Need help choosing pads!

[jax0r]

From browsing the Meguiars product list theres at least 15 different pads to choose from. I plan on cutting / polishing / waxing a black vehicle. Which pads would you recommend for this process, and which pad applies to each step?

One other thing i was curious about, and would love some input on is: for example when i'm cutting a vehicle i will use the orbital polisher, and then remove the excess by hand via a microfiber towel. then proceed to the next step of polishing (and then removing excess again with a microfiber towel) and so on. Is there a pad i should be using to remove excess rather than doing it by hand? Doing this process i spend about 10 hours on a car making sure everything is perfect, but is it redundant or unnecessary?

Also how often do the pads need to be cleaned and are the pad cleaning spurs the way to go?

Thanks for viewing, and your input!

[smack]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

Are you using a D/A? If so then there are only three pads to choose from, really only two. You only need the polishing pad and finishing pad (yellow and black). The red one is not really ideal for a D/A. It is suited more for a rotory.

For Defect removal you want to use the yellow pad with either swirlx or UC. Then you want to follow that with a black pad and UP. Then use another black pad for your wax.

[CHzo6]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

You do not use the spur with the foam pads, it will destroy them. But, we still need to know what type of polisher you are using.

[greg0303]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

Orbital buffers are not capable of defect removal. They can only be used for polishing and waxing.

If you want to do paint correcting projects you need to get a dual action (random orbital) polisher, like Meguiar's G110v2, Porter Cable 7424 XP or Griot's Garage 6" DA.

As Mike said, for DA polisher you should use Soft Buff 2.0 yellow polishing and black finishing pads. They come in 7" diameter and 4" diameter (for spot buffing).

The longest time is gonna take you to remove below surface defects. That's when you need to move your polisher slowly and apply pressure.

This article will provide great introduction to machine polishing:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45702&highlight=Introduction

[jax0r]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

Its a Flex XC 3401 VRG

[greg0303]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

Flex XC 3401 VRG is a DA polisher with forced rotation. It removes defects faster than other DAs, but little slower than rotary buffers. Even if you apply moderate down pressure it won't quit rotating.

For the moment you're limited to get buffing pads larger than the only Flex backing plate which is 5.5" diameter. So Meguiar's 6.5" and 7" pads would work. Many Flex owners like to use Lake Country's Kompressor pads as well (they come in 6" and 7").

Once smaller backing plate 4 3/8" is launched you could also buy 5.5" pads:

http://autogeek.net/flex-xc3401-mini-backing-plate.html

The good news is your Flex is fast with defect removal. You need to keep polishing pads flat on paint surface otherwise it behaves like a rotary buffer and it's gonna "walk" toward you or away from you.

Flex XC 3401 VRG also works with Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction System (6" pads).

[jax0r]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

So 1 yellow and 2 black softbuff pads would work then? Also whats the best method to clean them completely?

[smack]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

You want more than just 3 pads. You should have 4 of each to give you a good starting point. That way it gives you more options for product selection.
The soft buff pads are machine washable. Just let them soak in laundry detergent for 10-15 minutes before starting the machine.

[greg0303]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

You want more than just 3 pads. You should have 4 of each to give you a good starting point. That way it gives you more options for product selection.
The soft buff pads are machine washable. Just let them soak in laundry detergent for 10-15 minutes before starting the machine.

Mike is right on target, as always.

[smack]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

Your on top of it too Greg.

[AllenB]

Re: Need help choosing pads!

Are you using a DA? Assuming your just doing your own vehicles 1-2 cars. What you need is 2 yellow and 1 black pad. That way you can do minor correction with UC or 83 with one yellow pad, polish with UP or 07 with another and use the black one to apply your wax/sealant coat. This is minimum I can see working for you and being able finish a car in an afternoon. Use what ever products you like, I just listed a couple for reference.