Lets talk about foam pad longevity

Tex Star Detail

Tex Star Detail

Formerly TexasTB
How many details are you getting out of foam pads?
Please state what type of pads and size you are using as well as if they are used via PC or Rotary.
 
I originated my PC usage with a 6.5" pad set from Properautocare and the foam lasted a while but the velcro backing tore off after about 20-30 uses. I have then switched over to LC pads (7.5") and Wolfgangs contoured pads (LC still though, 7.5") and have had 0 problems what-so-ever. The foam is holding up great and the velcro backing, IMHO isn't going to come apart...ever. I have no idea how many uses I am getting out of them but I've had them for about a year and a half now and haven't needed to throw one away yet. I wash after every detail with dawn and a little scoop of oxy in a sink full of hot water.
 
I use only rotary and I am getting about 5 or so months out of pads and thats with doing 2-3 full details a week. I run my pads at 1500 rpm's. I find that the way you wash them lowers their life span. By washing in the machine I think the backing usually separates from the pad much quicker. I had this happen to a meguiars pad of mine lately, and that was used only about 5 times.

When I was working limos this winter I was only getting about 4 full details from each LC pad. They were because torn up, separated from the backing, and becoming trash. Heavy and really agressive use to pads will deteriorate them much quicker (obviously).

With my current workload as stated about 2-3 full details per week I expect my pads to stand up to at least 5 months of work. Anything below this dissapoints me, and sometimes the manufacturer will replace them.

Hope that helps.

Greg
 
GregCavi said:
When I was working limos this winter I was only getting about 4 full details from each LC pad. They were because torn up, separated from the backing, and becoming trash. Heavy and really agressive use to pads will deteriorate them much quicker (obviously).
Click to expand...

Absolutely.... mine last maybe 5-6 full details because I beat the stuffing out of them. I seem to end up running them at speed 6 on the PC on 95% of the details I do.
 
I use Edge 8" pads via rotary only. They seem to last quite a while, my current green polishing pad has at least 10 full details per side, it will be replaced after a few more details. My yellow cutting pad has about 5 full details on each side and shows just as much wear but I beat the hell out of that thing on a couple neglected finishes. My blue pads seem to last the longest, I just replaced my old one that was at least 5 months old, can't say how many details I did with it.

Aaron from Edge said that they expect around 15 details per side of the pad, that's about what I'm getting

Dolan
 
I've never machine washed my pads, always thought it hurt the lifetime of the pad. I'll hvae to try it
 
Excel detail P2 pads will take a beating. I have never had a problem with the velcro on any of the P2 pads. I have done at least 15 vehicles with them this year. I apply alot of pressure with the PC@6 when I use the orange pads and they still look very good.

I just picked up some 7.5" LC VC white, orange and yellow for the rotary.
 
I am embarrassed to say that I can't remember at the moment the manufacturer of my pads;however, I purchase them from KleenKar. I machine wash and put them in a dryer. Absolutely durable with no delamination of the backing. We do 3-4 detailz a day and have been using the pads for months. They are 6.5" with a full black velcro backing ( I say this since they are not listed on the website). We use them on both the pc and rotary.
 
TexasTB said:
Greg, you were only getting 4 details per pad(LC)?
Click to expand...

Yes at one time, that was doing haggard limo details. Do a search for my limos and cars I did for that company. It was justifiable that those pads went shot with the work they got put through.

Greg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top