How many pads do I need to buff out my car?

Just bought an additional twelve pads for the upcoming job on a Civic Si. Right along with pad cleaner and pad conditioner.

If only I had realized this the first car I brought back the finish from the dead.
 
chriskraft3 said:
Just bought an additional twelve pads for the upcoming job on a Civic Si. Right along with pad cleaner and pad conditioner.

If only I had realized this the first car I brought back the finish from the dead.
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It's a learning process for all of us. I can remember when the light bulb first when off in my head and I noticed dry foam pads spin better than wet foam pads.

Seems like it would be obvious after buffing out a few cars but it wasn't and back when I first started using the Porter Cable the Internet had not been invented let alone discussion forum software.

With a forum like this though... now everyone knows. (if you read a forum like this) :D



:xyxthumbs:
 
AGOatemywallet said:
Mike P,

Can you please post some photos of pads that are "Done"

I think I may be tossing mine out too soon

Thanks
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I tend to throw "done" pads away when they are "done" versus saving them for a group shot but I'll save some for some future pictures. Sure you bet.

I threw away a 7" RUPES blue coarse foam cutting pad last week after buffing out this 1970 Ford Torino, foam was worn out and getting pretty tatty looking.


1970_Ford_Torino_005.jpg




:xyxthumbs:
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
It's a learning process for all of us. I can remember when the light bulb first when off in my head and I noticed dry foam pads spin better than wet foam pads.

Seems like it would be obvious after buffing out a few cars but it wasn't and back when I first started using the Porter Cable the Internet had not been invented let alone discussion forum software.

With a forum like this though... now everyone knows. (if you read a forum like this) :D



:xyxthumbs:
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I appreciate the reply Mike. Of course I sure appreciate the platform you guys have created and the input you offer freely!

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I tend to throw "done" pads away when they are "done" versus saving them for a group shot but I'll save some for some future pictures. Sure you bet.
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I am also interested in what "Done" looks like to you.
 
Subscribing to this thread to see your worn out pads, Mike!
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
I tend to throw "done" pads away when they are "done" versus saving them for a group shot but I'll save some for some future pictures. Sure you bet.

I threw away a 7" RUPES blue coarse foam cutting pad last week after buffing out this 1970 Ford Torino, foam was worn out and getting pretty tatty looking.


1970_Ford_Torino_005.jpg




:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

Sometimes....it seems impossible to make a car shine this great. After reading so much of the advice here, I just buy pads every chance I get to avoid the risk, but it would be great to see at which point an experience pro would consider changing the pad.
 
2pennies said:
Sometimes....it seems impossible to make a car shine this great.


1970_Ford_Torino_005.jpg
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The original enamel paint on the 1970 Ford Torino really shined up good. Lacquers and enamels are known for this characteristic.


2pennies said:
After reading so much of the advice here, I just buy pads every chance I get to avoid the risk,

but it would be great to see at which point an experience pro would consider changing the pad.
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A good rule of thumb is one pad per panel.

For larter panels, for the cutting or compounding step use 2 pads.

You'll do better work faster and your pads will last longer over time.



:)
 
newbie here! just ordered the gg6 and additional pads...but looks like I need more!
now the confusing part...what colors to use and order :)
 
I wonder what would be the recommended numbers for Microfiber cutting pads, 50/50 Uro-Fiber pads, and Wool Cutting Pads. Same principle? I feel like one can get away with less with these pads. What do pros think?
 
seanktm said:
I wonder what would be the recommended numbers for Microfiber cutting pads, 50/50 Uro-Fiber pads, and Wool Cutting Pads. Same principle? I feel like one can get away with less with these pads. What do pros think?
Click to expand...

I find that I can pretty much use one microfiber per car blowing it out with a compressor. Takes care of the extra heat from a microfiber pad as well as spent product. But I should add that I'm not a pro.
 
Mike Phillips said:
How many pads do I need to buff out my car?



For a Flex 3401
Correction = Orange Hybrid
Polishing = White Hybrid
Sealing = Black Hybrid

From experience, you can push the orange hybrid pads further than most pads plus the Flex 3401 simply doesn't care if the pads are wet with product it's going to rotate them no matter what. Not that using a squishy wet pad is a good thing just saying...

One thing for sure, a fresh, clean, dry orange hybrid pad with a top notch compound cuts fast on the Flex 3401.

Correction step = 6 pads
1 for the hood
1 for the roof and trunk lid
2 for driver's side
2 for passenger side

Polishing step = 4 pads (You could probably get away with 3 if you use 1 for hood, roof and trunk lid)

1 for the hood
1 for the roof and trunk lid
1 for driver's side
1 for passenger side

Sealing the paint step = 1 waxing pad
Use over entire vehicle








:dblthumb2:
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Yeah, pretty much, you can really stretch those Hybrid pads pretty far if you clean them along the way.


I have plenty of pads though, so use and toss them into the bucket full of cleaner and grab a new one.


I really like the LC RED Force Hybrid Pad though and the RED Hybrid for spreading wax. :buffing:


And the Force Hybrid Black or White for Polishing depending.

Used the LC Blue CCS for Polishing too, works well also. They seem to hold up well on the 3401 for Polishing.
 
seanktm said:
I wonder what would be the recommended numbers for Microfiber cutting pads, 50/50 Uro-Fiber pads, and Wool Cutting Pads. Same principle? I feel like one can get away with less with these pads. What do pros think?
Click to expand...

dgage said:
I find that I can pretty much use one microfiber per car blowing it out with a compressor. Takes care of the extra heat from a microfiber pad as well as spent product. But I should add that I'm not a pro.
Click to expand...

I have found 4 microfiber pads are enough for most cars, and I use them 2 at a time. Polish a section, clean the pad, put on the 2nd pad while the 1st pad cools, and repeat until 1/2 the car is done. I also use older pads for the lower sections, as that is the dirtest part.
 
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