MFDA system vs foam

[The Count]

Hey guys whats up? I read some reviews on the mf da system and I got a question.



I M105 and M205 with the orange and white pads, you know how that is, and it didn't get it as good as I liked. I've been checkin out this mfda system all night and these guys are getting good results after 1 section pass. So does the mfda have a lot more cut than the orange foam? I wanna redo it in the spring prolly and if the mfda will get 100% of the swirls out then I'll get it. So will the mfda cut deeper than lc foams?



Also, what are your thoughts on the D300 D301 vs M105 M205? They say 105 won't dust as bad with mfda as it does with foams, but they say it has more cut than D300, so which would be the best to use? And the D301 is like a wax right? So can you put bfwd over it? So 105 or 300 with the mfda?



What would give me the best cut? And finish?

 

[Nth Degree]

You didn't mention what size foam pads you are using. I have used the same combos with 6" pads with pretty good results in most cases.



The MF system is great, but it does take a slightly different technique. I have gotten quicker cut with the 5" MF. I prefer to use a combination of 105 and D300. That gives me the better of both worlds; better cut and longer work time and less dusting. Two drops of each on the MF pad can get me good results. I find it get a little more hazing than with a foam pad, but it is easily taken care of by a finishing polish. I have had a lot of black cars recently and prefer Menzerna polishes for finishing over the 205. I'm on the fence about D301. Good enough for the enthusiast, but I have many other polishes that get me better results.(To be fair, I haven't given it much play time.)



I also prefer foam pads for final polishing. 85rd is my go to on either a white or black LC pad. Again, it is a tried and true method that I get consistent results with and haven't really spent much time playing with the MF pads for finishing.



Before rushing out to get the MFDA system in hopes of it being the answer to your problems I would recommend figuring out exactly why you aren't getting the desired result from the 105/205 on orange and white. Even though it might be quicker with the MF, you should still be able to get the necessary cut with what you have with good technique.



What type/color of car are you dealing with? Any idea about how hard/soft the paint is in relation to others?

 

[VR8]

... So does the mfda have a lot more cut than the orange foam? I wanna redo it in the spring prolly and if the mfda will get 100% of the swirls out then I'll get it. So will the mfda cut deeper than lc foams?

I hate to give this answer, but, sometimes yes and sometimes no. For the most part I've only used D300 with the microfiber pads and with that combination I'd say it's not likely to give you more cut. Now #105 on the microfiber, maybe.

Also, what are your thoughts on the D300 D301 vs M105 M205? They say 105 won't dust as bad with mfda as it does with foams, but they say it has more cut than D300, so which would be the best to use? And the D301 is like a wax right? So can you put bfwd over it? So 105 or 300 with the mfda?



What would give me the best cut? And finish?

For all of my trials, #105 is surely the more aggressive. #205 is a terrific finishing polish but of course needs to be followed with a sealant/wax. So as a general rule, if I'm going for near perfection I use #105/#205. Sometimes on foam, sometimes on a Surbuf. If it's a daily driver that just needs an 80-90% paint surface correction I use D300 & D301. It's easier to work with and a bit quicker with only two steps.

 

[The Count]

Ok I got a Flex 3401 so 6 inch pads correct?



And when I did my car I got near perfect results, but then I just did my Ranger and it didn't cut all the way threw. I'm thinking its super hard clear cuz I used the same technique.



The dusting apparently goes away with the mfda and thats worth it to me, a longer work time.

 

[Scooby24]

I was disappointed to find that the MF/105 combo doesn't have as much cut as a 5.5" LC Yellow/105 combo. Reading everyone talk these pads up, I was under the assumption they'd achieve better results and after attempting correction on an Audi yesterday, I'm struggling to see the value in these.

 

[Nth Degree]

I was disappointed to find that the MF/105 combo doesn't have as much cut as a 5.5" LC Yellow/105 combo. Reading everyone talk these pads up, I was under the assumption they'd achieve better results and after attempting correction on an Audi yesterday, I'm struggling to see the value in these.

I felt the same way after my first experience with them. It takes a little experimentation with pressure and technique, as they play differently than the foam. Try using less pressure. You want to allow the fingers of the pad to move around under the polisher to increase the surface area. I don't recall where I read it now, but someone mentioned getting more cut with the MF pads when a slight angle was used, thus "feathering the edge". I gave it a shot and it definitely improved the results I was getting.

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

I felt the same way after my first experience with them. It takes a little experimentation with pressure and technique, as they play differently than the foam. Try using less pressure. You want to allow the fingers of the pad to move around under the polisher to increase the surface area. I don't recall where I read it now, but someone mentioned getting more cut with the MF pads when a slight angle was used, thus "feathering the edge". I gave it a shot and it definitely improved the results I was getting.

I believe that was from Jon (PAR Detailing) talking about a technique Kevin Brown recommended to be used with modified larger backing plates to offer full support of the MF pad ("Edging the DA"). Not sure if the thread was posted here, but I know I read it on AF and AGO.