When using a PC does pad size affect the breakdown time? I just got some 4" pads (thanks Phil!) and wonder if the working time is going to be different from my 5.5" pads Thanks
Polish to a ‘haze’ - when a polish "flashes" from a liquid paste to a light semi-dry haze; its colour changes from the polish colour to almost transparent (like a thin film of Vaseline) ; the polish has then broken down and is ready for removal. The point at which a polish is fully broken down comes with experience but a good yard stick is when the polish has become clear and can easily be wiped off. The general rules for foam pads; Pad size; with smaller pads you gain increased control and manoeuvrability. Smaller pads generate more friction (heat) with a PC, which breaks down polishes by generating energy over a concentrated area. The random orbiting motion of the PC generates the most power in the centre of the pad (i.e. area of a 6.5 – inch pad is 33 – square inches compared to the area of a 4 – inch pad, which is 12.5 – square inches) This additional cutting power will facilitate the removal of deeper imperfections The opposite is true with rotary buffers. The speed of the outer edge of a smaller (radius) pad is slower than that of a larger (radius) pad. This helps reduce the amount of friction generated, which makes polishing tighter areas much safer. For more information see the “Diminishing Abrasives" and "Foam Pads” article
I found that it does break down the polish quicker moving from 5inch to 4 inch pads recently. I really like the 4" on the PC.
when my pads go bad i might move to 4 inch but thats not gona happen very soon since mine pretty much new, im sure i can make them smaller if i wanted to
