Product and Pads

[C8N]

Question... I know one should use separate pads for different product, however, if one is going from a milder product to a stronger product, is it ok to use the same pad?
For example, will be starting out with SwirlX and if necessary, will move up to UC. Is it ok to apply UC to the same pad that has been already been used with SwirlX?

[Murr1525]

Re: Product and Pads

If all you did was a test spot, and the pad wasnt loaded up yet, that should be ok if tight on pads.

[C8N]

Re: Product and Pads

Thank you Murr1525

I bought 3 polishing pads and 3 finishing pads and this is my plan of attack.

1. Wash car
2. Clay if needed... clayed about a month ago and the car is garage kept... will check and see.
3. Clean paint... will do a test spot first
a. UP on polishing pads at speed 5 with some pressure and if this doesn't work,
b. Swirl X on polishing pads at speed 5 with some pressure and if this doesn't work,
c. UC on polishing pads at speed 5 with some pressure and if this doesn't work then I am doing something terribly wrong
4. Polish with UP with finishing pads at speed 5 with some pressure
5. Seal and wax with finishing pads at speed 3 with no pressure

Does anything need to be adjusted or any pointers?

[Murr1525]

Re: Product and Pads

I think either b. can probably be skipped. Both of those are fairly mild.

Remember it may take an application or two, put a line on the pads so you can see them rotating. And you can certainly do a test spot/panel, then come back and ask questions if needed. Dont do the whole car, and then not see results.

If you are doing a lot of swirl removal, you will probably want to change pads half way or more. The cleaner pad will help more with that. General polishing and esp waxing can really just use 1 the whole time, or at least till it loads up too much and is messy.

And 2 coats of wax...

[C8N]

Re: Product and Pads

Based on your recommendation and since I only have 3 polishing pads... I think I will skip on the UP on polishing pad.

How much product should be used when priming the pad and how much product after the the pad has been primed?
On priming the pad, I have read various opinions from 4 pea sized, 4 nickle sized, X-pattern and a full circle.

Also, do you recommend wetting the pad periodically with a detailer or water so that the product doesn't dry?

[Murr1525]

Re: Product and Pads

I tend to do a circle around the edge, then touch the paint with it once or twice to dab it around.

Priming can usually be about the same amount... just spread across the pad then.

Once the pad starts getting product on it, drying shouldnt be an issue.

[C8N]

Re: Product and Pads

Did the hood and trunk. Very happy with the results as i got 95% of the swirls and scratches out.
SwirlX darken the color but did nothing on scratches. Had to move up to UC on the polishing pad with some pressure.
Will post some pics when i find my phone.....

[Murr1525]

Re: Product and Pads

Sounds good.

[C8N]

Re: Product and Pads

Here are some pics. Sorry as it was taken with my crappy phone and the pics were taken after an hr drive so there are some dust that settled.









This last one is a pic of my hood