Should pads be dampened with water?

[johny]

I was wondering if it is better to apply some water to a foam pad when handwaxing. I have tried it both ways (dry pad and damp). I haven`t noticed a difference in the final results, but a pre-dampened (is that even a word?) pad seems to spread the wax better. Thanks for any info.

[BobD]

I never do but I know a lot of people do and they don`t seem to have a problem with it. If you do do this I recommend using distilled water.

[Ern]

I spray the pad sometimes with a quick detailer 1 or 2 good sprays. Sometimes I dont.

[Dan]

I find I waste less product in the pad if I do spray, especially with really hard waxes. Also if using a QD it seems like the pad is easier to wash. Some companies like Meguiars specifically recommend against it though.

[3Dog]

I will "mist" a pad with XMT Pad Conditioner. Works well for me.

[imported_smprince1]

For hard paste waxes like Megs #16 I do slightly dampen the applicator.... seems to help spread and doesn`t seem to have any negative effects.

[Invigor]

I`ve never done it hand polishing, but always always always do it while compounding and polishing...makes it a little messy, but that doesn`t bother me as the polish just glides on like butter and helps get 100% coverage...I just use water, I don`t waste the q.d. on that.



I`ll have to give it a whirl with hand polishing.

[Accumulator]

I too do it both ways, not that I notice any huge functional differnce. Some waxes recommend a damp applicator (e.g., 476S). I usually apply `em by machine and I never dampen the pads lest it sling the dampening agent everywhere.

For hard paste waxes like Megs #16 I do slightly dampen the applicator....

That`s intersting as #16 is one where I *don`t* moisten it. What I do is move the applicator quickly over the top of the wax (in the can) until the wax turns liquid and distributes itself on the applicator. Your method probably uses a little less wax though.

[tom p.]

I usually dampen the pad or applicator. As noted, many products recommend it AND it prevent the pad from absorbing so much of the product.



I keep two very small spray bottles I found at CVS for $0.99 each. One is filled with dist water, the other with a 50/50 mix of IPA and dist water. They come in very handy for many tasks. FWIW, quite a few laptop mfrs recommend the 50/50 blend for screen cleaning.

[johny]

I appreciate everybody`s input. I think Nu-Finish directs you to dampen your pad (that was the first sealant that I ever used) and I guess the habit pretty much stuck with me for several years. I currently use NXT Tech Wax ... the bottle doesn`t say anything about using water on the pad, so that is why I was curious.

[HenrikP]

Moistening your applicator pad is going to allow to do a couple things that will benefit you and the paint. One, you will save a lot of product. Two, the product will be easier to apply. And three, the product will be applied more evenly. It is a good idea to do two thin coats of wax using this method because you`re applying a thinner coat of product than you are w/o water and two thin coats is better than one thick coat.

[imported_Nimble]

Moistening your applicator pad is going to allow to do a couple things that will benefit you and the paint. One, you will save a lot of product. Two, the product will be easier to apply. And three, the product will be applied more evenly. It is a good idea to do two thin coats of wax using this method because you`re applying a thinner coat of product than you are w/o water and two thin coats is better than one thick coat.

Would a product like 4 stars clay lube or pb`s quick detailer spray work for this too?

[Spilchy]

I too moisten my applicator pads for wax applications. Helps for thin, even coats.



I like to match the manufacturer of the wax with the QD.



For example:



#16 gets #34 misting



Natty`s and Natty`s Blue get PB S&G misting



Pink Wax gets #425 misting



Souveran and Signature get CM misting



CK Carnauba Moose gets QS misting (even though it is a liquid wax)



Some don`t have QD`s (that I own) so for Collinite 476s, 3M PI-III Show Car, Blitz and P21s gets Eagle One Wipe n` Shine misting.



Those are the waxes I use.



I also like to mist the panel with the matching QD to help remove the hazed wax and add some extra pop.

[sspeer]

I tried a few spritz of the distilled H2O last polish with FPII and it worked well...so I`m going to continue with it

[SVR]

XMT for me also. Also do it when hand polishing and the panel gets sprayed with quik shine as well.

Some polishes work better by hand on a wet panel