Microfiber Pads?

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LAKings22

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Hello everyone, I need some advice on microfiber cutting pads. I’m going to be detailing a Silver 2001 Mercedes S500 in the next 2 weeks for my nephew. I’ll be using my Flex 3401 and the pads I currently have are the hybrid 5” pads (all available colors). I also have Menzerna FG400, SF4000, HD ADAPT, SPEED and few products from Wolfgang (can’t remember the name). I’ve had great results using the LC hybrid pads with the products mentioned on the few cars I’ve done (Tahoe, Lexus, Lincoln, Toyota, KIA), however the last Black 2013 Mercedes e350 and Silver 2003 BMW 540i I detailed and the end results were not as flawless as the others I’ve done. With another Mercedes on deck, I figured it would be a good time to test out the MF cutting pad vs the foam and see which cuts more.

Which microfiber pads do you guys recommend for the Flex 3401? How many to order? And can you wash these pads the same way you wash any other microfiber towel?
 
I've used the Meguiar's MF system - cutting & polishing pads - with their 2 polishes and have gotten good results. Wash the usual way.
 
paul_g said:
Before doing any heavy cutting on the merc, read this article and make sure you check the paint code:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...estions/47152-ceramiclear-paints-careful.html
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Thanks for the info. This might explain why it took me double the time and effort to do my black E350 vs a black Chevy Tahoe that was in worse condition. I ended up flawless finish on the Tahoe and the Mercedes not so much. How can I tell by looking at the paint code, I'd if has this clear?

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Belair said:
I've used the Meguiar's MF system - cutting & polishing pads - with their 2 polishes and have gotten good results. Wash the usual way.
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Thanks. I don't know if I'll order the kit that comes with the polishes, hope that doesn't matter when it comes to how the pads perform.

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For the 3401, I'd consider the Buff and Shine pads. The foam backing is taller, which should reduce the "grabby" feel some report with the thinner pads.

The other nice thing about them is that the compound tends to stay on the tips of the looped fibers.
 
D300 Compound works beautifully with MF pads. No dusting and gives a nice finish. I used it with meguiars cutting MF pads.
 
dlc95 said:
For the 3401, I'd consider the Buff and Shine pads. The foam backing is taller, which should reduce the "grabby" feel some report with the thinner pads.

The other nice thing about them is that the compound tends to stay on the tips of the looped fibers.
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I've tried these on the 3401 and I cannot, for the life of me, get as good of results with any MF pad on the 3401 compared to a non-forced DA.
 
LAKings22 said:
How can I tell by looking at the paint code, I'd if has this clear?
Click to expand...

There will be a "C" before the code. For instance, "C650" or "C033" on the VIN plate typically in the door area of the drivers door. Google "Mercedes C650 paint" and you'll see the VIN plate.
 
I've never had much luck with microfiber pads on my 3401 but Lake Country's Purple Foamed Wool Pads have proven to have some impressive cut if you want to try those out.
 
haris300 said:
I've never had much luck with microfiber pads on my 3401 but Lake Country's Purple Foamed Wool Pads have proven to have some impressive cut if you want to try those out.
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Agreed.

I never had any luck using various manufactures MF pads on the 3401. MF pads don't play well with the gear driven characteristics of the FLEX. Wool pads are the way to go as they handle far better on the 3401. Not too mention they will also outcut MF pads. (when used on the 3401)
 
Not the answer you are looking for but on my merc paint I ended up using foamed wool and rotary for defect correction.. altering the compounds from SMAT to DAT depnding on the severity... (Lake country purple wool and Scholl S3 or Juice super C, rotary 1500rpm)

I then finished using DAT on foam with DA... ie light swirls... (Scholl S20+ Scholl blue spider pad, DA speed 5)

Trying to do heavy correction was just taking an age on the DA and the hard paint I was faced with....

I also finished with CarPro reflect on black scholl waffle finishing pads.. rotary 600rpm... very slow passes no load...

The paint s nice to work on though, just a little time consuming...
 
WRAPT C5Z06 said:
I've tried these on the 3401 and I cannot, for the life of me, get as good of results with any MF pad on the 3401 compared to a non-forced DA.
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Thanks for the heads up!

I've read that from others too.

I had used the Lake Country UltraFiber pads when I had a 3401. They seemed to do ok. Very rough ride, but no real time savings over the foam. At least it wasn't as noticeable as the change you get with a random orbital.
 
Flex 3401 owner here and hands down the Buff and Shine pads have been the best for me. Much more durable and last longer than any other pad on the market and I have tried many.

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I think I'm going to end up getting the MF and Purple Wool pads and try both out. Do I get 6" or 5" i have back plates for both

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Depends on the panel size and profiles you'll be working on..

Flatter panels allow good results from larger dia pads..(ie you can keep the panel flat to panel and anchieve even results)
Larger pads on curved panels require more edge / angling which require more skill and attention to ensure even coverage and cut..
More chance of stall with free spinning DA too...
Also more chance of hot spots on driven machines IF you are clumsy.

Personally I prefer 5's for general use.. decent coverage while allowing most contours..
Drop to 3" for small areas and tighter concave surfaces
Step up to 6" fo the hood / roof and boot lid..

If I could only have 2 it'd be 5" and 3"...
 
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