The more I get into Autopia, the more aware I become of the risk of scratching/micromarring/swirls. So ... I tend to use foam applicators for Zaino and carnauba toppers, and have not seen any marring. But now that I'm becoming a Gen-u-ine Autopian, I'm looking more critically at the foam applicators in local stores. One thing that worries me: The Meg's applicators are readily available, a good price, and seem quite soft. But Meguiar's marks that one side with what seems like a hard impression. I generally use the non-embossed side, then toss the pad. What do you all think? Is the "embossed" side a danger? Does it pose a risk of scratching? I don't do the kind of testing that some of you do (I've read mentions of "the CD test," but dont really understand it), and I'm hoping someone has looked into this.
Any advice? experiences? guess-timates?
Any advice? experiences? guess-timates?