DA pad choices

[tw33k2514]

I am going to order the porter cable and LC pad combo that comes with 6 5.5" pads. I am curious what pads everyone thinks I should get to start out. What I was thinking was

2 Orange - for cutting
2 White - for polishing
2 Red - for wax

I guess my real question is do I need 2 orange to start out? or should I get 3 white instead? I am doing a couple of heavily swirled black cars soon, and plan to probably need to use UC, followed by swirl X if the UC marres the paint.

[Murr1525]

Re: DA pad choices

A cutting pad with a MF bonnet over it is nice for removing wax. But if you want to remove by hand, no cutting pads really needed.

Not sure of the exact LC pad colors, but certainly more polishing than cutting.

[steve's detailing]

Re: DA pad choices

i just bought that same thing,,,,

i use the blue pad < ultimate liquid wax> an black< ultimate com> the most, but get a orange one its good to have !!!

see what works for you

[tw33k2514]

Re: DA pad choices

So how often do you guys find the need to change out a pad when waxing? probably not a lot right because the car should be clean and you should be cleaning your pad with a brush every once in awhile.

And Am I right in assuming that a pure polish should be applied with a finishing pad? If I am, I need at least 2 reds, one for polish and one for wax.

Do you think I even need an orange pad to start? My worry is that UC won't have enough cut by itself. So I would apply it with an orange pad for the stubborn stuff.

If I do not need a orange right away I may just get 3 white and 3 red.

[Murr1525]

Re: DA pad choices

So how often do you guys find the need to change out a pad when waxing? probably not a lot right because the car should be clean and you should be cleaning your pad with a brush every once in awhile.

Can wax with one. Once it is loaded, keep going.

And Am I right in assuming that a pure polish should be applied with a finishing pad? If I am, I need at least 2 reds, one for polish and one for wax.

If you do a pure polish step, then yes.

Do you think I even need an orange pad to start? My worry is that UC won't have enough cut by itself. So I would apply it with an orange pad for the stubborn stuff.

UC and a polishing pad is pretty strong for most situations. I mean, it is possible stronger is needed, but getting technique is often more of an issue if nothing happens.

[tw33k2514]

Re: DA pad choices

I think I will get 3 white and 3 red then. I will add others as I go.

Thanks for your input!

[greg0303]

Re: DA pad choices

Orange light cutting pads are great for serious below surface defects, like swirls and scratches. They can be used with either paint cleaners/ compounds or stronger cleaner polishes.

http://www.autogeek.net/ccs-polishing-how-to.html

[tw33k2514]

Re: DA pad choices

Orange light cutting pads are great for serious below surface defects, like swirls and scratches. They can be used with either paint cleaners/ compounds or stronger cleaner polishes.

http://www.autogeek.net/ccs-polishing-how-to.html

That page has some very good information. I already made my order but I am sure I will eventually end up with just about all the CCS pads. One other quick question. why do all these how to pages, always show finishing with the black CCS pad? Wouldn't you want to apply a non cleaner wax with the softest pad you can get?