~One manâ€â„¢s opinion / observations~
Porter Cable Flexible Velcro Pad Holder, a truly noticeable difference in a flexible plate. This 6" foam back plate is very pliable to the touch, and makes polishing irregular surfaces a breeze. It's like a cushion and you'll easily feel the difference when using it, as it seems to "float" across the surface. Its flexible construction is very lightweight which eases fatigue and absorbs vibration. Don't let the lightweight fool you; its steel shank is moulded into its centre hub. Use the 6-inch flexible backing plate on 6.5 and 7.5-inch Lake Country Foam Pads or the 7.5-inch foam strips pads.
Always use a smaller sized Velcro backing plate then the Velcro foam pad you are using (i.e. a 6-inch Velcro backing plate and a 6.5-inch Velcro foam pad) Never use a Velcro backing plate that is larger then the Velcro backed foam pad.
Lake County (LC) Foam Specifications:
Engineered Durafoam pads are designed with various levels of abrasiveness (cutting ability) and are used as original manufacturers equipment OEM worldwide by Ford, GM, BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Porsche, Audi and VW. They are the largest manufacturer of these foams and supply many re-seller companies.
Quality foam pads used for detailing are made from specially engineered German foam, created specifically for compounding, polishing and finishing. This foam allows air to circulate through the pad to reduce heat build-up; these foam pads do not require a ventilated backing plate
a)Standard- thermally reticulated polyurethane foam with a 99% open cell structure for lower temperatures.
b)Pre-polymer-with a 50% open cell structure
·Products â€Ëœdryâ€â„¢ at a reduced rate so that pad remains â€Ëœwetâ€â„¢ longer
·Reduces product â€Ëœbuild-upâ€â„¢ or caking so pad remains cleaner and usable fo longer
·Easier to control virtually eliminating pad â€Ëœskipâ€â„¢ that can occur when user comes to an edge or on vertical body panels
Foam Pad Selection:
Cutting (*Yellow):
LC Durastrand, this innovative "foam strips" pad is designed without a smooth surface. This enables it to hold a lot of oxidized paint without "loading up" or gumming up the surface like regular foam cutting pads. The hundreds of swirl-free foam strips reach every crack and crevice and hold a great deal of oxidized paint. This pad does not leave swirls, so there is no additional compounding (Speed # 4-4.5) Pad size-8.5-inch.
Levelling Pad (Wool):
Choose 100% twisted wool for your most aggressive compounding applications. This pad is ideal for applying metal polish to large metal surfaces such as diamond plate on trucks, aluminium trailers and aircraft. A wool-acrylic blend for light cutting, these pads will level surface blemishes and remove sanding scratches, and inexperienced operators should not use wool pads as they can leave swirl marks. For light compounding of fresh paint, get a superior finish with electrified sheepskin pads. (Speed # 4-4.5)
Medium Cutting Pad (*Yellow)-a harder more dense foam composition with an abrasive cutting action, for use with a medium abrasive polish, Machine Polish 1 or 2, Swirl Mark Remover, or Autoglym Paint Renovator Polish (Speed # 4-4.5)
Polishing / Light Cutting Pad (*Orange)-a mid range, high density foam composition with a medium abrasive cutting action, for use with a Swirl Mark Remover, Pre-Wax Paint Cleaner, Klasse All-In-One, or Autoglym Super Resin Polish (Speed # 4)
Polishing / Waxing Pad (*White)-a softer less dense foam composition with a light abrasive cutting action, for use with a Swirl Mark Remover, Pre-Wax Paint Cleaner, Klasse All-In-One, or Autoglym Super Resin Polish (Speed # 4)
Finishing Pad (*Black/ Gray)-a smooth foam that has no abrasive cutting ability, for use with Klasse High Sealant Gloss, Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection, Zanio Z-2/ Z-5 or a Glaze (Speed # 3)
Concourse Finishing Pad (* Red) â€â€œthis ultra-smooth foam has no cutting or cleaning ability. This new, ultra-smooth European foam was introduced in 2004 for applying a LSP wax or paint sealant. This Hi-Gloss constant pressure, finishing pad glides over the surface creating a mirror-like shine. This pad can also be used for â€Ëœlayeringâ€â„¢ wax or sealant. (Speed # 3)
*The foam pad colour identifications and specifications are by Lake County Manufacturing (LC) (
www.lakecountrymfg.com) this company uses European engineered foams specifically designed for compounding, polishing and buffing.
For safety reasons, Porter Cable recommends that the machine not be operated unless the pad or bonnet is flat on the work surface. This means both starting and stopping the machine while it is flat on the vehicle's surface.
A word of caution when using foam pads, check the pad face for residue build-up, when loaded with dried product they have an abrasive action that could be detrimental to the paint finish. Clean residue from pads often with a soft horsehair brush, nylon or metal may damage the foam
To obtain the best results from the use of foam pads they should remain saturated with product, but remember that different foams will load up with compound / polish at different rates. Pressure applied should be even and kept to a minimum but just enough to ensure that the foam pad remains in constant contact with the surface. This ensures that the most efficient use of both the pad and product being used will obtain the desired results.
(From the Autopia website)
SONÃœS SFX Polishing System
I am pleased to announce the availability of the SONÃœS SFX Polishing System. Contest and availability details can be found in the Autopia Car Care forum area.
The SFX line is based on three new polishes and matched foam-polishing pads:
SONÃœS RESTORE (SFX-1) is a fast-action cutting and paintwork restoration polish. Use SFX-1 to cut and buff 1200 grit sanding marks (after paint repairs), heavy swirl marks, surface scratches, orange peel and severe oxidation. You may also use SONÃœS SFX-1 to repair the damage cause by water spot etching and bird droppings. This is the right polish to use when paint is in rough condition to the blend body shop repairs. It beautifully removes finish marring and restores aged finishes.
SONÃœS ENHANCE (SFX-2) is a buffered swirl-mark reducer and gloss-enhancing polish. Use SFX-2 to restore full gloss after compounding with SFX-1 or to remove fine scratches, swirl-marks and light oxidation. This is the right polish to use to maintain an as new on daily-use vehicles.
SONÃœS FINAL FINISH (SFX-3) is an ultra-fine show car polish and finishing glaze designed to produce exceptional depth and gloss on all new, like new and show car paint finishes. SFX-3 produces show car finish results on all dark colors and metallic finishes. With regular use, SFX-3 improves and maintains finish clarity for mirror-like results.
~Hope this helps~
Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM
