3M Performance Finish or Imperial Hand Glaze?

[kkreit01]

I know there is a 3M export-user on this site. Does anyone have any experience with these products?

3M™ Imperial™ Hand Glaze - A unique combination of paint glossifiers provides a brilliant, deep, "wet look" show car finish.

3M™ Performance Finish - A reactive silicone based product that bonds to the paint surface providing a durable, long lasting, high gloss finish with exceptional water beading qualities on painted vehicle surfaces.

The product bottle nor website states much about it. Do they stain trim? Are they dusty? I always like to try new OTC waxes/polishes. The paint on my vehicles is farely new -- no contaminates or oxidation, so I thought one of the above would be nice to try. I saw them while browsing my local Napa. I always get bored of a product before I can use it up, thus I will stay away from the premium $25+ internet products for now.

 

[benjamming]

I have used the Imperial Hand Glaze for several years now. The only thing I have to compare it to is P21S Paintwork Cleanser. The 3M IHG is slightly more aggressive than the P21S product. I've not had any problem with it staining trim. I do have trim that will have wax residue, but I use something along the lines of One Grand Exterior Rubber & Vinyl to treat the trim & it removes the residue. It dusts less than wax.

I'm not familiar with the Performance Finish.

 

[kkreit01]

Thanks for your input. I have since read on autopia that the IHG is really hard to remove? I don't really need a cleaner. The Performance Finish must be brand new. It was on a large end cap -- with lot of new 3M products/bottles.

I think I'm going to try the Turtle Wax Premium Ultra Gloss from Big Lots. It has lots of great reviews for the price. I will then hit up my local Harley dealer to see if they have S100 (as a topper). I wanted to stay clear of mail order, but Collinite 845 also seems to be a favorite.

So many choices...

 

[bretfraz]

IHG does not have paint cleaning or polishing ability. Like all glazes, it's simply a "beauty product" comprised mostly of fillers and oils. Glazes give paint that nice rich look but have no durability, that's why you need to top them with wax.

Glazes need to be worked into the paint more than simply applying and removing. When you go to wipe them off, they're supposed to leave some product behind. The trick is to apply the product, let it set up, take your towel and lightly wipe down a section, then flip the towel and polish it with quick, light strokes. Yes, it'll be a bit tough to do. Yes, the paint will look a little smeary (it's supposed to). When you're done, apply a thin coat of wax and wipe off. The paint should look fine.

Glazes have an old skool process that most detailing n00bs don't understand. It's a lot different than modern polishes and synthetic paint sealants.

Hope this helps!