APC – abbreviation for “all purpose cleaner.” These types of cleaner are typically dilutable to achieve different levels of cleaning power and are safe for use on multiple surfaces materials.
Backing Plate – the piece which mates the buffer to the buffing pad. Typically, backing plates are made of flexible plastic and are available in multiple sizes. One side will have a threaded post which attaches to the machine and the other side has Velcro which attaches to the polishing pad.
Dressing –protectant for vinyl, rubber, & plastic surfaces.
Glaze – also known as a “pure polish” a glaze contains no cleaners and no abrasives. Instead a glaze contains fillers and oils which help to brighten and deepen the shine of paint. Glazes are a temporary fix to many problems and will typically wash away with the first car wash or rain fall.
Knap – the soft or fuzzy surface of a carpet or towel.
LSP – short for “last step product.” This term is typically used to represent wax or sealant
Marring – fine scratching.
Microfiber – type of fabric. The term itself actually describes the construction of the fabric and not the material the fabric is made from. Microfiber towels can be made from any mix of cotton, polyester, or nylon.
Polish –a chemical which levels the surface of a car’s paint either through mechanical (abrasives) or chemical means.
PC – short for Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher. The PC is sold under multiple model numbers. The most common are the G100, 7424 and 7336SP. The only difference between these three models is the size of the counterweight. The counterweight is intended to help reduce vibration in the machine, but most cannot tell the difference between the two sizes of counterweight. Additionally, the G100 is sold through Meguiar’s with a lifetime warranty.
Sealant – a protectant applied to the paint. Sealants come in the form of a liquid and provide excellent UV protection for the paint. Sealants are very durable and can last twice as long as a carnauba wax. They are optically true (i.e. perfectly clear) and provide a highly reflective finish. However, the shine provided by most sealants lack depth and warmth.
Vinyl Fog – the formation of fogginess on interior glass due to out gassing of vapors from vinyl & plastic materials. This condition occurs frequently in new cars, but is also common in cars where vinyl dressing is used frequently.
Waffle Weave – a type of microfiber weave which results in the surface of the towel having a visible pattern of small squares like the surface of a waffle.
Wax – most car wax is made from carnauba wax. Carnauba is one of nature’s hardest waxes. So, carnauba must be combined with solvents or oils to make it soft enough for application. Wax is not as durable as sealants. However, wax provides a deep, wet shine.