Optimum MF Pads

Capa1970 said:
I destroyed two Optimum mf pads (first use) just on the hood of my car. I used a Griot's and speed 5 and switched pads per section. I had separation on one pad and the other pad on the back showed evidence of light melting and part of it was black. I was using D300. I was very disappointed but apparently the machine should of been on speed 4 (which on a Meg's isn't enough and on a Griot's does not seem to be enough).
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From all of the posts, from all of the threads that concern pad separation and melting when using a Griot's - whether foam or microfiber (a) too high of a speed setting (b) Product over-saturation (c) too much pressure.

These issues are well documented on the forums, and should monitored by every Griot's user.

And, if all three were in play, the end result is always the same.
Other variables would be surface temps, direct sunlight, tool used for cleaning pad (brush).

What issues were you attempting to correct?
What did your test spot reveal?
 
Well, after washing, one compound pad came out OK, but the other one is still very thin in the middle when compared to the edges. Didn't last very long.
 
Edit
^^^
Sorry, I get hung up on semantics.​

Three OMF pads.
All Polishing pads.
Two used 5.25, 1 new 6.25.
Both of the used have been used on multiple vehicles(OHP,OPII,OHC,OPS).



This pad was last used for compounding an E320 with OHC and was pre-washed with the PW and dawn. Waiting for decent load for washer.



This pad was used for compounding several vehicles and washed between uses, last used for OPS and not pre-washed with PW.



Finally, new 6.25 mf pad.




Nothing scientific, just squeezing between forefinger and thumb, but all pads seem firm and not separating in any way.

 
Nothing scientific here either. Just squeezing between thumb and forefinger and the middle of the pad, about a quarter-size diameter feels like hardly any sponge left. The rest of the pad is fine.
 
Vegas Transplant said:
From all of the posts, from all of the threads that concern pad separation and melting when using a Griot's - whether foam or microfiber (a) too high of a speed setting (b) Product over-saturation (c) too much pressure.

These issues are well documented on the forums, and should monitored by every Griot's user.

And, if all three were in play, the end result is always the same.
Other variables would be surface temps, direct sunlight, tool used for cleaning pad (brush).

What issues were you attempting to correct?
What did your test spot reveal?
Click to expand...

Please keep in mind all of the Meguiar's microfiber pads that separated using any and all DA orbital buffers and not just Griot's. This was the main reason I tried the Optimum product since I was hoping that it would avoid the Meguiar's scenario. Unfortunately for me (and many others), the separation issue is real and annoying.

I will admit that it was the first time for me (this occurred last March I believe) using an mf pad. I have never ever had a pad separate previously, whether it was an LC flat pad, CCS pad, Hydrotech pad or a Griot's pad. But because it was my first time using an mf pad, I may have applied too much pressure. I didn't overuse product and the setting at 5 was a little too high according to Optimum but I have difficulty believing that on speed 4 and a Meg's DA that it would correct much. Maybe I am wrong, certainly I don't claim to be an expert, but it is honestly difficult to believe.

I was trying to remove some water spots from the front hood and that is the only area where I used the pads and both pads failed (even though I switched pads between sections to avoid heat buildup). The water spots are still there. I really can't feel them with my finger. I am considering using some distilled white vinegar next since I hear that it might help. I plan to try Meg's mf pads next since the D300 product that I used was specifically made for their pad. I am hoping that they have fixed the pad separation issue.
 
us6krums said:
Nothing scientific here either. Just squeezing between thumb and forefinger and the middle of the pad, about a quarter-size diameter feels like hardly any sponge left. The rest of the pad is fine.
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Thanks for the thread. :dblthumb2:
I will keep an eye out for future possibility of your findings.

Capa1970 said:
Please keep in mind all of the Meguiar's microfiber pads that separated using any and all DA orbital buffers and not just Griot's. This was the main reason I tried the Optimum product since I was hoping that it would avoid the Meguiar's scenario. Unfortunately for me (and many others), the separation issue is real and annoying.
And I also
I will admit that it was the first time for me (this occurred last March I believe) using an mf pad. I have never ever had a pad separate previously, whether it was an LC flat pad, CCS pad, Hydrotech pad or a Griot's pad. But because it was my first time using an mf pad, I may have applied too much pressure. I didn't overuse product and the setting at 5 was a little too high according to Optimum but I have difficulty believing that on speed 4 and a Meg's DA that it would correct much. Maybe I am wrong, certainly I don't claim to be an expert, but it is honestly difficult to believe.
About the same time frame that OCC was testing/awaiting their new release?
I waited for the new release and ordrered from OCC directly to ensure receiving the latest version.
I was trying to remove some water spots from the front hood and that is the only area where I used the pads and both pads failed (even though I switched pads between sections to avoid heat buildup). The water spots are still there. I really can't feel them with my finger. I am considering using some distilled white vinegar next since I hear that it might help. I plan to try Meg's mf pads next since the D300 product that I used was specifically made for their pad. I am hoping that they have fixed the pad separation issue.I hear good things about the Megs system...I'll be sticking with the OCC line.
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Must have been some serious waterspots!!!
Very much interested in your opinion. Keep us informed :dblthumb2:
 
You are using way too much speed (as has been stated), and too much pressure! light to moderate even pressure is the most you will need. Let the pad, compound, and machine do the work. I was doing through MF pads like crazy until I adjusted my speed and pressure, now they are lasting like a boss.
 
How quickly should I see the mark on my backing plate moving with opt MF pads on speed 4 to 5?
 
ihaveacamaro said:
How quickly should I see the mark on my backing plate moving with opt MF pads on speed 4 to 5?
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Chris @Optimum said:
...it just takes awhile to learn "how" to use a product...but more importantly it takes time to be able to recognize what is actually happening and adjust your technique accordingly.
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Not trying to be a smart aleck, but to reiterate: you will learn when your speed is correct by the amount of correction produced. If pad is not over saturated, then formulate pressure, and thereby pad rotation, by observed results in your test spot and process.

Capa1970 said:
...But because it was my first time using an mf pad, I may have applied too much pressure. I didn't overuse product and the setting at 5 was a little too high according to Optimum but I have difficulty believing that on speed 4 and a Meg's DA that it would correct much. Maybe I am wrong, certainly I don't claim to be an expert, but it is honestly difficult to believe.
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My opinion is that if one gets away from brushing the mf pads, and switching to using air to clean them, then the issue will resolve itself...strictly my opinion. :dunno:

Capa1970 said:
I was trying to remove some water spots from the front hood and that is the only area where I used the pads and both pads failed (even though I switched pads between sections to avoid heat buildup). The water spots are still there. I really can't feel them with my finger. I am considering using some distilled white vinegar next since I hear that it might help. I plan to try Meg's mf pads next since the D300 product that I used was specifically made for their pad. I am hoping that they have fixed the pad separation issue.
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Tim, AKA dad07, and many others post of excellent results using the tweaked megs system. Good luck and keep us informed.
 
8186277180

Well, on my third use, the pad failed in the middle, just where I was saying it felt thin. Not too pleased about the performance of the Optimum pads so far. I have one left and will try and work better on the technique of not oversaturating and using speed 4 on my 7424xp, but it seems to take forever to correct even minor scratches with Optimum hyper compound spray...
 
Call Penny. AG stands behind their products.
Heck, it'll only cost $2.95 to return...unless you know a cheaper route.
 
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Trying the loading of pics into the photo library...

IMG_04951.jpg
 
Much better...now if I could just get the app to load them from my phone, I could save a bunch of steps.
 
us6krums said:
8186277180

Well, on my third use, the pad failed in the middle, just where I was saying it felt thin. Not too pleased about the performance of the Optimum pads so far. I have one left and will try and work better on the technique of not oversaturating and using speed 4 on my 7424xp, but it seems to take forever to correct even minor scratches with Optimum hyper compound spray...
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it looks like heat was the culprit.......in the onset.

with mf pads you have to slow down your arm speed,the speed of the machine,and lighten up your downward pressure plus make your work sections smaller.

compressed air is the best method to clean out the pad after EVERY section pass,yes I said every section pass. The compressed air will aid in cooling down the pad.

I will do section then blow it out then continue untill I finish 1 panel, then change pads to a fresh one.(this allows the first pad to cool while you continue on) then change to first pad for the next panel.

It takes a little getting used to it but when you get the hang of it you can zip right through a detail in no time.

I went through a few megs pads before I found what really works for me and I used that process for Optimum and LC pads and have had great success.

If I can help you further shoot me a pm I'll give you my phone number and we can talk about it.
 
OK, got it. If you accidentally hit camera, you have to back out and redo the reply. Otherwise it keeps going to camera. But it doesn't go to camera roll...just library. defeating the purpose. Either I have to hit reply and then take the picture, or load it into my library. Can we get this fixed please??
 
Thanks Tim.. each section pass? Wow, that seems like it would really slow down the time.
 
us6krums said:
Thanks Tim.. each section pass? Wow, that seems like it would really slow down the time.
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it takes about 3 seconds to blow them out and reapply compound......like I said when you get used to it its quick.
 
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