Foam Pads - when dead?

[wifpd4]

At what point do you declare foam polishing pads dead and throw them away? What characteristics do you look for on the pad or perhaps the car's finish?

[Andrew C.]

Re: Foam Pads - when dead?

Normally I consider it good to go unless the velcro backing is separating from the pad, or the pad starts to show signs of rips or tears. While it doesn't mean the pad isn't any good anymore, a pad that has been used more will probably be less firm. Compare one of your pads to a newer one in firmness. One thing to keep in mind is cutting pads will be the most firm, then polishing, then finishing. Once again, just because it isn't quite as firm does not mean it will not work anymore.

[greg0303]

Re: Foam Pads - when dead?

Andrew brought very good points.

Worn out cutting foam pad starts behaving like a polishing pad: you're gonna feel serious cutting ability reduction even to the point when 8-10 passes produce minimum paint removal.

Inspect your pads for obvious worn out signs (missing foam parts, less firmness) and pay attention to their performance. Keeping your pads in good shape will let you finish your detailing jobs faster and get better results.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Foam Pads - when dead?

With cutting pads you'll notice a decrease in cutting ability, as Greg noted, and to some extent you see this with the polishing pads too. But it seems the polishing pads will also visually appear worn; they'll lose their firmness, they may start to take on an almost dimpled appearance on the face of the pad, etc. But since there really is no expiration date or wear indicator on them, it's sort of a judgement call. Sometimes keeping an old pad or two around for a bit more of a "dirty job" is a good idea too. A little light metal polishing, a light clean up on single stage paint, etc.

[Ivan Rajic]

Re: Foam Pads - when dead?

With cutting pads you'll notice a decrease in cutting ability, as Greg noted, and to some extent you see this with the polishing pads too. But it seems the polishing pads will also visually appear worn; they'll lose their firmness, they may start to take on an almost dimpled appearance on the face of the pad, etc. But since there really is no expiration date or wear indicator on them, it's sort of a judgement call. Sometimes keeping an old pad or two around for a bit more of a "dirty job" is a good idea too. A little light metal polishing, a light clean up on single stage paint, etc.

Very well said! If the backing comes apart you obviously can't use it anymore, but aside from that I usually retire foam pads when the surface starts becoming too worn and uneven. I rarely throw pads away because, as Michael stated above, an old worn cutting (or polishing) pad is great to use as first step in cutting oxidized ss paints.

Remember though, the cleaner the surface you're polishing, the longer the pads will last. If you don't clay a surface, or even if you don't clay it thoroughly before polishing, the pad will catch whatever is there and deteriorate much faster than it should.

[wifpd4]

Re: Foam Pads - when dead?

Polishing pad used strictly for Ultimate Compound. (unusual dent is from pad sitting on agitator arm of dryer)




Center core of polishing pad beginning to separate. Velcro still firmly attached.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Foam Pads - when dead?

David, that's a definitely a pad ready for retirement - long past, actually.

In fact, the separation shown on the back of that looks like classic evidence of a pad that has been used with a lot of pressure for prolonged periods of time. Were you using a W68DA backing plate with that, or something smaller?

[wifpd4]

Re: Foam Pads - when dead?

David, that's a definitely a pad ready for retirement - long past, actually.

In fact, the separation shown on the back of that looks like classic evidence of a pad that has been used with a lot of pressure for prolonged periods of time. Were you using a W68DA backing plate with that, or something smaller?

Yes, I used the correct size backing plate, however I brutalized it awhile back. I should have stepped up from Ult. C., but didn't take the time to go buy something more aggressive.

I'll donate the pad to the local frisbee golf course.