What Pads to buy/How Many

Yaemish · 04-04-05, 07:28

I am going to start using a Porter Cable and will be buying the Probel pads from www.exceldetail.com, I'm just not sure of how many and what ones to buy.

I plan on using the SSR1 and SSR2.5 with them on a large car. My swirls aren't too bad so I will probably go with the yellow on the 2.5 but am not sure about the color for the SSR1. How many of each pas will I need to get the job done? I will probably be using AIO and Z2 as well, what are good pads for those two products?

White95Max · 04-04-05, 07:31

I like using SSR2.5 with a green Propel pad. It also works well with a yellow pad for deeper swirls.
SSR1 would be used with a blue pad.

AIO can be used with a blue pad or a finishing pad (gray I think?)
Z2 could be used with a finishing pad.

Eliot Ness · 04-04-05, 07:54

Start off with his starter kit (2 blue, 1 black/grey pad, and a backing plate). Then order 1 yellow, 1 orange, and 2 green pads and you'll have a very good set to start with that should cover most of your needs. This will give you two each of the most used pads (green and blue) if you decide to switch products or if a pad gets loaded up with product you won't have to stop and clean it while detailing.

As Paul said, start out with SSR2.5 on the green pad and then step up to the yellow or orange if needed. You can use the black (or grey) pad for Z, but if you read through some of the Z threads I think most members apply it by hand.

Mr. Clean 2K · 04-04-05, 07:55

IMO 2 of each...

White95Max · 04-04-05, 08:08

Yeah I would get more green and blue pads than anything else. Those are the ones you'll use most.

Yaemish · 04-04-05, 08:17

So you guys this the Yellow may be too harsh? I have some shots of my paint here.

Paint Pics

PS. Just ordered everything you guys said but I wasn't really paying attention, does the kit come with all the things I need for the porter cable to work?

Eliot Ness · 04-04-05, 08:30

Quote:

Originally posted by Yaemish
So you guys this the Yellow may be too harsh? I have some shots of my paint here.........

PS. Just ordered everything you guys said but I wasn't really paying attention, does the kit come with all the things I need for the porter cable to work?

Depends on how hard your paint is, but I'd start out with the green pad first. Do small areas (~ 2x2), spread it out on a slow speed (~3) then bump the PC speed up to 5 or 6 and move the PC very slowly to work the polish. If a couple of passes like this aren't removing the defects then you can step up to a more aggressive pad.

And yes, the Excel pad kit comes with a backing plate so all you need are the extra pads.

White95Max · 04-04-05, 09:08

The Propel pads work best with a 5" backing plate, so if your PC is coming with a 6", I'd recommend getting a 5" Propel backing plate from Excel when you order the pads.

CutNAction · 04-04-05, 09:15

I think the pad kit comes with a 5" backing plate. IMO you are going to want more of the green than anything.

Yaemish · 04-04-05, 09:32

One last question (hopefully), am I going to need the AIO after the SSRs or should I go right to my sealant?

guapsnaman · 04-04-05, 10:01

From what I've read, YES. I will be using the same products you are and am planning on using AIO as the polish/cleaner after SSR2.5 and SSR1. Of course, after the AIO, SG x3 will be used for that extra shine and protection.

J.J. · 04-04-05, 10:21

From what I've read, the AIO is not necessary after the SSR polish. SOme apply this product just for the "feel good" phenomenon. You can go straight to your LSP after the SSR IMO