How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

[rapport25]

Hi guys just a general question.

My pads have been used for around 40-50hrs and have started to fall apart.(foam coming away from the backing) Is this normal?

I usually run my d/a on speed 5 and use swirlX and ultimate compound. All pads are primed with either compound prior to polishing.

I have had to heavy detailing jobs recently and they have produced great results .

The pads never seem to generate much heat due to regular application of compounds.

I'm guessing its either speed 5 or its just wear.Any advise please?.

Many Thanks Rappy?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

Sounds like fairly typical wear, but it could be that you're really saturating the pads with product and getting the backer really wet with the stuff. Over time that can start to break things down.

[rapport25]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

Sounds like fairly typical wear, but it could be that you're really saturating the pads with product and getting the backer really wet with the stuff. Over time that can start to break things down.

Thanks Michael . I think 40-50 hrs use is pretty good going, well done Meguiars!!!!.

Also yes I agree the pads are saturated in product. What I have started to do is clean the pads very well in between panels to try and cut down on this. But also maintain a foam pad that is not developing to much heat.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

Even with regular cleaning it's a good idea to change to a fresh pad at least once, if not two or three times, during a paint correction session. As the pad starts to load up with product, even if you're cleaning on the fly regularly, it gains weight and the tool has to overcome that inertia - which reduces overall cutting ability.

Swapping to fresh pads keeps 'em from loading up so they wash out more thoroughly. It also keeps fresher pads in rotation so you aren't just using one to the point of destruction and then buying a new one to replace it. Continuing to use a pad that's been beaten to within an inch of it's life means you're using a pad that just isn't all that efficient any more.

[rapport25]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

Even with regular cleaning it's a good idea to change to a fresh pad at least once, if not two or three times, during a paint correction session. As the pad starts to load up with product, even if you're cleaning on the fly regularly, it gains weight and the tool has to overcome that inertia - which reduces overall cutting ability.

Swapping to fresh pads keeps 'em from loading up so they wash out more thoroughly. It also keeps fresher pads in rotation so you aren't just using one to the point of destruction and then buying a new one to replace it. Continuing to use a pad that's been beaten to within an inch of it's life means you're using a pad that just isn't all that efficient any more.

Point taken. I think thats a vaild point. I will be purchasing a few more yellow pads now I had 4 of them but now only 2 so I will be purchasing at least 4 more.

Thanks again for your great advise. Rule of thumb now 2 pads for a small car 3 for a medium 4-5 for a large and so on.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

I think using pads that are loaded with product will not last as long, just because they are being used while loaded with product... kind of like a wet paper bag loses it's strength.

A loaded pad doesn't cut as effectively, so you spend more time working the pad. You also waste time and product. It ends up being the product the does all the cutting, not the pad.

Liquids also do a better job of transferring and retaining heat, than foam. If your pad is loaded, the compounds can transfer more heat to backing plates and potentially cause early failure of a backing plate or the velcro.

[rapport25]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

So are you saying loading the pad with product is bad?

I was simply going to follow the instruction of just keep applying product to the pad as of when required. I seem to remember reading about loading your pad prior to use to get the best cut.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

So are you saying loading the pad with product is bad?

I was simply going to follow the instruction of just keep applying product to the pad as of when required. I seem to remember reading about loading your pad prior to use to get the best cut.

That's referred to as priming the pad. That's just a bit extra compound the you use on a new/fresh pad to ensure that you are not using a dry pad.

Loading refers to the excess product that ends up working it's way into the pad. No matter how accurate you are at controlling the amount of product used. Eventually product will work it's way up into the pad.

[rapport25]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

Basically as Michael said change the pad more frequently so you are not using a loaded pad. Typo error I was referring to prime a new pad not loading. I will continue to prime my pads but change more frequently between paint correction

[Bill Davidson]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

I will continue to prime my pads but change more frequently between paint correction

I find spritzing the pad reduces the amount of compound needed to prime a pad. This is one way to get a little further with a pad without loading it up, if your pad quantities are limited.

I personally just recommend getting lots of pads. Most people don't mind investing $150 for a DA Polisher, but buying 6 pads at $10 a pad seems to to be tough to handle. Once you get them, you'll be glad you have them.

The first time you start correcting the paint and then you switch over to a fresh pad, you quickly realize that it does a better job than the one you were just using.

[rapport25]

Re: How long do yellow soft 2.0 polishing pads last?

I find spritzing the pad reduces the amount of compound needed to prime a pad. This is one way to get a little further with a pad without loading it up, if your pad quantities are limited.

I personally just recommend getting lots of pads. Most people don't mind investing $150 for a DA Polisher, but buying 6 pads at $10 a pad seems to to be tough to handle. Once you get them, you'll be glad you have them.

The first time you start correcting the paint and then you switch over to a fresh pad, you quickly realize that it does a better job than the one you were just using.

Thanks