pads

I haven't done any full vehicle corrections yet, I only have a set (1 of each) of LC 6.5" pads and some 4" orange/blue uber pads.

Question is........

How many pads do you go through say on a two step correction on a 530i or 320i for example?

 

I did my 545i recently, using PO203S with a white pad on a Flex. I only used one pad on the whole car, but I made sure to brush it after each panel.

That may not be kosher with everyone, but it worked for me.

 

If you have 1 you will be spending alot of time cleaning them. I like to have at min 3. One for the left side of the car, the right and one for the rest. You can use one just need to clean it alot and clean when you change chems. I say if you can get at least 4-5/color.

 

yeah, the more pads/ types of pads the better. 4-5 pads of each color sounds about right for the size of a 5 series.

 

I usualy use 2 of each color... but I would like to have more...

If I had my way I'd have 10 of each color with me and 40 more at home.... lol

 

ok. I thought I was doing something wrong by wanting to use more than one pad of each.

agpatel, by cleaning do you mean giving them a brush after each panel?

 

I like to brush off my pad every panel. But after a point the pad gets gunked up with polish and even micro clear coat dust and what not and cleaning the pad will give you better performance. If you need to clean a pad just use a pad cleaner or a mild APC rinse clean, squeeze as much water out as you can, put it on the polisher and turn it on a low-med speed to dry it out and back to work.

 

cool. you guys are quick man!!!


thank you

 

Whoa, wait,....what?
I'm new to DA finish correction and was not aware that I need to use multiple pads on one car, per product/step.

Lemme clarify this to be sure I'm understanding correctly. If I'm about to use a swirl remover like Poorboy's SSR1: I'll need multiple pads to swap out throughout that single step?
I hope not because I'm picking up a decent sized PC 7424XP starter kit later today, and only have two 5.5 LC CCS pads included.
I was planning on using one pad for my swirl remover and the other for applying sealant.
I don't know how much more my bankroll can take

 

You don't NEED more than 1 of each pad. But it makes the entire job go quicker if you can just toss the dirty pad in a bucket of snappy clean, and grab a fresh one, instead of stopping to clean a pad.

I just had 2 of each color for the longest time. When 1 got dirty, I threw it in the bucket to soak. When the second one got dirty, I'd clean the first one (which was easier because it had been soaking for a bit), then throw the second one in the bucket to soak. I would just rotate those 2 pads throughout the step.

 

I like your approach and will be fine with purchasing a 2nd pad in order to implement the same rotation plan.

I'm assuming that for LSP application (Collinite 845 in my case) can be done with one pad for the whole vehicle without needing to stop and clean it, since there should be no grime coming off on the pad at that stage.

Thanks for your advice and thoughts on this.

 

right. I use a hand applicator for 845 though. It's so easy to spread on the surface. You can apply to the entire car and remove in 10-15 minutes.

But yes, you are correct, no need to change pads when applying LSP.

 

what's in you bucket pecktel???

detergent, apc, pad cleaner....

 

I used to use snappy clean, but found it gets kind of expensive, adn I don't feel I get the full use out of the packet. So now I just put in a few splashes of Meg's APC.

ALthough I do not really rotate pads anymore. I have like 80-100 pads now. No idea why I have that many. I was just on a pad kick for a while.

 

I clean mine in APC...

 

tried apc, no luck. what dillution?

 

I might get a cheap APC and make a really strong mixture to soak my microfibers in. I don't wanna waste SGS on that.

 

Try out some citrus degreaser, like Orange Blast. I've had good results with it so far.

I'll be trying out some snappy packs soon, so I guess that'll be the deciding factor for me

 

If you are not mobile, then snappy clean may be a good option, as you don't have to dump it out after each use.

 

When you all talk about brushing out your pad what are you using to do this with?