how many pads do you guys go through on a detail?

Gopher · 05-23-08, 06:23

I've got a question for the non-pros or i suppose pros doing a single vehicle.

I'm seeing recommendations of having numerous pads on hand for when one gums up/for changes of product. I don't have multiples of any color pad and have merely cleaned my pads with a brush if it becomes an issue.

This may be a silly question, but is there any reason, other than convenience to have backup pads? Do you guys use more than one of a certain type of pad with a certain polish for each pass on a car?

I'm seeing posts where people are recommending individuals with new buffers buy 3 cutting and 3 polishing pads... seems a little excessive for a weekend warrior at $13 bucks each.

Eliot Ness · 05-23-08, 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gopher

..........but is there any reason, other than convenience to have backup pads?.............

Two quick reasons come to mind. The first is it saves time having a fresh pad when you need it rather than stopping to clean it. The second reason for having a spare/s is if a pad gets ruined. The Velcro could come loose, the pad get caught on something and get torn, or it could get contaminated with a grit like substance. It would be a shame to have to stop 1/2 way through a polish just because a pad went bad and you didn't have a spare.

JonP · 05-23-08, 07:07

I agree with what he said, I have several pads in wool and foam. It's bad enough to have backups for just one. I have two rotaries and a Flex, imagine having enough pads to go around for them all.

KnuckleBuckett · 05-23-08, 07:12

I usually aim for at least half a dozen to a dozen of each color of the rainbow for foam and a couple purple wools. Those in addition to my "old" EDGE pads.

SuperBee364 · 05-24-08, 07:03

I have at least two of the double sided edge 2k pads in all colors of wool, at least four in each color and size (4, 6.5, and 7.5) LC foam, 8 LC 6.5" PFW, 3 3M blue waffle weave, and two double sided 6" edge 2k red wave foam.

It usually takes anywhere from 4 to 6 PFW's for one vehicle, and that's with spurring after each application. Usually 2 to 4 foam pads per vehicle for final finishing, depending on what polish is being used. Ultrafina tends to load foam pads up like they're sponges, so it takes more pads for UF than, say, 106FF.

rydawg · 05-24-08, 07:40

I always have lots of pads as backup. I will normally wash a pad out 10-20 times on each car for each stage of compounding/polishing. Keeping your pads clean will extend the life of them and give you maximum polishing power. I normally use LC pads due to the extra longevity of them and superb build quality.

gmblack3a · 05-24-08, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by rydawg

I always have lots of pads as backup. I will normally wash a pad out 10-20 times on each car for each stage of compounding/polishing. Keeping your pads clean will extend the life of them and give you maximum polishing power. I normally use LC pads due to the extra longevity of them and superb build quality.

Ryan told me this a while back and since I always clean my pads (wool or foam) after each panel on a car that has average sized panels. If the car or truck is larger then twice per panel. I have the system 2000 pad washer and I use it alot.

SuperBee364 · 05-24-08, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmblack3a

Ryan told me this a while back and since I always clean my pads (wool or foam) after each panel on a car that has average sized panels. If the car or truck is larger then twice per panel. I have the system 2000 pad washer and I use it alot.

Bryan, do you use the system 2000 on a pad, and then use that same pad immediately? I'm just curious if the pad cleaner or wetness of the pad ever causes any problems.

Mindflux · 05-24-08, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperBee364

Bryan, do you use the system 2000 on a pad, and then use that same pad immediately? I'm just curious if the pad cleaner or wetness of the pad ever causes any problems.

This is why you spin them 'dry' right after you clean them. It ends up no wetter than a primed pad.

SuperBee364 · 05-24-08, 01:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindflux

This is why you spin them 'dry' right after you clean them. It ends up no wetter than a primed pad.

Oh man, it's gettting harder and harder to resist getting a pad washer. But I think I'm leaning toward the System 2000 one. If it had an airtight lid like the other one, it'd be a done deal.

Eliot Ness · 05-24-08, 01:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperBee364

Oh man, it's gettting harder and harder to resist getting a pad washer. But I think I'm leaning toward the System 2000 one. If it had an airtight lid like the other one, it'd be a done deal.

Supe, with as many wool pads that you go through I can't believe you don't already have one.

I'd go with the System 2000 also, and I'll bet if you take off the cover that a standard 5 gallon bucket lid would fit. Hey, with all the Memorial Day sales going on now is the time to pull the trigger.

toyotaguy · 05-24-08, 01:59

10-20 times...yikes...

I go through about 3 cutting pads, and 1-2 polishing pads, then one finishing pad on a car, add 1-2 pads for large suv...brushing them out when they get too saturated is how I do it...