Foam Pad Question

[bswombaugh]

What is the life span of a foam pad ? I know that this is a loaded question with a lot of variables involved. I know the obvious visual signs when the pad starts getting tattered and breaking down its time to replace. If the pad is in good visual shape - Do you start noticing a reduction in cutting and finishing qualities after repeated uses ?

[ShaneB]

Ive actually been wondering the same thing... ill be following this. I got a couple lake country orange pads that are starting to show some wear but just got some megs MF pads to replace them

[Todd@RUPES]

Replace your pads when you notice they are not cutting as much (still can use them for other purposes), the backing material is de-laminating, the foam is beginning to shed, or the pads loose their original firmness.

Factors that affect pad life.

DA polishers will wear pads much faster than a rotary.
Excesssive heat will cause premature de-lamination of the velcro material
Closed cell pads will not last as long as open celled pads.
Heavy solvent polishes will break down the foam faster than low solvent/water based polishes.
Not cleaning the pads immediately after use.
Running pads over emblems and sharp edges.