Merlin
A Miracle Detailing
This is a brand new from the ground up product that was just announced at SEMA.
My Experience:
I just applied Ultimate Wax liquid with a DA on my black hood with a LC Black pad.
Here is what I did and my results...(I can post pics on request)
Preface:
I have MENZ SIP/106/P085 & MEGS 105/205 but the auto parts store had the UCompound/UPolish combo on sale.
Well I picked up the three products...UCompound, UPolish & UWax and thought I'd give 'em a try as a "matched" trio.
My hood really is in pretty good shape but it did have a few very small fine scratches.
I figured I'd try the Kevin Brown Method and UPolish and see if it cleared them up.
The UPolish didn't get rid of 'em completely so I reached for the UCompound.
Ultimate Compound:
Having experience with Megs 105 and hearing UCompound was based on 105 I expected it to dry quickly and dust.
I usually keep a water misting bottle handy when I use 105 and this allows me to increase the 105 working time.
I found UCompound allowed a longer working time but cutting was not as aggressive as 105 in removing defects.
I also found there is still dusting with UCompound but not as bad a 105 and UCompound had a longer working time.
It was not necessary to mist UCompound with water while using it and it was easier to tell when its "life" was gone.
After applying UCompound with the LC orange flat pad the paint did not have that slight matte finish like 105 does.
Ultimate Polish:
I then took a LC white pad, UPolish and gave it a go. UPolish is based on 205. I found it easier to work with than 205.
No dusting at all, a slight oil glaze look, a nice working time and it left and very nice glossy deep finish when done.
I did an IPA after I did each section with UPolish. When I use the 105/205 combo after an IPA the paint looks hazy.
I did not find the hazy look with the UPolish. It was clear and I sill was able to see if any more polishing was needed.
I heard some folks use mineral spirits as a polish wipe down as it looks better when customers are watching you.
I personally do not do this as I want to see the paint, even if it's flat looking, to see if more correction is needed.
UPolish was very easy to remove and was not like trying to chip off hardened cement. I'm sure you know what I mean.
Ultimate Wax:
The name of this product makes me smile. I know it's a "clean sheet of paper" 100% synthetic product. It contains no "wax".
This "marketing" I'm sure is aimed at the general public that wouldn't know a wax from a sealant. Don't even try to teach 'em!
The UWax liquid is much easier to apply than paste (I used a DA), lasts as long as the paste and the liquid will not stain trim.
This is due to the ingredient added to the Ultimate Paste Wax version that makes it into a paste. That's why I choose the liquid.
I primed the LC black flat pad and then applied five small dots on the pad surface. This was enough product for half the hood.
I went up & down & back & forth with the PC/xp at speed 3 moving fairly quick to spread the product completely over the hood.
I then put five more small dots on the pad and did the other half of the hood. The pad was still moist when I was finished.
Now here comes the part I'm not really sure if I did correctly. I removed UWt with a MF bonnet over a wool pad after 10-15 minutes.
In the one or two spots where I had streaking I took the supplied black MF towel and wiped them until they were gone.
I have now discovered that putting a very light water mist on a MF towel then lightly wiping the streaks makes them disappear.
I waited about an hour and then applied a second coat. OK, I now realize you're not supposed to do this. Wait 12-24 hours!
Results:
It wasn't that great when I did it in the morning but it looked absolutely awesome in the 75 degree afternoon sunshine.
I know "Dude that stuff's really shiny!" doesn't make for a good product review but..."Dude that stuff's really shiny!"
It's now slick, hard, the shine and clarity are flat out awesome and not at all plastic "Saran Wrap" looking.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see a "consumer" product line perform that well!
I'm really blown away with the ease of use, look, feel, finish and the depth of shine.
Conclusion:
I am really liking this product. I am curious to see how it holds up, but so far I am very pleased.
I was able to obtain a deep glossy "show car" finish with very little effort and energy.
I've bought and tried about every LSP made from Adams to Zaino. (A-Z)
I really like the way the Ultimate Wax finish looks on my paint.
It's a bit early to comment on longevity so I'll do a follow up.
My Experience:
I just applied Ultimate Wax liquid with a DA on my black hood with a LC Black pad.
Here is what I did and my results...(I can post pics on request)
Preface:
I have MENZ SIP/106/P085 & MEGS 105/205 but the auto parts store had the UCompound/UPolish combo on sale.
Well I picked up the three products...UCompound, UPolish & UWax and thought I'd give 'em a try as a "matched" trio.
My hood really is in pretty good shape but it did have a few very small fine scratches.
I figured I'd try the Kevin Brown Method and UPolish and see if it cleared them up.
The UPolish didn't get rid of 'em completely so I reached for the UCompound.
Ultimate Compound:
Having experience with Megs 105 and hearing UCompound was based on 105 I expected it to dry quickly and dust.
I usually keep a water misting bottle handy when I use 105 and this allows me to increase the 105 working time.
I found UCompound allowed a longer working time but cutting was not as aggressive as 105 in removing defects.
I also found there is still dusting with UCompound but not as bad a 105 and UCompound had a longer working time.
It was not necessary to mist UCompound with water while using it and it was easier to tell when its "life" was gone.
After applying UCompound with the LC orange flat pad the paint did not have that slight matte finish like 105 does.
Ultimate Polish:
I then took a LC white pad, UPolish and gave it a go. UPolish is based on 205. I found it easier to work with than 205.
No dusting at all, a slight oil glaze look, a nice working time and it left and very nice glossy deep finish when done.
I did an IPA after I did each section with UPolish. When I use the 105/205 combo after an IPA the paint looks hazy.
I did not find the hazy look with the UPolish. It was clear and I sill was able to see if any more polishing was needed.
I heard some folks use mineral spirits as a polish wipe down as it looks better when customers are watching you.
I personally do not do this as I want to see the paint, even if it's flat looking, to see if more correction is needed.
UPolish was very easy to remove and was not like trying to chip off hardened cement. I'm sure you know what I mean.
Ultimate Wax:
The name of this product makes me smile. I know it's a "clean sheet of paper" 100% synthetic product. It contains no "wax".
This "marketing" I'm sure is aimed at the general public that wouldn't know a wax from a sealant. Don't even try to teach 'em!
The UWax liquid is much easier to apply than paste (I used a DA), lasts as long as the paste and the liquid will not stain trim.
This is due to the ingredient added to the Ultimate Paste Wax version that makes it into a paste. That's why I choose the liquid.
I primed the LC black flat pad and then applied five small dots on the pad surface. This was enough product for half the hood.
I went up & down & back & forth with the PC/xp at speed 3 moving fairly quick to spread the product completely over the hood.
I then put five more small dots on the pad and did the other half of the hood. The pad was still moist when I was finished.
Now here comes the part I'm not really sure if I did correctly. I removed UWt with a MF bonnet over a wool pad after 10-15 minutes.
In the one or two spots where I had streaking I took the supplied black MF towel and wiped them until they were gone.
I have now discovered that putting a very light water mist on a MF towel then lightly wiping the streaks makes them disappear.
I waited about an hour and then applied a second coat. OK, I now realize you're not supposed to do this. Wait 12-24 hours!
Results:
It wasn't that great when I did it in the morning but it looked absolutely awesome in the 75 degree afternoon sunshine.
I know "Dude that stuff's really shiny!" doesn't make for a good product review but..."Dude that stuff's really shiny!"
It's now slick, hard, the shine and clarity are flat out awesome and not at all plastic "Saran Wrap" looking.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see a "consumer" product line perform that well!
I'm really blown away with the ease of use, look, feel, finish and the depth of shine.
Conclusion:
I am really liking this product. I am curious to see how it holds up, but so far I am very pleased.
I was able to obtain a deep glossy "show car" finish with very little effort and energy.
I've bought and tried about every LSP made from Adams to Zaino. (A-Z)
I really like the way the Ultimate Wax finish looks on my paint.
It's a bit early to comment on longevity so I'll do a follow up.
