When To Replace Soft Buff Pads?

[rapport25]

Hi Guys,

I have around 20 yellow pads and 10 black pads I always try to rotate my pads.

Just wondering if there is any tell tall signs that they are worn apart from the obvious backing plate is comming away from the foam velcro is worn and will not stick to the backing plate after one application of polish/compound.

Many Thanks,

Rappy.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: When To Replace Soft Buff Pads?

If you begin to see even a slight appearance of the surface breaking down, it's time to retire a pad. Look at the smooth, uniform appearance of a new pad and compare it to your used ones. Sometimes a pad will develop what almost appears to be small depressions in the surface, or an almost mushy look to them. It's a judgment call, really, since even some badly worn pads have been shown to still correct defects. As with anything the paint will play a role in the pad's ability to continue on effectively, but you start to question it when looking at the pad, it's most likely getting close to the end.

[rapport25]

Re: When To Replace Soft Buff Pads?

If you begin to see even a slight appearance of the surface breaking down, it's time to retire a pad. Look at the smooth, uniform appearance of a new pad and compare it to your used ones. Sometimes a pad will develop what almost appears to be small depressions in the surface, or an almost mushy look to them. It's a judgment call, really, since even some badly worn pads have been shown to still correct defects. As with anything the paint will play a role in the pad's ability to continue on effectively, but you start to question it when looking at the pad, it's most likely getting close to the end.

Thanks Michael . Does this apply to both black and yellow pads?
Reason being my yellow pads take some abuse due to very heavy correction work.

On the other scale my black pads only get medium to light pressure and look as good as new.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: When To Replace Soft Buff Pads?

Thanks Michael . Does this apply to both black and yellow pads?
Reason being my yellow pads take some abuse due to very heavy correction work.

On the other scale my black pads only get medium to light pressure and look as good as new.

The same guidelines and indicators will apply, but as you mention, the yellow pads are used more aggressively (usually much more so) and therefore will tend to wear out sooner than the black pads.