Meguiar's M799 PRO Hybrid Ceramic Bead Booster [DEEP DIVE] 

Hey Armando, The pricing has changed since I was there, but I would say the main advantage of 799 is that you can use it as a dedicated sealant in a way HCD cannot match. As for diluting, I do agree it can be a bit wonky - but most folks would use it by the gallon would not include sprayers in the math since they are usually high volume accounts with existing secondary bottles. Regardless, I do agree the pricing is a little wonky. I know there are some online sources with lower prices on 799 than what you quoted, though. Look around a bit and maybe that will help. -MK

Glad I saw this video and read this post because I always thought it was 1 part M799 to 3 parts water thinking it would be an economical way to buy bulk HCD. Most (if not all?) companies have the ratios product:water. But looking at the meguiar’s wording it does not say “1:3” at all. I’ve seen people misconstrue this many times on forums and RU-vid posts!

@@muckeynyea I read on the bottle 3 parts product 1 part water, thought that was backwards and odd. Not really diluting it much. Figured the 3 parts water and 1 part product would be a better drying aid and less chance of streaking

Now you know :)

Thanks Gabe! It's a big time suck for sure. I haven't played a video game since I started... :(

Good idea Ron! -MK

Yeah, honestly you can't go wrong with this stuff. It's amazingly versatile and has extremely strong performance compared to the competition.

It works great as a drying aid straight. I never diluted it, just sprayed less while drying.

You can use it either straight or diluted and honestly it will be one of those things you will need to try and see what suits your style. The 1:3 dilution will spread around a little easier, but not boost as much as undiluted. It will also vary based on what you are spraying into - a car that is already coated or has some slid production will likely be fine with 1:3, whereas a car that has minimal protection or a near-dead coating would benefit most from undiluted. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks Justin! I just wrote someone above almost the same thing I will answer, but in a nutshell I tend to use full strength when the surface is less hydrophobic, as that means there is more water on the surface to dilute the product (effectively) as I dry. I would say try both and see what feels right - you will feel a difference. As for comparing it to HCW, HCW is a bit more durable, but the trade off is that it is thicker and a little more work to get on there evenly. I will honestly use them interchangeably at times as drying aids based on what bottle is closest to me hah.

It's great as a drying aid - I think you will find that you can use it at either full strength or 1:3 for this purpose, but I tend to choose based on how strong or weak the existing protection is. If I have a coating towards the ends of its life, or if I am going over some sort of wax or sealant that isn't totally fresh, I go full strength. If I am drying a coated car that is still really strong on the hydrophobic front - then I tend to reach for my 1:3 bottle. There is no wrong answer - try both and see what feels right for you.

Hi Adrian, I appreciate the kind words. I know I have been MIA a while. Life has thrown thrown some curve balls and I have just not had the time to dedicate to this. I am filming some videos for work this week and I just might force myself to make some to go on my own channel too. Stay tuned. As for the shelf life, I have and use some that came from the first batch a few years ago and it still works fine. Typically products like these will last several years *as long as you avoid extreme heat or cold.* The official Meguiar's answer is typically 2 years, but that is more of a minimum standard than a true shelf life. -MK

Hi mtrs11c, Thanks for the kind words! M799 is definitely going to be a good step up from D156 - it offers about double the durability in most conditions. You can use any type of car wash and you should be fine - the Hybrid Ceramic Wash & Wax just helps to boost the Hybrid Ceramic protection a bit, but it is by no means required. You can also swap back and forth with D156/UQW and you will be fine. Technically you will take a small step backwards in terms of the quality of hydrophobics with D156 vs M799, but nothing to lose sleep over. Use to your heart's content :) PS - assuming it is already too cold, in the spring my advice would be to look at applying Hybrid Paint Coating - it will by far give the best durable protection for the winter as it is a true coating and will do very well against the salt etc. -MK

@@MarkusKleis Thank you for the advice. And excellent job on the videos and your explanations. When you said in one of your videos you used to work for Maguire’s my thumb automatically hit subscribe..

@@mtrs11c Thank you so much! -MK

Yes for sure. I use this as my go to spray sealant or drying aide on coated and un-coated vehicles.

Hey Glenn, thanks for the support! I would reach out to Meguiar's Australia - they should be able to point you in the right direction on the bottles. Tell them I sent you and to say hi to "Bruce" for me. That should help ;) www.meguiars.com.au/contact-us/

@@MarkusKleis cheers MK! Shall do!!!

There is definitely a personal preference component to choosing one or the other due to the different viscosity and (traditional) application methods for the products. When it comes to using them on a wet car as a drying aid, you’re right in that HCW can actually provide even more durable protection without much of a difference in application. The main advantage of M799 is that it can be used in different formats for different jobs (like between washes) where HCW cannot. With an M27 base - using HCW as a drying aid is a great way to keep things super boosted. Then you could use M799 between washes if needed as a Detailer. Hope that makes sense.

At the time that I left, there were still some sourcing issues. That product was seriously cursed. The formula and packaging design was truly 100% done when it was first shown - but then we ran into the most insane endless sourcing issues. First we couldn't get the small bottle, then we found another, then the orifice reducer didn't fit. Then we sourced that, then we had to change the size of the heat shrink slightly... THEN the caps were out of stock. Then we went back to the other bottle, swapped everything again... THEN the small sprayers for the M122 were out of stock. This went on and on. I have never seen anything like it. It was truly cursed. Last I heard, I do think the product will be launched soon - but I am not 100% sure if they are going to send it all to the international markets first or not since they are running out of M688.

@@MarkusKleis What a nightmare! Thanks for sharing the story. Just picked up the new Meg's Paint Coating, looking forward to trying it. Been really enjoying your videos.

@@DVAutoDetailingTheWaxPodcast Thanks! Let me know if you need any help installing it.

Nick over on the Meguiar's forum confirmed this product is dead and won't make it to the US market.

@@MikeGDetailing Interesting - thanks for the update!

M799 will be a little darker / glossier than HCD. Real world expect to see around 3 months of durability with proper care. I found M799 undiluted to beat SEVERAL of the most popular pro competitive coating toppers in initial performance AND durability and those products all *claimed* 6 months of durability. Yes, M799 can go over any coating, sealant or wax :)

Of course! When discussing dilution ratios you typically reference the water first, the product second. So for example, when talking about diluting car wash shampoo you typically see 128:1, which means 128 ounces of water per 1 ounce of car wash solution. For APC, you typically see 4:1 and 10:1, with 4:1 being more aggressive as it is a higher concentration of APC vs water. For M799 it is really abnormal because the dilution of 1:3 seems backwards, but really it just means you barely dilute it and use 1 part water, 3 parts M799. The reason is that the active part of M799 when really concentrated can be slightly thick to wipe on and off, but slightly diluted allows it to more easily be applied and removed. Hope that helps!

Hi Prashanth - Yes, you can use and re-use your normal towels. It is not sio2 that causes towels to get hard, that comes from resins in coatings. This is not a coating it is an sio2-based sealant. This is meant to be used in a similar way to a spray wax or sealant, or as a topper for a coated vehicle. Does that make sense?

@@MarkusKleis Thanks for the reply and it does help! I'm looking forward to getting my bottle. Appreciate your deep dives and I'm looking at your garage for inspiration for mine.

Hi Azir! Yes, you certainly can use this as your "LSP" (Last Step Product/Protection). Use it full strength in that case for maximum protection. Also, if you decide later to use any of the other Hybrid Ceramic items they will all stack with this - no need to remove and start fresh. Hope this helps!

Yes, you can use this before, between or after traditional wax or sealants. The only time you shouldn't use this is BEFORE a coating. M799 will stick to existing waxes or sealants and help boost the properties. -MK

Hi CA P! Good questions. Let me do my best to answer. For one, if you have the Hybrid Paint Coating, M799 would be primarily used either as a drying aid during your wash process, or as a general topper down the road as the coating ages. For the first several months there is no need to top HPC at all, but some like to use something like M799 when drying as it acts like a lubricant to reduce the chance of swirls while drying. You do not *need* this or any toppers for HPC, but they are optional. As for the M27 HC Sealant, that is a liquid format sealant that goes on a bit thicker, will fill a little more and potentially add a little more gloss as a result if applied to a surface that isn't perfect. Both are related in chemistry, but M27 is more durable than M799 which is a sprayable product. What makes M27 unique is that it has a self-leveling property that is very unique compared to other waxes or sealants on the market. It levels itself so much, in fact, sometimes it almost seems like you don't even need to wipe the excess off. It also doesn't stain trim, and can be used on paint, PPF and vinyl wraps/decals.

@@MarkusKleis Thanks. What is the difference from bead booster to ceramic wax spray? In terms of using them after a wash. And why wouldnt I just reapply the coating after a wash 6 months down the line? There is enough left over.

@@cap217cap217 The HCW (blue bottle) is thicker, requires a wet application and takes a little more effort than M799. You also can't use HCW as a detailer, or on a dusty car, or to remove bird droppings or smudges, for example. HCW if applied properly will last longer than M799, but it takes a little more effort and time to apply. You absolutely could use more coating, but in my experience it would be better to wait until around a year or so. If you try to apply another coat at 6 months, it might not bond very well and it would be would be wasted. That is why something like M799 can make more sense as a quick and simple topper. Don't get overwhelmed. Detailing can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. If you feel like using M799 or a similar topper, go for it, if you feel like you don't need it, skip it! You will be fine either way :)

So if you use M799 undiluted, it is definitely more durable as it is a proper spray and wipe sealant in that form. But if you dilute M799 1:3 (water:product), you will actually get similar performance and attributes compared to the HCD. When diluted, it acts like a boosted detailer. So it really depends what you need - I use them somewhat interchangeably, but use the M799 full-strength when I want max durability.

Yes, you can use this after any wax. It works on bare paint, waxed paint or coated paint. Over time, as you use this and wipe it on, you will slowly replace the wax with M799 (which is okay).

Hey Mike, I am not 100% sure - it might be there by now even. I would ping Meguiar's UK and see if they have details.

Distilled or RO water is optimal whenever diluting products, but is not absolutely required. If you have some, use it, if not, don't sweat it. It matters more when diluting cleaners IMO.

No, this is a professional item that you would need to either order from a local speciality detail supply store or online.

Leaving that for later ;)

Ok, I waited a year. Time to spill the beans on interior applications for m799 :)

Hi Pam! I would say that you certainly can apply more during your wash & drying process, or as a final wipe down to remove any lingering water spots or runs from the wash, but you shouldn't *need* to apply more than every month or so. When in doubt, the best way to test if you should add more is by looking at the behavior of the water when you are doing the final rinse during your wash. If you see the water rushing off of the paint everywhere, then you do not *need* to add more. but if you see spots where the water clings to the car, or is slow to rinse off, then I would add more. Let me know if you still have questions!

@@MarkusKleis ah i see..when the last i wash my car (usually every 2 weeks), the water still rushing off of the paint. So if i reapply, it just waste money right? But should i apply my ultimate quick detailer after use this product? Or just stand alone it already strong enough? Thank you.

@@joustindarmanta4011 If you are totally happy with the level of slickness and water beading, then that means the protection is still there and strong. I personally just use 1-2 sprays into my drying towel before each panel or two as an added lubricant as water itself is not the best lubricant. This reduces the chance of towel marring while drying. You do not need to use UQD after this - you would just use one or the other. They do a similar job, but M799 lasts longer. UQD is a slightly better fit for removing bird droppings or contaminants BETWEEN full washes, and M799 is ideal for protection right after your wash.

@@MarkusKleis ah alright you are so profesional.. Next question, after I put my m799 on, and my car was exposed to rain and dust, do I need to wash it right away? I mean will the m799 protect the paint even if it is exposed to rain and dry by itself and then repeats itself the next day, will the paint still be safe? because it's too tired to have to wash the car and dry it when it rains. Sorry i have lot a question because i love too much to my car 😂

@@joustindarmanta4011 Ah, thank you! It's my pleasure to help fellow car enthusiasts make and keep their rides beautiful! It's my passion! As for whether or not you have to clean your car immediately after it rains if dusty - it depends. If you aren't noticing lasting water spots or mineral deposits after you eventually wash the car later, then I would say you do not need to worry about that. If you are REALLY hardcore about it, in theory having the dirt on your car over time increases the risk of incidental contact rubbing the dirt into the paint and causing lights scratches or swirls. But we have to remember that cars are going to get dirty, they are going to get scratched and we can't avoid 100% of it. I think you are doing a good job and as long as you don't let the dirt sit more than a week or two, you should be fine!

When you dilute the M799 down 1:3 (water:M799), you end up with an sio2 boosted detailer that will be very similar to Hybrid Ceramic Detailer. It's pretty cool. Otherwise, when you use it full strength - treat it like a spray wax (sealant) and use it on a clean surface and you will get added durability over the diluted format.

Hi Krisna, you can, just know any time you use a spray wax, sealant or boosted detailer you run the risk of some light smear/streaks if not properly wiped up during application. So just make sure to go over it with a clean, dry towel at the end and you should be set! -MK

Thanks for your response, i like this channel 🙌

Hey Hamza, That's obviously not was it was originally designed for, but I know of several people who love this stuff for quick interior wipe-downs. They also report that the customers love the smell hah. If you used this for an interior I would dilute 1:3 (water:product) and spray into your towel. for a maintenance wipe down it should work fine over plastics, leather and vinyl. -MK

@@MarkusKleis Thanks for the quick reply I’ve been using this on my coated car and it’s amazing 🙌🏼

@@hamzachhapra3231 Good to hear! It replaced all other toppers in my arsenal as well :) -MK

I certainly wasn’t looking to - I absolutely loved working there and what I did, but I was approached about an opportunity that was just too good to pass up. It was a chance for me to grow and learn more about parts of the business that I wasn’t being exposed to as much in my role at Meguiar’s. -MK

If you are compare it to other CLAIMED durability, then yes - it is. There are plenty of products in this space that make BIG claims of 6, 9 and even 12 months of durability. I have done MANY side-by-side-by-side tests both in the lab and on cars and found M799 to outlast all of the coating toppers in the class. Not only that, but it had the best initial water beading and self-cleaning in all of our blind testing. Furthermore, the 90 days is an estimate of how long the product will not just be detectable, but actually providing value - a much higher standard than some others use (and more relevant, too). This product absolutely walked circles around things like Reload and C2V3, for example.

@@MarkusKleis yeah could you extend the life of it in the future or no ?

@@Barbieman55 Each time you wipe a fresh application you reset that clock. So if for example you use it as a drying aid - you will perpetually extend the life out to 90~ days again and again each time you use it. Hope that helps 👍

With a spray on product like this, people that claim more than 3 months are just kidding themselves. Can they do it? Sure if your car rarely sees adverse conditions or is garage kept 100% of the time. However if you use your car like a normal person does with their DD, 90 days is plenty. Especially when we are talking about an easy to apply spray on-wipe off product. Just reapply every couple washes or so.

@@vdub5818 exactly, you’ll be applying it before those 90 days are up anyways, 90 days sounds good to me.

I sort of understand parts of what you are saying, but I can't say I see eye to eye on all points. Let me throw a few thoughts at ya and you tell me if it makes sense. For one, As Mike Phillips often says, "Find something you like and use it often." If you found that HCW is awesome - keep using it. The reason Meguiar's added liquid and spray-and-wipe variations of the technology is that not all people like to use products in the same ways. Some folks NEVER hit their cars with a hose - ever - so the original HCW wasn't an option for them. Those same folks often like old school liquid or paste waxes, so that's why one was born. Likewise, some folks simply want to effortlessly spray-and-wipe a light "spray wax" and simply use it more often, and for them, Hybrid Ceramic Detailer was born. There are are situations where you NEED a detailer where the original spray wax version wouldn't be an option (like between washes). But at the end of the day, where I am having trouble seeing eye to eye is understanding how having more OPTIONS takes away from the time and money you invested into the original? It's still there, it wasn't discontinued - and it still performs a unique function (more than one) that NONE of the other Hybrid Ceramic items can. You will still get more durability out of a full and proper installation of HCW than M799, for example. So I say if you like what you got, keep rocking it and just ignore the other stuff.

Thanks for the kind words Dustin! -MK