Mixing and matching the right product on different pads?

[weaselorlando]

I am getting ready to start working on a few my cars. They range from a 2013 Civic in good condition to a 2000 Accord in neglected condition to a 1973 MGB that was re-sprayed years ago with a single stage paint. I purchased the following LC Thin pro pads to go with my PC.

• ThinPro Orange Heavy Cutting Pad
• ThinPro White Polishing Pad
• ThinPro Black Finishing Pad
• ThinPro Red Finishing Pad

I am trying to limit the product options to keep the variables manageable while I work on gaining some experience. At first I was thinking of using M105 / M205 but now I thought about using UC and UP topped with M21. Maybe M7 for the MGB after some correction. I understand the concept of using least aggressive process, but are there product / pad combinations that make more sense to try or others to avoid. Would I ever want to try UC with a red or black finishing pad or would white polishing pad be as light I should go? How about UP with a cutting pad? Starting with the 2013 Civic that needs light correction, what would be your starting product/pad combination for a test? Thanks,

Weasel Orlando

[The Guz]

Re: Mixing and matching the right product on different pads?

Welcome to MOL.

Start with UP and a polishing pad and adjust from there. Honda paint has been known to be soft. You can skip M7. Not really needed.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Mixing and matching the right product on different pads?

Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish are very user friendly on a DA Polisher if you are just starting out/trying to gain some experience.

It is best to always test mild product but you could do something like this:

Light Swirls/Scratches/Defects = Ultimate Polish via Polishing Pad
Moderate Swirls/Scratches/Defects = Ultimate Compound via Polishing Pad (if you are looking for best results especially on a dark colored car, apply Ultimate Polish after this step on a Polishing or Finishing Pad)
Moderate to Heavy Swirls/Scratches/Defects - Ultimate Compound via Cutting Pad (if you are looking for best results especially on a dark colored car, apply Ultimate Polish after this step on a Polishing or Finishing Pad)

Also keep in mind that below are some variables which can significantly impact your performance when using a DA Polisher:

Pad
Product
Machine/ Machine Speed
Size of Working Area
Pressure
Amount of Passes
Arm speed (how fast you are moving the tool across the paint)

[HCAD]

Re: Mixing and matching the right product on different pads?

To answer another of your questions Weasel, I've never found a need to use a compound/polish with a finishing pad. Not saying it couldn't be done, but your white pad should give the results it's intended to give. It's very common however to use the polish with your cutting pad if you need that little something extra. I agree with the above, Honda clear coat is usually on the softer side. Start with the white pad.