How do you know whens pads are worn out?

It is a joke and a good one at that.

To the OP's question, i have some pads years old...and i mean many years old. When they get too worn out i cut them into quarters and use them as tire dressing applicators.
 
I have pads as old as 2004 and are still fine. I agree that they are not as effective as day one but are still fine. I used to wash them in the washing machine. Then I got a pad washer and I really like it. I get mine as clean as new with it. I have had some pads separate from the backing and that I'd when it is time to toss them but as far as cutting ability I think they last a long time. I try to keep them away from tape. I have found doing 50/50 shots tears them up fast. I think throwing away a pad after 6 uses is kind of wasteful but that's just me I guess.
 
sharpreflection said:
I have pads as old as 2004 and are still fine. I agree that they are not as effective as day one but are still fine. I used to wash them in the washing machine. Then I got a pad washer and I really like it. I get mine as clean as new with it. I have had some pads separate from the backing and that I'd when it is time to toss them but as far as cutting ability I think they last a long time. I try to keep them away from tape. I have found doing 50/50 shots tears them up fast. I think throwing away a pad after 6 uses is kind of wasteful but that's just me I guess.
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What make and stlye of pads do you have from 2004? That is some great longevity!
 
Lake country flat orange and white and black and some meguiars soft buff foam pads burgundy yellow and tan
 
I use Hexlogic foam pads (opinions vary) and find them very very durable. Compounds I swap pads after every 2 panels or so. If I move to a polish I can usually go 4 panels or so. If all I'm doing is a polish I swap ever 2 panels, maybe 3 as sometimes the front fenders don't have as much surface area.

Key IMO is to fully decontaminate the paint. If you're pads are pulling off all kinds of muck, chances are you should have decontaminated better. I always Iron-X and clay. Sometimes between the two if the car has tar and sap on it, I will wipe down bad areas with mineral spirits and a MF Rag and then just wash off with soap again really quick. Gets everything off the paint and keeps my nanopads from really turning to crap with build up of gunk. I rarely see a ton of brown or dirty pads with this process.

When they dry out and crack or begin to deteriorate at the edges I will replace them. Usually it's user error on my part due to hitting lettering or sharp edges with the buffer.
 
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