MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

[FIREdawg]

Before I make the jump to purchase a DA kit to correct the swirls, cobwebs, scratches, etc on my metallic black 2007 VW GTI. I really would like to know (for the newest of noobs) which system would be better?

Terrified at the use of a DA Polisher on any car let alone my own, which system would be more worthwhile for the inexperienced?

Are the pads for either system reuseable, washable?

Once you use a soft buff pad with UC or SwirlX, how do you store it? Zipped log bag or toss it and purchase another?

I cant imagine you can let the product dry on pad then months later use same pad for waxing or buffing.

Totally confused and need some guidance.

Thx

[wifpd4]

Re: MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

Yes, both the Soft Buff 2.0 pads and the MicroFiber Dual Action pads are machine washable and dryer safe. The pads should be cleaned before storage as fresh detailing products would be easier to clean out of the pads than caked on, dried on products.

Some folks store the pads in resealable plastic bags to protect dust or dirt particles from accumulating on the pads. Just use care to not seal a wet pad in a bag as mold may form. Placing multiple pads in snap lid container, "Tupperware", works fine too. Just protect the pad from dirt and being stored misshapen. Dirt is the enemy of your cars finish.

Using a dual action buffer, although does not guarantee you wont damage your paint surface, does reduce the possibility of damage over say a rotary buffer.

The MFDA Correction System is primarily intended for factory clear coat paint. While the Soft Buff 2.0 pads may be used with single stage paint and clear coat paint. Although there are many folks who will mix and match and experiment with many pad and product combinations to their benefit and without dire consequences.

The MFDA is often considered a two step system with two different pads and two different products. While the combination of different Soft Buff 2.0 pads and many different products is nearly infinite.

Before deciding, wait here for some other folks to chime in with suggestions, however while waiting check out the instructional videos and read about "test areas" and "least aggressive" method. Also read about the various products most commonly used such as Ultimate Compound, SwirlX, Ultimate Polish, ColorX, D300 Correction Compound, and D301 Finishing Wax, just to name a few.

Also read about and watch videos about washing, clay and clay-barring and the Five Step Process.

[greg0303]

Re: MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

I think getting foam buffing pads (yellow polishing and black/ tan finishing) will give you more flexibility at the beginning. In the future you could add DA Microfiber Correction System to your arsenal though.

Don't be afraid of dual action polishers. They are really safe and user friendly machines with great paint correction ability. They very rarely cause any problems and you can master your techinique pretty quickly.

I store my foam buffing pads in zipper bags but I don't fully close them to let the air get into the bags. Make sure you wash and fully dry them before storage. I designated some finishing pads for wax use only (marked them "wax" underneath).

[Carfire]

Don't be afraid. DA are really easy to early. It may help you to watch a few YouTube clips on how to use a DA by Meguiars. There are plenty of videos to watch and learn from. And you can't either buy a pad washer or just wash your pads by hand. So yes the are reusable as long as they are in good condition still. And I place mine back in the back so they don't get dirt on the pad or accidentally get dropped and ruined. Good luck you'll have lots of fun and enjoyment once you get one!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

We feel that a new user is going to be more comfortable with foam to start with - it's more forgiving, doesn't require the level of "on the fly" cleaning as the microfiber pads do, and opens you up to more options overall.

If you pick up 3 yellow polishing pads and couple of black finishing pads you'll have enough foam to thoroughly correct paint defects (swapping to a fresh yellow pad during a full correction is always a good idea) plus one black pad for polish and another for wax. Make sure you read through D/A Buffing 101 - An Introduction to the G110v2 and similar tools before getting started; it should help to put you at ease with the tool.

[FIREdawg]

Thanks for the tips fellas. I've been doing some research and have also been redefining my expectations of what I expect out of the paint currently on the car. The swirls and light scratches I can more than likely take care of with the DA. The rock chips (which looks like the hood got hit with birdshot) and deeper gouges (down to the primer and metal) elsewhere probably not. I am upset that these issues were covered up by the dealer or previous owner, most notably the hood, with some cheap touch up paint or something. Started noticing it after the third wash. But the follies of used car ownership... "que sera sera"

[ethereal45]

Re: MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

I was a dual action polisher newbie a few months ago, and now I feel very comfortable with the machine to the point of taking it to the cars of others (as opposed to just my own). It is very user friendly, you can get the hang of it in your first session, and be a DA pro in no time.

[FIREdawg]

Re: MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

So FINALLY found a DA at local Autoshop (and under priced from the new price hike). Like usual, the sacrafical lamb was one of the vehicles at the Firehouse. A metallic dark red 2004 Ford Explorer (the Big Chief's ride) neglected with hard water scales, swirls, and the light scratches. Of course wash, dry and clay ...

Long story short, 2 passes with Swirl-X, 3 passes with Ultimate Compound, and 2 of Solo Cut & Polish ... Those retched water scales are still there! Definately less noticable, but they persist.

After responding to a couple of calls, feeling defeated by some stupid mineral stains, and the retreating sun; I decided to pull it in the enginebay and finish off the hood with some Gold Class paste wax.

After wiping off cured GC I was smacked in the face by a LIKE NEW look. Sure those little buggers of water scale were noticable, but going from what it was to what is now HOLY COW!

[greg0303]

Re: MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

The most common mistakes when removing defects with dual action polishers:
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...Shooting-Guide

and how to do it right video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUHRn...feature=relmfu

Stay away from M86 Cut & Polish Cream - it's rotary buffer only product formulated for fresh paint.
You need more than 2-3 section passes, while removing defects, with products like SwirlX and Ultimate Compound, more like 4-6 (or even 8) section passes.

[FIREdawg]

Re: MF System vs Soft Buff Pads ... Lots of questions

Thanks Greg for the info! I did move slowly, clean pad often (maybe not often enuf) and tried to use the correct pressure without bogging down the DA Polisher. My personal car doesnt have the neglect so I am almost positive that I will be able to correct the swirls and minor defects. These firehouse rigs are "rode hard and put up wet" of course I could try to teach my co-workers to wipe down the rigs after washing (heck, I'd be happy if it were with a silicone blade)... but that asking them to do MORE work will not go over well. Will try to change their apporach of care for the rigs by giving them something to be proud of once more.