Pad Conditioner and Cleaner???

S

Swimmer

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Still not sure about the value using something like Pinnacle's pad cleaner and conditioner. I've heard about 50/50 on the subject. Can anyone tell me what works best?
 
i use pinnacle, it really does eat through the product left on the pad, seems to work well. i'll probably buy it again when i run out of pad cleaner and conditioner.
 
I don't use much of the conditioner but the cleaner is good to use when you only have a couple Pads to clean.

Normally I use a bucket with DP Cleaner. As I work I toss the pads in as I go, but if I am trying out a new compound/polish/lsp on a test panel I have then I will use the cleaner you are talking about.
 
I use the DP pad cleaner to get sealants like Menz PL and UTTG out of the pads. It does a great job. For polishes and waxes, a good overnite soak in Woolite and warm water does just as well. I don't use a dedicated pad conditioner. I bought DP NR and dilute it down per instructions for clay lube, QD and pad conditioner. It works just fine.

BTW, if you are very conscientious at cleaning your pads on the fly, you can get by on one pad per polishing step, at least on small to medium size cars. I spray the pad with several sprays of dilute DP NR between each panel and use Mike's clean-on-the-fly terry cloth towel technique. I can get the pad almost completely clean. Of course, that MAY be due to me using a dilute car wash as a pad conditioner.
 
Heavy - Explain the proceedure for cleaning your pads on the fly.
 
To clean pads on the fly...I use ONR at detail spray strength...spray a few shots onto the pad and then using a Terry cloth and the polisher running, ball up the terry cloth and run it over the pad from the center out...and bang...cleans it up great.

To clean pads after the job is done...I simply spray the pads with Megs APC (10 part water/1 part APC)...let them soak it up a few minutes...then put the pads in a bucket with an ounce of some Megs APC and leave soak for a few hours. Then come back and take the pads under a faucet and with your hands, squeeze any liquid out...let dry thoroughly.

So for me, all I need is ONR and Megs APC (103)...which I already have... and I don't need the dedicated "pad products" at all. I don't use "soap" products like Dawn anymore because although Dawn will clean the pad, its hell trying to get all the soap suds out of teh pad...so I went to using an APC for soaking the pads in.

Always remember to make sure the pad are completely dry before even thinking about using them again. Your pads will also last longer because moisture is what ruins pads in so far as the glue that bind the materials together.
 
Swimmer said:
Heavy - Explain the proceedure for cleaning your pads on the fly.
Click to expand...


Here's the article by Mike Phillips: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...hen-using-porter-cable-style-da-polisher.html.

I use a combo of his procedure and one I developed. Sounds like silverfox uses it too. I spray the pad with like 5 or 6 shots of a No Rinse Car Wash diluted to QD strength, ball up a terry cloth towel into a tight ball about 2" in dia, press that in the center of the pad, turn the DA on at 6, and run the ball out and in from the center a few times. I'll alternate with Mike's method to get the pad clean. Then just run in the air at 6 for 30 seconds to dry. Maybe one spray to recondition, add more product and keep going.
 
Don't use the conditoner much anymore but the cleaner I do.

I have a bucket set up with DP orange powder but when I change a pad I spray it with pad cleaner and let it sit for a minute before throwing it in the bucket.

Would I buy it? I really like the way it cleans but not sure if I'd just use someting cheaper. I'm not sure
 
Silverfox - I'm a little new to this so explain ONR and APC.

HeavyMetal - Looked at the link you sent on cleaning pads on the fly and Mike mentioned all the DA polishers, but mine that it works with. What about the Flex DA? Same proceedure?
 
Yeah, I keep forgetting about those pesky shorthand abbreviations we throw around. I guess I'm just too lazy to type it out. A good all-purpose-cleaner is always a good thing to have around as they can take the place of a whole shelf of other stuff. Now some guys like to have the other stuff too. I don't see the need if one product can do it.

At this point in time everybody should have some type of rinseless or waterless wash products handy because they do so many things:

1) Quick Detailer
2) Pad Cleaner (on-the-fly)
3) Window Cleaner
4) Drying Agent
5) Touch-up between washes

So get yourself a good APC (Meguiar's 103 or Optimum's Power Clean or even some Purple power at Walmart...a good rinseless was (Optimum No Rinse, or DP Rinsless Wash and Gloss), and a good waterless wash product (Ultima's waterless wash+, Chemical Guy's Go Green waterless wash, Optimum Opti-Clean, Poorboy's Spray & Wipe, Chemical Guy's Hose Free)
 
Swimmer said:
Silverfox - I'm a little new to this so explain ONR and APC.

HeavyMetal - Looked at the link you sent on cleaning pads on the fly and Mike mentioned all the DA polishers, but mine that it works with. What about the Flex DA? Same proceedure?
Click to expand...

I'd imagine it would work with a Flex. The concept is the same: adding a liquid cleaner to the pad and then using rotation against a nappy cloth to clean. You're gonna have to experiment with speed. We use 6 on a DA because you need full power to rotate against a rag. You probably are not gonna need full power on the Flex because of the forced rotation. Also be careful you don't rip your hand off with the forced rotation. Start dead slow and test. Or if you've used a DA, start with a slower speed and force than 6 on a DA. I would also suggest shooting a quick question to Mike. Maybe he already knows.
 
CEE DOG said:
Don't use the conditoner much anymore but the cleaner I do.

I have a bucket set up with DP orange powder but when I change a pad I spray it with pad cleaner and let it sit for a minute before throwing it in the bucket.

Would I buy it? I really like the way it cleans but not sure if I'd just use someting cheaper. I'm not sure
Click to expand...

Yup, I like the DP orange powder. I only use it for sealant and wax pads. Polish pads clean right up with a soak in Woolite. I have the laundry size with the measuring cup cap. I toos the pads and mf's in a wash tub, add a cap of Woolite and around 3 gal of hot water, squeeze the pads and mf's a bit to wash, let them soak overnight and rinse with warm water, wring out. Works great. Woolite rinses much easier than other soaps so I have no prob getting it out. Throw the pads face down on a drying rack and come back the next day. Done.

I do like one or two sprays of DP NR cut to QD as a conditioner. Pad just seems to glide easier and I seem to use less product. 'Course that may merely be how it feels to me.
 
Thanks, really appreciate all the good info. Now to put it all to good use, plus you saved me some money.
:dblthumb2:
 
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