Question about Meguiars APC plus

henry418 · 04-28-2011, 01:23 AM

I have a quick question for you guys,

I just bought some Meguiars D103 APC plus mainly for engine bay, wheel well, and interior carpet cleaning.

Just wondering though, if I dilute it to say around 1:12, would it be safe to use on paint for stripping off wax/polish? (Instead of IPA wipedown)

It is "all purpose" cleaner after all...

Thanks!

Envious Eric · 04-28-2011, 02:53 AM

I wouldnt use it on paint unless at like 60:1 or more. Think about the car washes that use degreaser...I heard something about those being like 100:1 or something like that. Also, dont ever use it in the sun on the paint and let it dry. you will end up with un-repairable damage (etched clear) and will need a repaint.

whats wrong with IPA? use it mixed with water and you are good! 91% gets mixed at 3:1 and 70% gets 1:1 for me. (depends on whats on sale when I buy it...or whats on the shelf, lol) APC will leave a residue if using in place of an IPA wipedown. You will need to rewash with a car wash shampoo after, or at least a VERY thorough rinsing

autoaesthetica · 04-28-2011, 03:18 PM

I will share that Meguiars APC+ has very similar formulation(almost to the exact numbers) of another biodegradable APC that is used by a lot of professionals both in the US and canada on paint as a pre-soak.

The problem as Eric mentioned is not so much when it is dwell wet, but if it potentially dries. We sometimes use APC+ as a bug pre-soak as well as other exterior jobs including paint, and while it has accidentally dried unexpectedly in a small patch(dry breezy windy day) there was zero damage done.

The active chemical I believe is a sodium salt which is why is so good at interior work as well as light degreasing methods.

Based on all the times I have used it and recommend it to other people, with care, I would think you can use it on paint(as I often get it on paint when cleaning trim) as long is it stays damp.

Eric is right, a strong mix of shampoo for your wash(if you wanted you could add APC+ into) with an isopropyl alcohol wipe after is a good way to get rid of anything left on the paint.

Mike

henry418 · 04-29-2011, 07:31 PM

Ok, thanks for the replies!

04-28-2011, 01:23 AM	#1
henry418 Captain 54 Rep 769 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (4)	Question about Meguiars APC plus I have a quick question for you guys, I just bought some Meguiars D103 APC plus mainly for engine bay, wheel well, and interior carpet cleaning. Just wondering though, if I dilute it to say around 1:12, would it be safe to use on paint for stripping off wax/polish? (Instead of IPA wipedown) It is "all purpose" cleaner after all... Thanks!
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04-28-2011, 02:53 AM	#2
Envious Eric Banned 39 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	I wouldnt use it on paint unless at like 60:1 or more. Think about the car washes that use degreaser...I heard something about those being like 100:1 or something like that. Also, dont ever use it in the sun on the paint and let it dry. you will end up with un-repairable damage (etched clear) and will need a repaint. whats wrong with IPA? use it mixed with water and you are good! 91% gets mixed at 3:1 and 70% gets 1:1 for me. (depends on whats on sale when I buy it...or whats on the shelf, lol) APC will leave a residue if using in place of an IPA wipedown. You will need to rewash with a car wash shampoo after, or at least a VERY thorough rinsing
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04-28-2011, 03:18 PM	#3
autoaesthetica Banned 14 Rep 188 Posts Drives: A tin can on boost Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Buffalo/WNY iTrader: (0)	I will share that Meguiars APC+ has very similar formulation(almost to the exact numbers) of another biodegradable APC that is used by a lot of professionals both in the US and canada on paint as a pre-soak. The problem as Eric mentioned is not so much when it is dwell wet, but if it potentially dries. We sometimes use APC+ as a bug pre-soak as well as other exterior jobs including paint, and while it has accidentally dried unexpectedly in a small patch(dry breezy windy day) there was zero damage done. The active chemical I believe is a sodium salt which is why is so good at interior work as well as light degreasing methods. Based on all the times I have used it and recommend it to other people, with care, I would think you can use it on paint(as I often get it on paint when cleaning trim) as long is it stays damp. Eric is right, a strong mix of shampoo for your wash(if you wanted you could add APC+ into) with an isopropyl alcohol wipe after is a good way to get rid of anything left on the paint. Mike
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04-29-2011, 07:31 PM	#4
henry418 Captain 54 Rep 769 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (4)	Ok, thanks for the replies!
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