Tips on Using Meguiars #83 Polish?

M

mikebai1990

New member
I must be really annoying, switching back and forth between the Meguiars and the Optimum, being so undecisive... I've decided to buy the Meguiars DACP and #80 from Amazon. I understand that #83 is somewhat hard to work with, and I was wondering what kind of tips I can get regarding the use of it. So far, I know that I shouldn't use too much polish, or else the pad will gum up easily. I've also heard that it dries up easily. Do you guys think adding some QD or even some #80 will be a good idea? I'm just throwing out ideas, and appreciate the tips I can get :)



I'll be using a PC, so I'd also like to know what speeds on the PC is suitable for the Meguiars polishes.



Thanks!
 
I wouldn't use that stuff again, it's the worst I've tried. You don't like Optimum? Try Menzerna Ip, very good stuff. Also Presto is pretty good. Sorry to say, But I cannot even get DACP to work, and it is a horrible mess. I could have a bad batch or something, but man 83 is just not worth trying.
 
I've had better luck than Slickery with #83, but I still wouldn't reccomend it. I used it via rotary and wool cut pad @1500 and the results were decent - I would absolutely not use it via PC. If you need a PC-friendly medium leveler, Top of the Line's "Hi-Temp Medium Cut" is an excellent solution - I've found Presta, IP, Optimum and Meg's to be more on the rotary-friendly side.
 
The surface must be free of old wax and sealant in order to use #83 or it will be a sticky mess. So wash and clay first !
 
mikebai1990 said:
I understand that #83 is somewhat hard to work with, and I was wondering what kind of tips I can get regarding the use of it.
Click to expand...



I had gotten a couple ounces of DACP (#83) to try a couple years back, so I searched this forum for exactly what you are looking for. According to some postings by Scottwax, "DACP works best on a speed of 5. Any higher and it dries to fast." Also, "you have to work DACP until it is nearly clear and dry. If it is taking a long time for that to happen you are using too much. When you work it properly, it should wipe off pretty easily."



Mosca also provided an extremely helpful tutorial on using #83 along with pics.



#83 worked OK for me, but I found the Optimum line better in terms of dusting (virtually none) and ease of use.
 
I understand that #83 may be hard to work with, but as I said, the price was a major deciding factor. Hopefully I can manage to find the correct combination of pad, PC speed, polish amount, etc.., not to mention this is going to be my first time polishing :) toml, I appreciate the tutorial that you provided. EdLancer, I'll definitely make sure that I remove the wax and such with a good wash and claying. Maybe add some Simple Green to my wash solution or something.
 
I mix mine with a bit of OP (depending on the cut I need) and it greatly increases the work time and cuts the dusting and gumming.



I recommend it.
 
I was scared to use #83 also. The most important things I read was to use a small amount (thin line around the outside of the pad and keep work area small, no larger than 12'-18". Work it until it starts to clear, usually 2-3 passes using a fair amount of pressure and very slow arm movement. When I see it starting to turn a clearer color I stop and wipe off. Clean your pad after every panel or half a large panel such as a roof of a SUV. It isn't as much fun to use as #80, but still not that difficult. Just keep thinking small work area.
 
bluemoon (and whoever can answer this), how do you clean the pad and be able to continue to use it? I usually clean them by washing them. Do you mean something like taking a brush and brushing whatever can come off?
 
mikebai1990 said:
bluemoon (and whoever can answer this), how do you clean the pad and be able to continue to use it? I usually clean them by washing them. Do you mean something like taking a brush and brushing whatever can come off?
Click to expand...

I take a microfider towel and hold it against the pad with one hand and turn the machine on for 30 seconds or so. That seems to take a fair amount of build up out of the pad. After I am all done with the polishing, thats when I wash my pads and let dry.
 
what is so hard about 83 that everyone complains about...I have used it a lot and like it better than optimum OC now...



83 cuts more and about twice as fast compared to OC

I have yet to get the gumming issue when cleaning the pad every 1/2 car....and I use more polish than most just because I find that it works better this way...I dont mix products with 83 like OP...



I like it, plus the filling action of 80 followed leaves the finish pretty great looking...
 
mikebai1990 said:
bluemoon (and whoever can answer this), how do you clean the pad and be able to continue to use it? I usually clean them by washing them. Do you mean something like taking a brush and brushing whatever can come off?
Click to expand...





Run over to Home Depot and grab a tile grout brush in the cleaning stuff isle. Turn the PC down to about 2 and hold the brush against the spinning pad. Works great.
 
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