microfiber vs foam

[fe91]

Whats the difference between the microfiber applicator pads and the foam nes?

When would I be using one and not the other?

Thanks

[MyFirstES300]

Re: microfiber vs foam

I'm glad you asked, as I've been wondering the same thing! Additionally, when would you want to use a terry cloth to apply product onto your paint?

[roushstage2]

Re: microfiber vs foam

I personally have not found a liking to any microfiber pad, but it will have it's uses. If you are talking about using them for paint care (really the only place IMO where the different types will make a difference), here are my thoughts:

• The terry ones will give you more "bite" when using the product do to the coarseness of it compared to the other too. They are good to use with a scratch remover for deeper scratches or on severely neglected or severely oxidized surfaces. They also work well in conjunction with metal polish for severely neglected, uncoated metal surfaces.
• The foam ones are the "middle of the road," but can generally be used for everything without worry. I personally use these for everything and every step on BC/CC paint; cleaning, polishing, and waxing. They are soft, yet able to remove defects. I also keep an ample supply as I tend to use them only once on the paint, then retire them to use for applying dressings to tires and trim.
• The microfiber pads seem to only have one place for me. That would be using them on a paint system where the clear is very sensitive and even the foam pads still leave hazing. Then I would use a microfiber pad. They are too soft to use for any defect removal IMO.

[Tuck91]

Re: microfiber vs foam

I use Meguiars Hi Tech foam Applicator pads for paint whether I am using a wax, cleaner/polish, or compound. They come in the blue and yellow color.

I use microfiber applicator pads such as the Even Coat Applicator Pad for interior work and applying dressings and protectants.

It comes down to personal preference I guess, but I always work clean and wash my pads after each use.

The only time I use a terry cloth on paint is when I am using a product such as ColorX on badly oxidized paint and I need a little more "bite"

[MyFirstES300]

Re: microfiber vs foam

I use Meguiars Hi Tech foam Applicator pads for paint whether I am using a wax, cleaner/polish, or compound. They come in the blue and yellow color.

I use microfiber applicator pads such as the Even Coat Applicator Pad for interior work and applying dressings and protectants.

It comes down to personal preference I guess, but I always work clean and wash my pads after each use.

The only time I use a terry cloth on paint is when I am using a product such as ColorX on badly oxidized paint and I need a little more "bite"

Tuck, I discovered the ColorX thread started by Mike Phillips when he cleaned the Ford Bronco. That's when I became confused about the terry cloth use. So as a general rule of thumb you should use A terry cloth for more "bite?"

Between the applicators that are foam, MF or terry, it's hard sometimes to know what to use for what!

I haven't seen the blue foam ones though as you mentioned above. I saw a picture of them on here once, but haven't seen them for sale. Does Meg's still make them or is it an off brand?

Roush and Tuck, thanks for your informative replies!

[Tuck91]

Re: microfiber vs foam

Tuck, I discovered the ColorX thread started by Mike Phillips when he cleaned the Ford Bronco. That's when I became confused about the terry cloth use. So as a general rule of thumb you should use A terry cloth for more "bite?"

Between the applicators that are foam, MF or terry, it's hard sometimes to know what to use for what!

I haven't seen the blue foam ones though as you mentioned above. I saw a picture of them on here once, but haven't seen them for sale. Does Meg's still make them or is it an off brand?

Roush and Tuck, thanks for your informative replies!

When Mike did that Ford Bronco you probably noticed how oxidized and dull it was. He started with a foam applicator pad and while it was cleaning the surface he felt he could do better of cleaning off the dead paint by using a more aggressive application tool, he then switched to a piece of terry cloth and it aided in cleaning off the dead paint.

On an extremly oxidized and dull surface a terry cloth would probably be an effective method. But on a car that is in good condition a foam applicator pad or MF applicator pad should be fine.

as for the blue applicator pads, they come with NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0. This is the only way you can get them I think. But I have found the blue ones perfect for waxing, but the yellow ones will work fine. Just remember to work clean with both foam and MF applicator pads so no dirt gets trapped in there and wash them after each use.

I hope this helps.

[Megafast13]

Re: microfiber vs foam

Just feel the surface of Each.

Foam Pads are the softest pad. They are great for Pure Polishes and Waxes.

Terry and Microfiber Pads are a bit more ruff/aggressive so they are better for cleaner polishes, compounds,etc.

Foam and Microfiber are my favorites. I tend to avoid all cotton/terry these days.

[roushstage2]

Re: microfiber vs foam

I don't know about that, but to each their own I suppose.

[Bostonsfavson]

Re: microfiber vs foam

Just feel the surface of Each.

Foam Pads are the softest pad. They are great for Pure Polishes and Waxes.

Hmm, I don't know about that one. Take a foam applicator and an MF one and drag them both along a soft clear. See which one induces more marring (hint: it will be the foam pad).

I have a bunch of MF apps, but I rarely use them anymore. I've found that I get better results using the foam apps by "loading them" with product initially, and then using much less than normal when adding more.

For example: let's say I'm applying some NXT 2.0 liquid. I'll take a clean foam app and put a bunch of product on it, and then rub it in to the pores. I do this until the entire yellow pad is that pinkish-white NXT color. Then, I add only a little when necessary. Once you get the hang of it, it yields great results, and I think that I end up using a little less product. There's definitely better coverage on the first couple panels--I know that for sure. I was inspired to do this by the KBM of prepping a pad. Same principal, same great results

[Tuck91]

Re: microfiber vs foam

Well, When I wax by hand I always wax with the blue foam applicator pads that come with NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0. I have never seen any marring using these pads and i think Meguiars put them with the wax for a reason.

The Even Coat Applicator Pad is also an excellent choice.

[Tuck91]

Re: microfiber vs foam

Just feel the surface of Each.

Foam Pads are the softest pad. They are great for Pure Polishes and Waxes.

Terry and Microfiber Pads are a bit more ruff/aggressive so they are better for cleaner polishes, compounds,etc.

Foam and Microfiber are my favorites. I tend to avoid all cotton/terry these days.

I cant remember ever using an aggressive microfiber pad? I always thought foam had a litle more bite. I would think terry would have the most "bite"?

[froggyman]

Re: microfiber vs foam

Anyone tried the CCS Euro Foam Hand Polish Applicators( for hand use)?
Its orange type foam is make of those foam used in making buffing pads.
So it is more effective in removing swirl compare to other "normal" foam applicators ot terry cloth(by hand)???
If you have used it before , please give your comments.

To Mod: if it is not advisable to post about other brand applicator... please delete this post.Sorry about that.

[GTO4IBF]

Re: microfiber vs foam

I really only use the foam when I am working by hand. This is mainly due to the fact that the product goes on much smoother with foam.

[MyFirstES300]

Re: microfiber vs foam

Tuck, question for you and others: Have you ever used a 4 inch wool pad by hand for defect removal?

[Bunky]

Re: microfiber vs foam

I really only use the foam when I am working by hand. This is mainly due to the fact that the product goes on much smoother with foam.

I agree. I think I am able to get thinner applications with foam. I do think the pile on mf pads gives a little more buffing action.