How long do pads last?

[Super Dave]

I am somewhat new to all of this. I have a Porter Cable 7424XP and a few Chemical Guys pads. I want to buy some of the new Meguiars 5" thin foam pads. In general how many uses can I get out of a pad if it is cleaned and taken care of? I know it depends on several conditions but I am trying to get a general idea so I know how many to order.

[DasBurninator]

Re: How long do pads last?

I like to keep a minimum of 4 pads of a single type per car... And lately I have been keeping 8 or so of each type around to have extras if something goes wrong like I drop a pad, etc.

[The Guz]

Re: How long do pads last?

I started off by getting 3 cutting and 3 polishing from Auto Detailing Solutions. I now have a total of 4 of each and a few other Lake Clountry pads

[Super Dave]

Re: How long do pads last?

For my Porter Cable 7424XP I think I am going to order...
(6) Meguiars 5" Thin Foam Compunding Pads
(4) Meguiars 5" Thin Foam Polishing Pads
(2) Meguiars 5" Thin Foam Finishing Pads
(1) Meguiars 5" Backing Plate

I plan on cleaning my pads after each use, but eventually I would think they would lose some effectiveness. Since I am kind of new to this... how do you tell when pad is worn out? I never see or hear anything mentioned about that.

[Detailology Australia]

Re: How long do pads last?

Pads should last years or over a decade if cared for properly
my oldest foams are now in their early teens

[DasBurninator]

Re: How long do pads last?

I plan on cleaning my pads after each use, but eventually I would think they would lose some effectiveness. Since I am kind of new to this... how do you tell when pad is worn out? I never see or hear anything mentioned about that.

They don't really lose effectiveness. What you will see eventually is the foam will start to break down, but if you aren't polishing everyday they will last you a long time if you keep them cleaned up after use.

[Super Dave]

Re: How long do pads last?

Detailology,
I had no clue pads could last so long. Holy #%> what are you doing to prolong their usability?

[Detailology Australia]

Re: How long do pads last?

Sorry for the late late reply
well it's called - I buff smooth, low speed, compressed air them all the time, don't machine wash my foam pads- hand only and use worlds best backing plates

And water based polishing system not solvent

[Detailology Australia]

Re: How long do pads last?

I'm getting over 100 cars from my microfibre pads. 140 is best so far and that's using them flat out and slow with three of the most powerful machines in the industry with huge throw, makes rupes look like a toy. And the pads still hold up

[Detailology Australia]

Re: How long do pads last?

I just did a podcast about pad life, I'll provide the link when it's up online

[C8N]

Re: How long do pads last?

I throw my pads into the washing machine so I guess you can say that I do not take care of my pads all that well.
Pads that have a cut to them has generally lasted about a year or so. But my waxing pads are totally fine after couple of years of use.

[drumdan]

Re: How long do pads last?

I take four cutting, four polishing, four finishing, and two dedicated red sealant pads.

I'm consistently pulling up more residue, faster with the green foam, than the yellow or orange pads. Once the residue builds up to the point where it can no longer be brushed out, I switch to a new pad. I brush the pad with the machine turned off. Sometimes I have to brush it out half way through the cycle (thank you SMAT abrasives!). Other times I wipe the pad with a microfiber towel to remove the build up, when I want to really stretch the use of a pad out.

In 2013 I bought a couple green, blue and red hex logic pads for my first PC. I had been using Megs pads on a rotary since 1998.

I absolutely pummeled those hex logic pads, and still use them to this day. The backing has since deteriorated and takes some trickery to get it to stick on the backing plate.

I've since stocked up on the green, bule, black, and red foams. I have dozens of LC Hydrotech, CCS, and Ultrafiber, and Rupes pads for the duetto, but I always go back to the Buff and Shine (Hex Logic) green, blue, black, and red foams.

I also prefer foam to fiber pads. They're much easier for me to use.