Some thoughts on Megs versus Lake Country pads

SilverLexus

SilverLexus

Super Enthusiast
I have been getting much better with the ole PC and I have noticed that I really like these new variable contour pads that LC is making. I had previously used the Megs Soft Buff pads but the LCs seem to make it easier to polish and move the polish around in thinner layers.



Do you find these pads to be better as well?
 
Silverlexus, As a beginner I used all Meguiar's pads cutting polishing and finishing. Meguiar's pads work for me, then I ordered some products and picked up a white LC polishing pad, it was curved and had a hole in the center. I get confused with all there different style pads. But I only used this pad once with VM, and yes it seemed easier to get to tight area, and move on to curved panels a little easier but then again I was applying VM, and not really polishing.



I have to say I really like Meguiar's polishing pad, there cutting is way to aggressive with PC IMO. and there finishing pad seems pretty nice.



The LC white polishing pad I used once, If looked at closely seems to have linted! like there is a little fuzz on the pad. Not lint balls but a little fuzz. I don't know if this would make a difference when polishing. But my Meguiar's polishing pad look the same after using them. I notice Meguiar's polishing pads get softer after some usage. It's up it air, I really have not used LC pads to make a fair comparison.



I was thinking about ordering some orange pads from LC but can't decide to go flat or curved. :nixweiss I really like that LC makes fine steps in abrasiveness with there pads. yellow orange green white black blue etc. not sure if that the order but you know what I'm saying. I wish Meguiar's would come out with a pad more aggressive then there polishing and not nearly as aggressive as there cutting. I'm finding i need something with a little more bit these days for swirls removal with PC. :nixweiss
 
I'm using a rotary, but I like the LC's a lot better than Meg's.



They are built better, have the variable contact, which I love, leave a flawless finish, and last forever!
 
I use the LC pads, but I don't know if they are Variable Contact. For me, they work very well. The yellow cutting pad can take out almost anything, and the white polishing pads are great for high gloss polishing.



My only complaint is that when used at a speed of 6, the backing plate cuts into the pad and shreds it. I usually put a strip of duct tape around the velcro backing, and foam to stop this.



My next pad purchases will be the Meguiars soft Buff yellow polishing pads. I wanna try them against the LC pads.
 
What I would say is, what are you trying to do with the polishing pad. I would say if you are trying to remove minor swirls with a product like #80 or FP II w/ the polishing pad, I would go with the LC pad. I think the LC pad is a little bit more aggressive than the Meg's pad. But if you are using a polish like VM, AIO, PwC, I would go with the Meg's for a polishing pad. Now that's just my experience! I to love the concaved LC pads, they are a breeze to clean up. But does LC make 6.5" concaved pads other than the yellow cutting pad?
 
O4cobra, I have to agree the LC white curved pad I have seem to be a touch more agressive then Meguiar's yellow polishing. I'm not sure but I think LC makes there flat pads in 6.5 only. If so these will be the ones I will order.
 
Just to drop a line. We make pads in different sizes and shapes. There are more products we manufacture than what is the "common" items purchased. Also, Wanted to wish everyone here at Autopia a safe and Happy Holiday Season. Thank you for your interest and purchases from LCM in 04.
 
I've wanted to try some LC flat pads, but Megs were always cheaper. Now I'll get some VC's to try on the Cyclo. I can see the angled edge helping, but the dished center I think is weird. Why would you want variable contact from a pad vs uniform contact? But Lake Country makes them in flat too, and in several other shapes as well. :)
 
I like both and have used both a fair amount, however my most recent purchase was for the new constant pressure 7.5" pads from CMA
 
Aurora40 said:
I've wanted to try some LC flat pads, but Megs were always cheaper. Now I'll get some VC's to try on the Cyclo. I can see the angled edge helping, but the dished center I think is weird. Why would you want variable contact from a pad vs uniform contact? But Lake Country makes them in flat too, and in several other shapes as well. :)
Click to expand...





when you apply pressure though you have uniform contact, no?
 
I drew a picture of the LC Curved Edge Variable Contact (VC) Pad. I have no Idea if it is correct, But this is the way I understand it. This is basicly why I prefer flat pads. But I'm just starting out with detailing and still learning lots. Let me know if you think otherwise or if you agree?



7893curved_edge_variable_contact__vc__pad_drawing.jpg
 
Good picture Cheapshot! I ordered two each of the white and orange pad when SMP had the 20% off sale. While I thought they'd be 6.5" pads, they are the 7.5" pads shaped like your drawing.



According to LC these pads give you more surfaces to use:



- Use flat for full panel polishing.

- Tilt the back of the machine to spot polish on the outer 1/3 of the pad.

- Use the pad on edge for polishing seams and getting into corners.

- Use the underside of the pad when polishing around mirrors and aerodynamic wings.



While I'm more comfortable with my 6.5" flat pads, I may come to like these.
 
I'm glad to see so many comments. I was wondering if I was going to hear from anybody. :)



I'm hoping it is warm enough to get my Blue LC pad going on the SilverLexus tomorrow. I have to AIO the hood no that the back of the car test of AIO+P21S is holding up so well.



I seem to have better control with a VC pad...something about how it interacts with the metal. The convexity seems to allow more control of the polish.



LC pad construction is terrific. You can tell by the quality of the backing. Superb!
 
the cup in the middle is for the polish, instead of slinging out, it goes to the center of the pad. The variable contact part is because on a full size rotary, the machine is tipped and you have a flat surface without polish slinging everywhere. We can make any pad in any design in any foam. Watch for our new products after the new year, I think everyone will be impressed. If anyone has questions, you can email me or private message me. Thanks and Happy Holidays.
 
I love my LC pads but no matter what pad I use I have trouble polishing the sides of a car via rotary, just too much sling and sometimes rotary hop leading to holograms. I am not confident with attempting to polish out an entire car until I get this part down. I'm wondering perhaps if another shape of pad offered by LC of course, in addition to practice,practice and more practice might help me out .
 
HotRodGuy said:
when you apply pressure though you have uniform contact, no?
Click to expand...



Uniform contact, but not uniform pressure. The edges will be much more compressed and pressing harder. I don't see why that's desirable. The curved out edge would be nice for polishing over curves, seams,etc, provided you didn't press the middle down until the curved up edge touched, but just used the middle as a smaller pad.



If you used a rotary (which I don't), I'd think the VC pads would be even worse. You'd have more pressure on the outside edge, which is also where the pad is spinning the fastest. :nixweiss
 
Im with Aurora on this. Not saying LC makes bad pads, I just dont understand its purpose and philosophy, and Erics a great person to speak with and represents hs employer well. My experience is this, the product tends to gather in the center of the pad, theres less surface contact with the pad which means more pad revolutions to perform the required work, neither being good, in my book......Maybe they work for others and they perform well, its just not for me.....
 
Eliot Ness said:
Good picture Cheapshot! I ordered two each of the white and orange pad when SMP had the 20% off sale. While I thought they'd be 6.5" pads, they are the 7.5" pads shaped like your drawing.



According to LC these pads give you more surfaces to use:



- Use flat for full panel polishing.

- Tilt the back of the machine to spot polish on the outer 1/3 of the pad.

- Use the pad on edge for polishing seams and getting into corners.

- Use the underside of the pad when polishing around mirrors and aerodynamic wings.



While I'm more comfortable with my 6.5" flat pads, I may come to like these.
Click to expand...





Eliot, I think the only advantages to these pads are:

-Tilt the back of the machine to spot polish on the outer 1/3 of the pad.



I found this useful with PC, tight areas and being able to use the outer 1/3 on the pad was pretty nice. when tilting the PC/pad to this part of the pad, it just felt right! nice and smooth.





I don't know about this:

- Use the underside of the pad when polishing around mirrors and aerodynamic wings.



Maybe when applying a cleaner product or sealant/wax. But has anyone tried polishing or removing defects in these areas with LC pads in these manners? :nixweiss





I don't know about this:

- Use flat for full panel polishing.



It doesn't seem right to me, I didn't experience any problems when doing so, But I have not used LC curved pads long enough to really tell.
 
I have used these pads many many times. I prefer using a rotary for "tired" paint. Heres the secret: when using a rotary, In my experience the machine should be tilted a little. With the product in the middle of the pad, it can be laid flat to release product onto surface at slow rpm, then tilted and brought up to speed (1000-1500 rpm) using the edge of the pad to create heat to dissipate product, remove defects and bring to a shine. Depending on the pressure, the amount of pad contacting the surface can be varied, also be degree of angle machine is tilted. With the pocket inthe middle, as machine is tilted, the product stays in middle until needed. Using a rotary takes patience and skill. Its much easier to cause damage to a finish with a rotary compared to a D.A. machine. I just finished a '73 Mustang conv. for a relative. It was painted in a single stage paint and probably wasnt maintained since early '80's. I used the rotary to heat up the paint and bring back the "luster" because of speed and workability of rotary, the polished with a PC7424 for ease. Granted that every pad has its pros and cons and some pads are a challenge to get used to. I dont know if this will help anyone, just giving input. Thanks
 
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