited time for my detailing addiction.

That said, I am trying to plan a detail of my 2008 white Acura TL Type-S for next weekend. It is my daily driver, and I haven't cleaned it in probably 3+ months.

After wash and clay, I am thinking about using Menzerna One-step Acrylic Jacket, followed by Blackfire Midnight Sun Wax.

Although this choice surely provokes some cringing from you diehards out there (who might prefer to carry out all steps separately: wash, clay, polish, glaze, sealant, wax), I am trying to save time by "skipping" steps where I can get away with it. However, I still would like to do so using what appear to be high-quality products.

Plus I already own these two products (among many others I have accumulated).

Question #1: What do you all think about this combo?

Question #2: Is there any cure time after MAJ before applying BF wax?

Question #3: Is it possible to use my Porter Cable for the wax, or do I just need to apply it by hand?

Question #4: If I also wanted to use Menz FT Glaze, would I be able to use it with Menz Acrylic Jacket? It seems that a glaze needs to be applied PRIOR to any sealant, yet FOLLOWING a polish, so I am unsure whether I would apply it BEFORE or AFTER MAJ (since it is part polish and part sealant).


Thanks to all,
Al

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Hey, guys & gals. First post for me.

I am a father of 2 and unfortunately have limited time for my detailing addiction.

That said, I am trying to plan a detail of my 2008 white Acura TL Type-S for next weekend. It is my daily driver, and I haven't cleaned it in probably 3+ months.

After wash and clay, I am thinking about using Menzerna One-step Acrylic Jacket, followed by Blackfire Midnight Sun Wax.

Although this choice surely provokes some cringing from you diehards out there (who might prefer to carry out all steps separately: wash, clay, polish, glaze, sealant, wax), I am trying to save time by "skipping" steps where I can get away with it. However, I still would like to do so using what appear to be high-quality products.

Plus I already own these two products (among many others I have accumulated).

Welcome to the forum!!!!! We love the addition of new members, hopefully I will be able to provide some guidance (at the very least my opinions) on some of the questions you asked.

Question #1: What do you all think about this combo?

I personally think it is a GREAT combination. The base of Acrylic Jacket is FMJ. The base of our latest Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant is FMJ. Is it possible that you might achieve better results doing each step separately? Maybe.

BUT the quality of Acrylic Jacket is such that very little compromises are made, it is a top notch 1step cleaner/sealant. I think you are going to be very impressed with the results and would but this combination above most other brands.

Because the products have such a strong similarity in the base chemicals, you will have zero interference by applying Midnight Sun on top of MAJ. In fact, when Midnight Sun was originally developed, it was blended to allow it to 'bond' well with just out any sealant, on top of the slickest surfaces.

Question #2: Is there any cure time after MAJ before applying BF wax?

Wait as long as you can, but don't sweat it too much. In an ideal situation, I would recommend at least 12 hours, as this would ensure that the product has fully linked. The synthetic polymers in MAJ cure very fast, and have linked over 90% shortly after wipe off. The additional time allows the remaining (stubborn) polymers to link.

In the real world there is not likely to be any noticeable difference in performance if you wait 1 hour or 12 hours, but to guarantee the results the official recommendation would be 12 hours.

I probably sound like I am speaking in double so let me clarify.

Manufacturer recommendations: 12 hours, and this accounts for extreme climates such as cold weather or very high humidity.

In the real world: As long as you can wait with out messing up your day, but dry to give it at least an hour after wipe off.

Question #3: Is it possible to use my Porter Cable for the wax, or do I just need to apply it by hand?

Yes it is very possible to apply Midnight Sun by machine. I personally like doing by hand because I tend to find that it helps me in enjoy the final step. There is no performance benefit regarding hand vs. machine application with this wax.

Here are a couple of pointers if you choose to apply it by machine.

-Use a dedicated pad with little to no mechanical ability. You don't want to have the polishing action of the machine begin to remove the previous coat of sealant. Use either a Red or Gold pad that has not been used with previous polishes, waxes, or sealants (to avoid possible cross contamination).

-Apply on speed 2-4 with light pressure (enough to slow but not prevent the pad from spinning) working quickly over the paint in an overlapping manner.

-Work no more then 1/4 of the car at a time, then set the machine down, and immediately buff off the wax before it hazes. Midnight Sun is designed and formulated to be worked in then wiped off wet!

The biggest problem you are going to have is transferring the wax from the container to the pad. You can remove the pad from the backing plate and squish into into the opening, remove the wax itself from the jar, or use a putty knife.

Question #4: If I also wanted to use Menz FT Glaze, would I be able to use it with Menz Acrylic Jacket? It seems that a glaze needs to be applied PRIOR to any sealant, yet FOLLOWING a polish, so I am unsure whether I would apply it BEFORE or AFTER MAJ (since it is part polish and part sealant).

Acrylic Jacket is a 1step polish/sealant, so if you applied FT Glaze prior to MAJ, you would remove the FT Glaze when applying MAJ. You could apply the FT Glaze after MAJ but before the Midnight Sun, but I am honestly not sure if that is going to offer any benefit what so ever. FT Glaze will likely not stick on the AJ, and will mostly be removed during wipe off.

Glazes and 1steps typically do not work well together because they counter act each other's strengths. In fact this is likely the only compromise you will have to make by using the MAJ.

Thanks to all,
Al

Al, I hope I helped!

Todd

 

[imported_al1515]

thanks

Todd,
Wow, that was quite thorough. Thanks so much for the advice. :notworthy:

I think I'll try hand application of the wax, as that seems to be the only step that most enthusiasts seem to derive more enjoyment out of by NOT using a buffer/polisher!

I'll apply AJ in the AM, let it cure all day and overnight, then wax the next AM.

I'll let you know how it turns out.


Al

 

[imported_Luster]

Welcome, Al!

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Todd,
Wow, that was quite thorough. Thanks so much for the advice. :notworthy:

I think I'll try hand application of the wax, as that seems to be the only step that most enthusiasts seem to derive more enjoyment out of by NOT using a buffer/polisher!

I'll apply AJ in the AM, let it cure all day and overnight, then wax the next AM.

I'll let you know how it turns out.


Al

You are very welcome, I hope I helped:thumbup:

Please let us know how it turns out, and post pictures of your car when it is done. We would love to share in your addiction. Also, feel free to PM me any questions you have or if I can help in anyway!

Todd

PS, if you notice it says that I edited your previous post at the bottom. That is because the Post Reply and Edit Post buttons are right next to eachother and I click the wrong one. Your post was fine and I didn't change a thing. Sorry about that!