How many pads do you use for each step in detailing?

ww2717 said:
I only use that many when I am using foam pads. With mf pads usually 4 to 6 pads for a car. I just don't like pulling out the compressor to blow the pads off. The foam cleaning brush actually tears the heck out of the foam pads so I don't use that clean them with. So I just start a new sectioin with a clean pads. Then toss the pads into the washer for cleaning. It works for me. No production shop here just me doing this as an advanced hobbiest.
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I agree with the brushes tearing up the pads and I also believe the washer causes the least wear and tear on pads.
 
mavin said:
Im confused. Why do you switch pads so often? Because they wear down, or because they are clogged up? In other words, do you use 4 pads for a compounding step, and throw them out, or use 4 pads, wash them, and then they are good to go again?
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My guess would be because of contaminants/dirt/excess product. When I did mine last fall I didn't get the results I really wanted. Looking back I only used 1 pad per step and the got pretty saturated with product. Don't throw your pads out, clean them!! This is just my opinion of course. I'll let some of the more knowledgable people chime in here!!
 
Switching pads ensures that you aren't using a contaminated pad on a new surface. I know 6 pads sounds like a lot, but in the long run you will have better results and your pads will last longer. They don't heat up as much (causing delamination of the backing), and don't become oversaturated which makes them much more difficult to clean.

Believe it or not, the main reason I use more pads is to save money. If I used 1 pad per car, for example, it would be toast by the end of the detail.
 
I use 3-4 pads for each step for an entire car when compounding and polishing. Clean pads with a pad washer every panel and rotate the pads along the way. For waxing 1 pad. Seems to work out fine for me.
 
Because im poor, i usually use 4 pads for compounding, 3 for polish and 1 for wax. For compounding and polish i use 5 inch pads. Wax i use 6 inch.
 
Baconz2012 said:
Because im poor, i usually use 4 pads for compounding, 3 for polish and 1 for wax. For compounding and polish i use 5 inch pads. Wax i use 6 inch.
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Haha!! Right now I only have 3 pads. It would cost over $150+ to have 6 for each step!! I'm ordering more but can probably only afford 3 for each step right now. This stuff gets expensive quick!!
 
I use the chemical guys microfiber cleaner or the dealers pride microfiber cleaner to wash my pads. I have the citrus pad cleaner that I presoak then in a 5 gallon bucket with too.
 
i use 1 MAYBE 2 on bigger or more damaged paint do the whole car in an orange then come back with a black on next step then come back witha red wax pad next 2 1 1
 
I use a pad until it stops working. I clean on the fly after every section but if it is taking longer to do a section (more passes) or if I have to use less pressure to keep the pad rotating then it has loaded up and needs changed.

Interested to hear Mike's take on this.
 
2-4 pads per step. No more than two for a true one step. I clean on the fly every other panel.
 
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