Do you clean a new applicator before use?

WRXINXS

WRXINXS

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Hey guys,

Just wondering what your procedure is before using a new applicator pad for wax application etc. I have the CCS red hand applicators and Pinnacle yellow foam applicators from Autogeek. I also buy my microfiber applicator pads in the 2 packs from Wal-Mart (The blue ones they sell). None of them come sealed so do you guys wash them out first before use (Before they touch your paint/trim/etc) or just brush them off and pick off any stray little bits of visable dust/dirt before use? I don't think I can machine wash the Wal-Mart microfiber ones but I guess I could hand wash them.

Thanks,
Drew :xyxthumbs:
 
WRXINXS said:
Hey guys,

Just wondering what your procedure is before using a new applicator pad for wax application etc. I have the CCS red hand applicators and Pinnacle yellow foam applicators from Autogeek. I also buy my microfiber applicator pads in the 2 packs from Wal-Mart (The blue ones they sell). None of them come sealed so do you guys wash them out first before use (Before they touch your paint/trim/etc) or just brush them off and pick off any stray little bits of visable dust/dirt before use? I don't think I can machine wash the Wal-Mart microfiber ones but I guess I could hand wash them.

Thanks,
Drew :xyxthumbs:
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Nope. Don't wash them, what I do sometimes is wrap my hand in tape or use a tape roller to remove the dust and lint that may be present. I've never had a problem just doing that. Of course if it looked dirty, I would wash it.


http://youtu.be/MLdpgRU1w6Q

Also, this works great on convertible tops. It really makes dark tops look good.
 
Hey Drew,

For the most part if they look clean I'm OK with them.

I tend to use more of the yellow soft foam pads rather than the Microfiber type. The yellow seem much softer and better suited on paint and are easier to clean. The yellow foam are also very inexpensive and I usually buy them by the dozen.

For trim, moldings, or more course surface's the Microfiber tend to be better candidates.

Washing is easy though. I give them a couple of squirts of an all purpose cleaner, let them sit, then into hot water for some kneading to wash out the contaminants then a clean water rinse and dry.
 
Thanks Bobby & Swanic! Swanic it looks like you just posted that video to help me, Thanks that was really nice of you:)
 
BobbyG said:
Hey Drew,

For the most part if they look clean I'm OK with them.

I tend to use more of the yellow soft foam pads rather than the Microfiber type. The yellow seem much softer and better suited on paint and are easier to clean. The yellow foam are also very inexpensive and I usually buy them by the dozen.

For trim, moldings, or more course surface's the Microfiber tend to be better candidates.

Washing is easy though. I give them a couple of squirts of an all purpose cleaner, let them sit, then into hot water for some kneading to wash out the contaminants then a clean water rinse and dry.
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+1 on this :)
 
I hit new ones (even used ones) with the air compressor, just in case
 
WRXINXS said:
Thanks Bobby & Swanic! Swanic it looks like you just posted that video to help me, Thanks that was really nice of you:)
Click to expand...

They keep say its going to snow, so I'm just getting ready to lay some Fuzion down in my garage queen, even though my DD filthy, so I did have the stuff out. IPhones make posting videos (maybe not the best quality videos though) as easy as taking a picture.
 
swanicyouth said:
They keep say its going to snow, so I'm just getting ready to lay some Fuzion down in my garage queen, even though my DD filthy, so I did have the stuff out. IPhones make posting videos (maybe not the best quality videos though) as easy as taking a picture.
Click to expand...

It's snowing here and the weather just said we could have significant snow on Friday...:nomore:Snow!
 
ihaveacamaro said:
mmm 70 degree weather :D
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mmm 7.0 degree weather (OK it's a little warmer here today)

Like RZ, I hit mine with an air compressor, it's already out and ready to go and takes all of 10 seconds.

I tend to use the yellow foam applicators on paint and cut up either foam batting or old polishing pads for applying dressing. I reserve the MF applicators for interior cleaning since they seem to clean better than foam and are more gentle on finishes than terry.
 
Does anyone else dislike the way the pinnacle yellow foam applicators feel when applying a lsp? They feel very grabby on the paint to me. I have a purple meguiars foam applicator that came with nxt 2.0 paste wax that I LOVE. I might have to try the ccs red pads.
 
You mean those little yellow foam hand pads? I buy them by the dozen at Big Lots and here are some better ones for the job that are even cheaper:

8 Piece Terry Cloth Staining Pads

My method? Use once and toss away. They come sealed so I don't wash them beforehand.
 
Shortspark said:
My method? Use once and toss away. They come sealed so I don't wash them beforehand.
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Be careful. In the manufacturing process they can pick up tiny contaminates that can scratch and mar paint. Be on the safe side, give them a "once over" and a rinse.
 
jpegs13 said:
Be careful. In the manufacturing process they can pick up tiny contaminates that can scratch and mar paint. Be on the safe side, give them a "once over" and a rinse.
Click to expand...

No harm in doing that. Good point.
 
I have been using the "Tape method" as mentioned and shown by Swanic to remove any lint/contaminents that may be on the pad. I also give them a look over to see if there is anything stuck in the microfiber/foam that could mar. Good suggestions on this topic!
 
Who makes the best foam wax applicators and where can I purchase them???

Sent from my DROID X2 using AG Online
 
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