How many polishing pads?

[akimel]

In the course of polishing and waxing your car, how many pads for each product do you typically use? At one point do you know it is time to put on a new pad? TIA.

Al

[Markus Kleis]

Re: How many polishing pads?

Well, it varies by product, car size, and how much testing you need to do, but I would say that on average for a full paint correction with a multi-step compound and polish I would use about 4-6 pads.

I clean my pads regularly with a brush, towel, and/or spur though.

As for knowing when, basically it should start to feel REALLY saturated and change completely in color- as well as changing the way it glides across the surface. Sometimes you will notice a definite change in cut as well.

[Nappers]

Re: How many polishing pads?



I clean my pads on the fly after every pass or at least every other past at times.

I typically use 2 pads for a dedicated product during a detail. I have a time or two, washed them and placed in the sun to dry while using the other pad, just in case. I now have more pads and have at least 1 dedicated to a product used most and a pad dedicated to each wax I use (NXT, M26, M21).

The nice thing about the cleaner polishes is the pads can be rinsed out and if you have a rotary, zip them on the rotary to "wring" out the water and they'll be dry shortly after that

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: How many polishing pads?

It seems like to insure best results. You almost have to go with 2 pads per product on a full size vehicle. At least this is what works for me.

[acsuppa]

Re: How many polishing pads?

I have a few extras on stand by for Polishes since they tend to gum up a little due to the oils and using too much product. Even if you clean them on the fly, you may have to grab a new one. Especially with a rotary.