Originally Posted by
Todd Helme
The MF pads (when used on a DA polisher) are unique in the sense that they cut very well (large surface area) while still delivering a very nice finish. They tend to be more aggressive then foam cutting pads...
Okay, we are going to go off the deep end here... hang on to your hats... and put on your helmets....
Foam pads, for the most part, deliver cut (mechanical action) by there willingness (or resistance) to change. A stiffer foam, which doesn`t want to change shape, it generally (not always) going to be more aggressive. There are other factors of course (such as how the abrasives attach to the foam) or how the membranes that make up the pore walls squeegee the surface clean. While different foam formulas will have different abilities to remove material (cut) and leave a level surface (finish), in general, more aggressive foam pads will increase the chance of creating visible marring on the paint.
Microfiber pads, for the most part, are functionally now abrasive. The actual microfiber material is going to remove very little material by itself (as opposed to a foam cutting pad). It is when you apply polish to the microfiber pad that the magic happens. As compared to a bald head, a full head of hair has far (far far far) more surface area. The same is true with microfiber compared to foam. The abrasives attached to the microfiber and allow far more of your polish to work (in a given time) compared to foam. So the once non-abrasive material becomes hyper abrasive when used with a more aggressive style of polish.
Microfiber pads can be used from heavy cutting to fine polishing (some paints will finish better with a foam pad though) depending on the type of polish used. They are extremely sensitive to whatever polish is applied because they amplify that polishes ability.
I hope this makes sense. If not I will try to clarify better.
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