Foam Pads Guide

[Claude]

Hello,

Im looking for a comparison chart on foam pads and their use.
I presently own all the new Kompressor pads(purple, white, black, red and gold), i also own the CCS 6.5" in yellow, orange, white and black, and same with the 7.5".

Its getting a little outta hand here, and thats only the foam pads.

Im using 205 with an orange pad to remove some hair line scratches on my Black Silverado (from Washings) , and the results are "Boooootiful", one problem im running out of the CCS 7.5" and 6.5" orange pads.

So, my question is the orange is missing from the Kompressor line what replaces the orange, in the Kompressor line and has the same cutting power.

Thanx In Advance
Claude

[Old Pirate]

They to clean your CCS 7.5" and 6.5" orange pads more often and/or get some more of these pads. On the Kompressor orange pads hopefully LC will come out with them this year.

[imported_Tony]

Hello,

Im looking for a comparison chart on foam pads and their use.
I presently own all the new Kompressor pads(purple, white, black, red and gold), i also own the CCS 6.5" in yellow, orange, white and black, and same with the 7.5".

Its getting a little outta hand here, and thats only the foam pads.

Im using 205 with an orange pad to remove some hair line scratches on my Black Silverado (from Washings) , and the results are "Boooootiful", one problem im running out of the CCS 7.5" and 6.5" orange pads.

So, my question is the orange is missing from the Kompressor line what replaces the orange, in the Kompressor line and has the same cutting power.

Thanx In Advance
Claude

purple replaces the orange.

[jay56]

purple replaces the orange.

Actually, the purple is in between a yellow compounding pad and a wool pad.
CMA says on their site that it is the most aggressive foam pad in the industry.

So, it sounds like it has more bite than the orange.

M2C

[imported_Tony]

Actually, the purple is in between a yellow compounding pad and a wool pad.
CMA says on their site that it is the most aggressive foam pad in the industry.

So, it sounds like it has more bite than the orange.

M2C

Yet it finishes like the orange and white foams.

[Todd@RUPES]

I have been working on a foam pad guide for a little while, an although not ready for the website yet, here is a basic copy.

Lake Country polishing pads are available in many different types of foam, each with specific characteristics. The amount of colors and options can be confusing to average enthusiast because of overlapping characteristics and similarities from foam to foam. Lake Country Manufacturing supplies polishing pads at the OEM level, where slight differences in foam compensation are critical.

To understand the differences in the foams and to select the best that suite your needs we will first examine the various properties of each foam.

Material: There are three types of material used in the construction of foam pads for the automotive industry: Pre-Polymer, Polyester, and Polyether.

Pre-polymer: Pre-polymer foam is very durable because it has a very high tensile strength. All pre-polymer foam is imported from Europe.

Polyester: Polyester foam is high quality foam ideal for most polishing situations. It is very durable and quickly dissipates heat.

Polyether: Polyether tends to be very soft but lacks the tensile strength of polyester or pre-polymer foams. Because of its low cost Polyether is commonly used in hand applicators for waxes and sealants. Proper Auto Care does not carry any polyether foam polishing pads.

Structure: The actual structure of the foam used in polishing pads can be categorized into two types: reticulated (open celled) and non-reticulated (close celled).

Reticulated/Open Celled structure allows air to pass through the foam. This flow keeps the polish cooler, extending the work time of solvent and petroleum based polished. The air flow also dissipates heat, making this structure ideal for heavy cutting applications.

Non-Reticulated/Closed Celled structure foam will not allow air flow to pass through the pad. This structure of foam extends the life of water based polishes by reducing air flow through the polish.

Blended: Foams can be blended for optimal performance dependent on the level cut and typical application.

Measurements: The actual performance of the pad is dependent on a variety of factors including the texture, density, structure, and chemical composition of the foam. Pores per inch (PPI) measures the amount of pores in a given square inch of the foam; the density and softness of the foam. In general foams with a higher number of pores tend to be softer, although this is only one factor that determines the amount of cut the pad has. Foams with similar ppi?s can be further broken down according to their Compression Load Deflection rating. CLD measures how long it takes compressed foam to return to its original shape.



Lake Country by the colors:

xxx Yellow Cutting Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 70PPI>:
The aggressive bite and structure makes the Yellow Cutting Foam pads ideal for removing serious paint defects: scratches, heavy marring, deep water etching, and thick oxidation with a rotary polisher. The cut of this pad may cause slight surface scouring (micro hazing) when used on a random orbital or dual action machine that may be difficult to remove with out a rotary polisher.

xxx Orange Power Pad Foam <Reticulated Pre-Polymer, 75PPI>:
This firm pre-polymer foam is a favorite at the OEM level and amongst enthusiasts who use orbital or dual action machines. The firmness of this foam can make it tricky to use on a rotary polisher, although the variable contact backing exclusive to Proper Auto Care?s pad line have proven very benefical for rotary users. Light Cutting foam provides a nice level cut with out associated surface hazing. Ideal for removing compounding haze, light to moderate swirl marks, and blending. The Orange Light Cutting Foam pads are currently the most aggressive recommended to by Proper Auto Care for non rotary machines.

xxx White Polishing Foam <50/50 Blend Non-Reticulated and Reticulated Polyester, 75PPI>:
The white foam pads are ideal for use with a high speed rotary polisher as well as dual action and random orbital polishers. This pad will have the cut to remove ultra fine swirl marks, light compounding haze, and finish to an extremely high gloss. On most paint systems this pad with finish to a perfect, mar free finishes on an orbital polisher. On a rotary the paint may benefit from a less aggressive pad for finish polishing to ensure the paint is hologram free.

xxx European Light Polishing Green Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 80PPI>:
A quick check reveals that this foam is very similar in composition to our red finishing foam, however slight chemical changes reduce chemical soak and foam breakdown, making this the finest foam that is tough enough to withstand medium polishing. This foam can removed light swirling with moderate polishes and finish out to perfection when used with a final polish.

xxx Black Finishing Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 80PPI>:
This foam has a slight mechanical action which makes it ideal for final polishing on all paint systems with a rotary polisher. This pad is used ensure a 100% hologram free finish with rotary application.

xxx Red Finishing Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 80 PPI>:
The red finishing foam is a medium density, ultra soft foam which provides no mechanical cut. Pads with this foam are ideal for final polishing on extremely finicky paint and applying waxes, sealants, or glazes.

xxx Gold Concours Finishing Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 110PPI>:
This is the softest foam manufactured by Lake Country. It features an extremely soft disposition and a very high rate of pores. The structure of the foam resists products from absorbing into the foam, making the gold ultra finishing foam the best choice in spreading and working waxes and sealants into the paint?s surface.

[Todd@RUPES]

Hello,

Im looking for a comparison chart on foam pads and their use.
I presently own all the new Kompressor pads(purple, white, black, red and gold), i also own the CCS 6.5" in yellow, orange, white and black, and same with the 7.5".

Its getting a little outta hand here, and thats only the foam pads.

Im using 205 with an orange pad to remove some hair line scratches on my Black Silverado (from Washings) , and the results are "Boooootiful", one problem im running out of the CCS 7.5" and 6.5" orange pads.

So, my question is the orange is missing from the Kompressor line what replaces the orange, in the Kompressor line and has the same cutting power.

Thanx In Advance
Claude

Lake Country has not realeased the Orange Kompressor Power Pads as of yet, but I have been testing some pre-production prototypes. In testing with the pad, it will fit the gap between the very heavy cutting purple pad and the finer polishing white pad, similar to how it currently exists in the Lake Country line up.

CMA is not taking orders for the pad yet, but as soon as production begins we will among the first carrying it. Stay tuned!

In terms of cutting power, the purple foam is more aggressive then the yellow foam and currently the most aggressive foam that Lake Country produces. It roughly is equal to blended wool pads in terms of cut. However the increased cut, and it`s intended usage as a cutting pad (meaning it will be used with aggressive polishes) means that you can get a lot of surface hazing. Because of that reason CMA only recommend the purple pad be used with somebody who has a good level of polishing experience and is comfortable removing micro hazing from paint.

As noted by Tony, if the purple pad is used with a finer polish on a rotary polisher, it can leave a pretty nice finish behind, although that finish (much like an orange pad on a rotary) will require additional polishing steps to achieve that showroom shine.

Officially the Purple Pad is not a replacement for the orange pad, but an aggressive addition to the foam line up. CMA recommends always starting with the least aggressive method necessary to achieve your goals, and never jumping into a heavy cut pad because it has the potential in finish nicely. Sorry for any confusion!

In the interm (before the release of the orange pad) you might be suprised at the abillity of the White Kompressor pad to remove defects. One of the benefits of the Kompressor design is that it reduces the defection of the foam (once flattened) giving the foam slightly more firmness, increasing cut slightly. I would first try M205 with the White Kompressor pad first and see if that does it for you.

Todd

[presidential_detail]

Very nice write-up Todd! It seems Mike Phillips has inspired you to teach this week! Even some of more experienced polishers can benefit from reading your posts. We can all use some of that knowledge you have stored up there!

[imported_glfahlc]

Very nice write-up Todd! It seems Mike Phillips has inspired you to teach this week! Even some of more experienced polishers can benefit from reading your posts. We can all use some of that knowledge you have stored up there!

i concur, keep it coming todd

[Claude]

I have been working on a foam pad guide for a little while, an although not ready for the website yet, here is a basic copy.

Lake Country polishing pads are available in many different types of foam, each with specific characteristics. The amount of colors and options can be confusing to average enthusiast because of overlapping characteristics and similarities from foam to foam. Lake Country Manufacturing supplies polishing pads at the OEM level, where slight differences in foam compensation are critical.

To understand the differences in the foams and to select the best that suite your needs we will first examine the various properties of each foam.

Material: There are three types of material used in the construction of foam pads for the automotive industry: Pre-Polymer, Polyester, and Polyether.

Pre-polymer: Pre-polymer foam is very durable because it has a very high tensile strength. All pre-polymer foam is imported from Europe.

Polyester: Polyester foam is high quality foam ideal for most polishing situations. It is very durable and quickly dissipates heat.

Polyether: Polyether tends to be very soft but lacks the tensile strength of polyester or pre-polymer foams. Because of its low cost Polyether is commonly used in hand applicators for waxes and sealants. Proper Auto Care does not carry any polyether foam polishing pads.

Structure: The actual structure of the foam used in polishing pads can be categorized into two types: reticulated (open celled) and non-reticulated (close celled).

Reticulated/Open Celled structure allows air to pass through the foam. This flow keeps the polish cooler, extending the work time of solvent and petroleum based polished. The air flow also dissipates heat, making this structure ideal for heavy cutting applications.

Non-Reticulated/Closed Celled structure foam will not allow air flow to pass through the pad. This structure of foam extends the life of water based polishes by reducing air flow through the polish.

Blended: Foams can be blended for optimal performance dependent on the level cut and typical application.

Measurements: The actual performance of the pad is dependent on a variety of factors including the texture, density, structure, and chemical composition of the foam. Pores per inch (PPI) measures the amount of pores in a given square inch of the foam; the density and softness of the foam. In general foams with a higher number of pores tend to be softer, although this is only one factor that determines the amount of cut the pad has. Foams with similar ppi?s can be further broken down according to their Compression Load Deflection rating. CLD measures how long it takes compressed foam to return to its original shape.



Lake Country by the colors:

xxx Yellow Cutting Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 70PPI>:
The aggressive bite and structure makes the Yellow Cutting Foam pads ideal for removing serious paint defects: scratches, heavy marring, deep water etching, and thick oxidation with a rotary polisher. The cut of this pad may cause slight surface scouring (micro hazing) when used on a random orbital or dual action machine that may be difficult to remove with out a rotary polisher.

xxx Orange Power Pad Foam <Reticulated Pre-Polymer, 75PPI>:
This firm pre-polymer foam is a favorite at the OEM level and amongst enthusiasts who use orbital or dual action machines. The firmness of this foam can make it tricky to use on a rotary polisher, although the variable contact backing exclusive to Proper Auto Care?s pad line have proven very benefical for rotary users. Light Cutting foam provides a nice level cut with out associated surface hazing. Ideal for removing compounding haze, light to moderate swirl marks, and blending. The Orange Light Cutting Foam pads are currently the most aggressive recommended to by Proper Auto Care for non rotary machines.

xxx White Polishing Foam <50/50 Blend Non-Reticulated and Reticulated Polyester, 75PPI>:
The white foam pads are ideal for use with a high speed rotary polisher as well as dual action and random orbital polishers. This pad will have the cut to remove ultra fine swirl marks, light compounding haze, and finish to an extremely high gloss. On most paint systems this pad with finish to a perfect, mar free finishes on an orbital polisher. On a rotary the paint may benefit from a less aggressive pad for finish polishing to ensure the paint is hologram free.

xxx European Light Polishing Green Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 80PPI>:
A quick check reveals that this foam is very similar in composition to our red finishing foam, however slight chemical changes reduce chemical soak and foam breakdown, making this the finest foam that is tough enough to withstand medium polishing. This foam can removed light swirling with moderate polishes and finish out to perfection when used with a final polish.

xxx Black Finishing Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 80PPI>:
This foam has a slight mechanical action which makes it ideal for final polishing on all paint systems with a rotary polisher. This pad is used ensure a 100% hologram free finish with rotary application.

xxx Red Finishing Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 80 PPI>:
The red finishing foam is a medium density, ultra soft foam which provides no mechanical cut. Pads with this foam are ideal for final polishing on extremely finicky paint and applying waxes, sealants, or glazes.

xxx Gold Concours Finishing Foam <Reticulated Polyester, 110PPI>:
This is the softest foam manufactured by Lake Country. It features an extremely soft disposition and a very high rate of pores. The structure of the foam resists products from absorbing into the foam, making the gold ultra finishing foam the best choice in spreading and working waxes and sealants into the paint?s surface.

Woah, talk about technical, kewl stuff..

Thanx Todd

Claude

[Claude]

Lake Country has not realeased the Orange Kompressor Power Pads as of yet, but I have been testing some pre-production prototypes. In testing with the pad, it will fit the gap between the very heavy cutting purple pad and the finer polishing white pad, similar to how it currently exists in the Lake Country line up.

CMA is not taking orders for the pad yet, but as soon as production begins we will among the first carrying it. Stay tuned!

In terms of cutting power, the purple foam is more aggressive then the yellow foam and currently the most aggressive foam that Lake Country produces. It roughly is equal to blended wool pads in terms of cut. However the increased cut, and it`s intended usage as a cutting pad (meaning it will be used with aggressive polishes) means that you can get a lot of surface hazing. Because of that reason CMA only recommend the purple pad be used with somebody who has a good level of polishing experience and is comfortable removing micro hazing from paint.

As noted by Tony, if the purple pad is used with a finer polish on a rotary polisher, it can leave a pretty nice finish behind, although that finish (much like an orange pad on a rotary) will require additional polishing steps to achieve that showroom shine.

Officially the Purple Pad is not a replacement for the orange pad, but an aggressive addition to the foam line up. CMA recommends always starting with the least aggressive method necessary to achieve your goals, and never jumping into a heavy cut pad because it has the potential in finish nicely. Sorry for any confusion!

In the interm (before the release of the orange pad) you might be suprised at the abillity of the White Kompressor pad to remove defects. One of the benefits of the Kompressor design is that it reduces the defection of the foam (once flattened) giving the foam slightly more firmness, increasing cut slightly. I would first try M205 with the White Kompressor pad first and see if that does it for you.

Todd

Hi Todd

After Reading your reply, I tried the white Kompressor pad with Megs205. after 3 passes, with Flex polisher set at 4 and full pressure, and 2 passes with hardly any pressure, removed residue. I still saw some lite lines. Went over it again with 3 light passes at 4, and it worked. I tried it at 5 speed and the product dried too fast and started dusting, and it was 44f out here in NY.
I work outside, garage is not big enough
Im sure it would work if it was a little warmer out here, and since i am doing a Pickup truck and its black, im going to need alot more of Megs205.

So i still had one more orange pad (Single Pass), I completed the job, and im getting another shipment from Proper tomorrow (6 Pieces).

I always keep 3 fresh pads of every color, and the used ones that are marked for their particular polish or wax.

But these family members used up all my pads, too many freebies.
Gotta start charging DaWife, for her vehicle from now on, but i mentioned that once , and she showed me this bussiness card from a "locksmith".

Go Figure

Thanx Again Todd

Claude

[imported_Termigator]

Need to add purple to my arsenal....

Great write up Todd.

[imported_Pats300zx]

Great writeup and explanation Todd. Thanks for putting that together.

[Todd@RUPES]

Claude glad to help buddy!!!

Thanks guys I`m glad you appreciate the technical stuff!

[presidential_detail]

Claude glad to help buddy!!!

Thanks guys I`m glad you appreciate the technical stuff!

The technical stuff is what we all need to know. Alot of people dont know the science behind what we all do, from polish properties, to pad properties, to proper machine use, to methods used with the machines, paint types, and the list goes on! Keep em coming!