I need some Pad advice

G

Glozz

New member
I spoke with a 3M distribution rep today about the newer Perfect-IT III line that has been out for a short time. He told me some very interesting things about this product line. One thing he stated was to not interchange the lines of product. This would and could defeat the finished surface.



I have much technical information being sent to me via "snail mail". This I hope will give me technical breakdowns of the product and that I can share on this forum.



What I'd like to know is there anybody on this forum that uses the complete line of Perfect-IT III products and what's your take on easy of use, speed in which you get the desired results?



I do know that from my conversation that the sales rep stated that it's a bit more aggressive to start, but breaks down to a polish level quicker. This all to be done by machine and not by hand.



He also stated that there are no fillers in either the Perfect-IT II or III compounds, only in the glaze products.



I'll post my finding as soon as the mail comes :)
 
I use PI III Machine Glaze and like the results. I am absolutely confident that I read on the 3M site earlier this year -- say May -- that the PI II products (like Finishing Material) have fillers and that is the big differenct between PI 2 and 3.



If you quoted him correctly, I agree. There are no fillers in any of the "compounds" for eithr PI 2 or 3.
 
I am wanting to buy the new Megs polisher pretty soon (Yes, I'm going to get it from PAC!) but I need some advice on what pads to get.

Skills: I'm a novice and have never used pro (or semi-pro) equipment before.

Use: Occasional home use on my cars and friends. Some are pretty swirly!

Juices: Want to try out the 105/205 combo. I already have the Blackfire wash, clay, polish, and sealer

The bad news is I just can't call Angelo and ask because of my job. the good news is that I have a job! (been unemployed for 6 months)

So what kind of pads should I get?

How many of each?

Is there a quality and/or price difference between megs and LC pads?

How long do pads last? Does one pad do several cars or do you need several pads for one car?

I know that the answers "depends on what you're trying to fix", but there must be some sort of average usage for average damage.

Thanks for your input, keep the shiny side up!
 
1st off congrats on landing a new job GG. Thats very good news <:-P

I would get 2 of each 5.5 Flat Yellow, Orange, & White (Green & Black woulkd be nice to have also, but pads are sold in 6-pak formation for the best price so...) Most times, I can usually get through a whole car with the same pad (each step) another thing, I mark my pads as to what product has been used on them. If you wash/rinse them out very well you should be able to remove all the product. For me, I don't trust my luck. Last thing I need is pad contamination when I'm playing beat the clock ~X(

You should be able to get at least a couple dozen uses out of each pad IMO. Flip a coin as to which brand you get. Most ppl seem to go with LC. However, I've seen where they have had a issue as of late seperating from the velcro. Hopefully they have resolved that issue/Chinese glue :spy:

105/205 is a must have, but later down the road I would add Menz Power Lock, Power Finish & 85rd :Snowman:

I can't remember the rest of your questions. I may have to come back :o

P.S. Tell Hot Legs we are all anxiously awaiting your next car wash video :-B
 
I too would like to congratulate you on the new job. Now, if only I could find one!

As for your pads, I agree with Flash about the 5.5" LC pads. You might also want to consider the LC H2O pads. They work nicely with M105/205, and from Todd's review, the new Burgandy Finishing pad seems to be a good one as well. The Yellow Flat pad is for severe defect removal. The pads that you will use the most are the orange and White (if you are looking at the classic flat pads). The Black pads are for your finishing polishes and glazes. It might just be easier to get a 6 pack of the three H2O pads, and see how you like them. You can always order more, once you determine what works for you.

Good luck!
 
im using meguires pads only because thats what Im used to and the colors aer different for the LC pads so I did not want to get confused LOL

Angelo said the meguires pads are more aggrressive.
 
The Burgundy pad is more aggressive, then the LC Red pad which I get alot of calls from folks asking why their surface is cloudy after buffing with them and yes the 5.5" Lake Country Pads in CCS or Flat Constant pads are well worth a look at.
 
Well... I'm used to Meguiar's Pads also, but I ordered 3 Kompressor pads so I really hope they get the job done and I want to try different pads, not just Meguiar's (which are great pads btw).
 
Lucian said:
Well... I'm used to Meguiar's Pads also, but I ordered 3 Kompressor pads so I really hope they get the job done and I want to try different pads, not just Meguiar's (which are great pads btw).
Click to expand...

I like the flat pads for DA, but the Kompressor are the bomb for a rotary.
 
Since you'll be using a DA, I will echo what others have said and say to stick with 5.5" pads, although 6.5" pads can be handy for finishing polishes and applying waxes/sealants.

To start out, get a 6-pack of the LC HydroTech pads (2 Cyan, 2 Tangerine, 2 Crimson) or a 6-pack of the classic LC flat pads (2 Yellow, 2 Orange, 2 White). I would say that the LC HT pads would probably be best, as you could apply a wax with a Crimson pad, but not with a White pad. If you got a 6-pack of flat pads you would have to apply your LSP by hand (which isn't so bad). A 6-pack of flat pad would give you the ability to better correct cars with more severe defects as the Yellow pads have more cut than the Cyan pads. Your choice, either option will yield great results.

I will usually use 3 of each color pad on a single car (not trucks), sometimes only 2 if the car is extremely clean and I'm really careful with my product application.

With regards to pad life, the classic flat pads will probably last you longer, the HydroTech pads seem to "break down" a little easier than the classic pads. Even then, you shouldn't have an issue getting 20+ uses out of an HT pad with proper care given.
 
Flash Gordon said:
P.S. Tell Hot Legs we are all anxiously awaiting your next car wash video :-B
Click to expand...

Well that darn Hot Legs just informed me that I could definitely get the megs polisher and assorted pads... for Christmas!:Gift: Sheesh... something about being cautious with our money.

Well I do thank everyone for their pad input, just going to be a little while longer. :yawn:
 
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