Life span of a foam pad.

Just want to check how long your pads last. How many cars can you normally do with one pad?

Also, when the foampad starts loosing small pieces, can you still use the pad or should you chuck it away?:shrug:

 

It really depends on what machine you are using. With a D/A or cyclo you wont see a huge difference in a lightly worn pad. I have done over 200 cars with one set of pads on the cyclo before. With a rotary, you will see a huge difference in a worn pad. I never can get more then 30 out of a foam polishing pad, if it is used for defect removal.

(For rotary) I toss my polishing pads when they start loosing small chunks because they don't spur out clean or demote them to D/A pads. My polishing pads always wear out quicker then my compounding pads.

Bottom line is, when a pad doesn't deliver the results it used to, toss it or demote it to something else. You will find the number of cars means very little.

 

hey have you tried the lc spur and foam reshaper?
it might help make pads last a little longer cause yo can get ri of the messed up parts.

 

I have some 7.5" variable contact Lake Country pads that I've had for 3 years and they are still in great condition. I would guess I have used them 50+ times each. A small nick here and here won't affect the pad (look at CCS pads) but as ggk said the LC spur has a cheese greater tyope of metal on the side where you can reshape pads. It is very smart idea because there is plenty of good foam left underneath.

 

Wow, thanks guys.:thumb:

Ok, need to get me a spur then. Most of the wear is on the outer edges of the pad. The center is still fine. I also dont think I was prepping the pad properly though. I did see when I wet it first it worked better with less damage.

 

I use rotary for all my details and this is just my opinion but foam pad wear is all pending the vehicle, I've noticed that some vehicles are just really mean on pads and others are smooth. Well for me I guess it depends on the vehicle...either that or I'm just to hard on the foam pads ...just thouht I'd share that's all.

 

It's also not going to last as long if you abuse it. Running the pad over emblems is a no-no and cleaning your pads with some soap and water will get out the old crusty polish and prolong their life.

 

Agreed. If you stay away from sharp objects, pads will last fine on any vehicle new or old, until you get to single stage ... but even then the pad should be OK if you unclog the pores from dead paint by cleaning them properly. Also do not rip the pad off from the BP, the velcro backing won't last long if you do.

 

I have pads that I've had for more than two years and they're still in tip top shape!