Megs Finishing Pad - Bottomless pit?

[Marc Hufnagel]

Did my first real detail with the PC today, and used the polishing pads for the prep work, then the finishing pad for the final wax - Now the wax I started with a thumbs worth on the pad and started spreading it around; it pretty much disappeared in the pad!

I had a heckuva time getting anything substantial on the paint finish, when I pulled the pad off it had soaked all the way to the backside of the pad and was showing through the center hole!

This was the Meg's tan finishing pad. Is this normal? If so I think I'd prefer to use the polising pad, it didn't eat the product like it was starved..

Any thoughts?

thanks
Marc

[2000]

what wax were you using? was it shaken up before use? (it could of seperated). how much are you trying to work the wax ?

[AWP20V]

...also what speed were you using? When using a finishing pad I use around 3.5-4 tops.

[Marc Hufnagel]

It was shaken up and was a sample of #26.. Working it at about 3.5 or 4.. You could almost see it sinking in the pad after dripping it on the pad. I was doing good if I got a 1'x1' section with any kind of noticeable coverage.

[jfelbab]

Am I the only one that applies #26 by hand? After prepping the finish, this wax is so easy to apply. It goes on thin with an applicator and I do a section at a time and remove it before it dries.

I use the PC for cleaner and polish application, where it really shines. Why do you (collective you) apply #26 or any pure wax with a PC?

[Marc Hufnagel]

So I don't aggravate my latent carpal tunnel condition, the PC doesn't do it, but something like waxing by hand sure would.

[rusty bumper]

Re: Megs Finishing Pad - Bottomless pit?

Originally posted by Hellspawn
Now the wax I started with a thumbs worth on the pad and started spreading it around; it pretty much disappeared in the pad!

Marc

I don't think you applied enough of wax to the pad.

When I apply #26, MPPP or NXT to the W-9006 pad, I always prime the pad with a big "X" of product...That gives me enough of wax to cover about 1/3 to 1/2 of the car.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Hellspawn,

I have never had what you describe happen to me or at any of the clinics here at Meguiar’s on Saturdays and we usually buff out a lot of cars.

Two things,

1) Any companies foam pad is going to absorb a liquid product. (Just wanted to point out the obvious)

2) Always apply your product in an X across the face of your pad, or in a circle, around the outer perimeter of the pad.

I prefer the later method as I feel it helps to reduce impacting your product up into the pad.

Hope this helps...

Mike

[2000]

Originally posted by jfelbab
Am I the only one that applies #26 by hand? After prepping the finish, this wax is so easy to apply. It goes on thin with an applicator and I do a section at a time and remove it before it dries.

I use the PC for cleaner and polish application, where it really shines. Why do you (collective you) apply #26 or any pure wax with a PC?

I did it out of ease, untill I got an ulitmate bonnett to remove the wax and I have to say it makes a difference that you can't get by hand. ( or should I say you'd be beat doing it by hand.)
besides I have a large truck so I'll take alittle help, especially if it helps the look.
if it makes you feel better theres something about a hand touch that makes it alittle more special.....besides my wife times me in the garagge with an egg timer!

[Marc Hufnagel]

Hi Mike,

I will give the circle technique a try, what I remember I was just plopping down maybe a quarter-sized blob right in the middle and then tried maybe an inch-long streak right in the center. It could be that I just don't "have it down yet" with the pads. I'm going to try another coat in a day or three and will try that method to see how it works.

thanks

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Hi Hellspawn,

I have never had what you describe happen to me or at any of the clinics here at Meguiar’s on Saturdays and we usually buff out a lot of cars.

Two things,

1) Any companies foam pad is going to absorb a liquid product. (Just wanted to point out the obvious)

2) Always apply your product in an X across the face of your pad, or in a circle, around the outer perimeter of the pad.

I prefer the later method as I feel it helps to reduce impacting your product up into the pad.

Hope this helps...

Mike

[rusty bumper]

Am I the only one that applies #26 by hand?

I like the way the PC works the wax into the finish...Plus, I get the added advantage of the W-9006 pad polishing the finish as I go along.

It goes on thin with an applicator and I do a section at a time and remove it before it dries.

Would it not be better to let the wax dry 1st?

[rjstaaf]

One thing that helps when applying wax with the PC is to AVOID TOO MUCH PRESSURE. Let the PC glide over the paint rather than using pressure as you would in surface prep. I have found that if you push down on the pad while applying wax it aggrevates the problem of the wax seeping into the pad.

I would also take Mike's suggestion to apply the wax to the pad in a circle around the edges rather than the middle of the pad.

Lastly there is something to applying wax by hand. I really only use my PC for surface prep these days. Applying glazes and wax by hand is like therapy for me.

[Marc Hufnagel]

Well, tried another layer today, and did the outside circle, it seemed to help *some*, but I still get a lot more coverage from the same amount of wax/cleaner, etc on a polishing pad..

I know the finishing pad is softer, perhaps with softer comes more absorbent?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by 2000
besides my wife times me in the garagge with an egg timer!

That's funny!

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by rjstaaf
One thing that helps when applying wax with the PC is to AVOID TOO MUCH PRESSURE. Let the PC glide over the paint rather than using pressure as you would in surface prep. I have found that if you push down on the pad while applying wax it aggrevates the problem of the wax seeping into the pad.

Very good point.

Every weekend, I find myself stressing to the attenddess of the clinics that using the PC in an aggressive fashion is only for the cleaning step, not the protecting step.

Mike