3M Finishing Glaze

[bcgreen]

I saw this product in the paint supply store and was wondering what is it used for? Is it used instead of wax? If so will it last longer than the average type of wax such as Mequiars? Will I get a better shine using this product? I see by the instructions that it is applied by a DA such as my PC or by hand. I plan on getting some since I already have the machinge glaze, which is applied by rotary buffer.
Thanks

[Pete Geither]

Most glazes are for a temporary shine to cover swirl marks and other slight defects. Almost all are water soluable and will dissappear after a wash or two. They do NOT replace a good wax job.

[suginami]

I've used it a lot. It's just a nice polish that adds gloss and hides swirl marks, and small scratches.

Follow up with a wax.

[bcgreen]

Well, I have the 05937 Machine Glaze which I then would follow up with the 05941 Finishing Glaze. Would you or are you saying to put a good wax over the finishing glaze?

[suginami]

Glaze is just another word for polish. Polishes just add gloss to the paint and hide imperfections.

Wax is to provide protection.

I know Zaino's calls their product a polish, but they are not using the word in its usual fashion.

[bcgreen]

So, would I get a better shine if I use the machine glaze followed by the finishing glaze and then add the wax or protectant?

[suginami]

I could be wrong, but I think the machine glaze is to be machine applied and the finishing glaze is to be hand applied.

I am pretty familiar with 3M's line of professional products, and they do make products specifically for machine application and hand application. Btw, I purchase by products at Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes paint store. Great place to buy in bulk or hard to find products. They also have a lot of stuff you can't find anywhere else. If you do machine apply, check out their foam polishing / compounding pads. Much better than wool bonnets.

Thus, the products are probably redundant. I have used machine glaze before, but not finishing glaze.

What does it say on the bottle?

[bcgreen]

The finishing glaze, according to 3M, can be applied by hand or DA. Since I am at work I cannot read the container but I am sure it says the same thing as their web site. I always use my DA for applying the Mequiars glaze and wax. Also, I have never used wool pads, I discovered that info years ago before I even began detailing autos. Do you think the price is better at Sherwin than at a body shop supply store? What have you bought there that you cannot find at other stores?

[suginami]

Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes is an auto body supply store. It's not really a retail store, but anybody can walk in and place an order.
Most of the stuff there is not sold retail anywhere. They do carry the Meguiar's line, but only in large bottles, and only their professional line of products.

[Cap'n Carageous]

Not to change the sbject, but, Suginami, you sold a 65 El Camino??? What the hell were you thinking??

[suginami]

You're telling me! I was in high school, and ran the car really hard. Was in two minor accidents, bondoed over the dents, cheap resprays. The cars were cheap back then and nobody had any idea they'd become collectable.

I loved the car. Easy to work on. No smog equipment. Rebuilt the engine myself twice.

My fondest memories of high school all revolve around the car.

[Cap'n Carageous]

I can relate to that and as a matter of fact, when I was twenty one, I sold my 69 Mach 1 Mustang with 30,000 miles for $1500!! I still cry about that one. Maybe we should start a thread about the ones that got away!

[BAd124]

To clear this matter up a Glaze and wax are two different things. Yes wax protects but glaze does not cover up scrathes- it removes them. Glaze contains tiny polishing granuals in it that remove a thin layer of clear coat from the surface. It also contains oils and other emollients(depending on the brand). It does add a shine to the car through these. As far as being water soluable i have not heard of that. Wax should be applied after Glaze is used as it is not a finishing step and will not help protect from things such as acid rain. Be careful when using a machine and dont mistake glaze for a rubbing compound or something harsher as this is sure to take any shine and paint off the car when used improperly. Hope this helps.