Which pads to get?

[2011wahoo]

I'm going to expand my detailing business to become fully mobile, bought a van, PW, gen, etc. I purchased a Flex DA and a PC to use with smaller pads. I have a few pads right now, but I plan on placing ordering a large amount here soon. My question is, what types of CCS pads should I get, there are 8 different colors and I'm sure I don't need all of them. Which pads do you recommend to cover any situations I may face? My compounds/polishes range from Menz PG and Megs 105 all the way down to PF106 and 85rd.

 

[Matt]

Hmmmmm, it really depends on a few factors one of the biggest ones, what sort of condition paint are you going to be working on?

The more damaged the paint (i.e. more swirls, etc) the more cut you're going to need from a pad.

That being said, I know that Mike and many others always say go with the least aggressive option first and then if it's not enough when you do a test section, step up to a more aggressive pad and/ or product.

If you only have some minor swirling on your daily driver, then you'll probably want to go with a mild cut pad.

If your dealing with massive defects, then a yellow CCS pad may be in order, but I've heard a couple of people on this forum recommend using a wool pad if you have to use a yellow pad. I'm not 100% sure on this so if someone has more experience with this, please please chime in.

For what I'd suggest, you will probably want to get some orange pads for removing the majority of swirls, then for finishing it off a bit more, some white and gray pads.

I don't have so much experience with the different colours of pad, so hopefully someone else with more experience will chime in here.

I'm also going to be placing an order for a Flex soonish and will be interested to hear the recommendations from other members.


Good luck,
Matt

 

[A4 1.8tqm]

I think you should try the new Hydro-Tech pads, they've got some pretty good reviews (I haven't used them... yet). Two different pads with a wide range of cut. Check 'em out :cheers:
Lake Country Hydro-Tech

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

The 6.5 cutting pads work well with the Flex, as for pad design everyone tends to have their own favorites but you don't really know which ones are your favorites till you try a few designs.

The new Hydro-Tech pads are nice if you like a flat pad design, the flat pad design makes cleaning them easier.

4"
Lake Country Hydro-Tech 4 x 1.25 Inch Foam Pads, Hydro Tech Foam Buffing Pads, spot polishing pads, pads for water based polishes

5.5"
Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5.5 x 1.25 Inch Foam Pads, hydrotech foam buffing pads, dual action foam pads

6.5"
Lake Country Hydro-Tech 6.5 Inch Foam Pads, water-based polish pads, foam buffing pads for water based compounds


I've used both types with the PC, Flex 3401 and RB. The 5.5 on the PC 7424XP offers great rotation for very effective defect removal.

There's no finishing pad in the Hydro-Tech line so you'll have to look at one of the other pad designs for a finish pad for applying a finishing wax or paint sealant if you do this step by machine.


The Gray, Blue or Red pads in this link work well for application of your LSP,

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