Purple Foamed Wool Pad Questions

Re: PFW questions

JaredPointer said:
It kinda surprises me that "some folks" (ahem....) don't clean MF towels prior to use. I think it would at least remove any trash or loose fabric that could int from the towel.

The reason I ask about the PFW, is it seems it has some loose fibers on it. I thought maybe a wash in the machine would clean that up. However, being a foam pad user for most of my serious detailing life, I didn't want to do something with the PFW that shouldn't be done.
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I usually don't wash a pad before I use it, but I bought a few PFW, and quickly discovered the loose fiber issue. Primed it a little bit, and tried all my other tricks, and it was still shedding all over the car (really not sure if I even like the PFW yet). Same thing happened with some of the LC Contour Red Pads when little tiny red specs started coming off of it, which surprised me!! I just took all the new pads I bought home and washed them, and they've been fine after that.

I believe it's totally fine to wash your pads before using them - or not ;)
 
Troy@DetailCity said:
OK. I want to emphasize that when I recommended trying the PFW to apply sealants, it becomes an applicator pad not a paint correcting pad.
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Thanks for the clarification, Troy.

Just when I thought I was starting to figure this stuff out, I was thoroughly confused by the PFW/Sealant combination... completely opposite from what I thought previously.

Generally speaking, isn't the PFW/Compound match on the opposite end of the paint correction spectrum from a black or gold foam/sealant combo.

Does that make sense? :confused:
 
JohnHenry said:
Thanks for the clarification, Troy.

Just when I thought I was starting to figure this stuff out, I was thoroughly confused by the PFW/Sealant combination... completely opposite from what I thought previously.

Generally speaking, isn't the PFW/Compound match on the opposite end of the paint correction spectrum from a black or gold foam/sealant combo.

Does that make sense? :confused:
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I'm beginning to be sorry I made the statement about using the PFW pad for applying sealant. I don't want to confuse people.

The soft foam finishing pads are the standard for applying a sealant with a buffer. Using the PFW is an "outside of the box" method I have tried and liked. If it confuses you then please forget I ever mentioned it.

I like the PFW pad because of the added versatility it gives you and it makes controlling the buffer easier. Let me be clear. Foam pads do not make the buffer hard to control at all. It's just easier to control with a PFW.

The PFW pad was designed to be used for high production OEM/Industrial applications. I personally get better correction and a better finish from that correction step using an orange foam cutting pad. So, to me, the PFW pad is more useful as a sealant application pad.

However, the pad can be used in a variety of different ways. I can think of situations where, when correcting intricate areas, I would choose a PFW pad over the orange foam cutting pad.

With me, I look at a detailing tool (or any tool) and try to think of all the ways I could use it to be a better detailer. For example, My favorite brush to use on leather seats happens to be made for spoke wheels. If you look in my store under leather care, you will see the brush I have been using for a long time now and love.

Now, having said that, do I think everyone here should be using products and tools for other than what they are intended for? Not really. You are always opening yourself up to things doing more harm than good. In my case, I have enough experience to avoid possible problems or fix them if they occur.
 
Couple more questions -

I finally got around to being able to try out at least one of my PFW pads. Using the 4" pad on the PC. I can't say that I am impressed at all. Terrible linting, and the 4" pad is the size of a 5.5" pad in circumference now. I did try and "clean up" the pad prior to use a week or so ago with a hand wash with water.

Am I doing it wrong, or is this just expected from this type pad? I was never really a wool pad user, but if this is the way the wools work then I'll be going back to foam for sure.

Any tips or helps?
 
Did you spur or brush the pad?

All wool pads will do that when they are new. This pad actually does it less than most because of the foam foundation.

Keep using it. I bet you will like it.
 
I broke in my PFW pad on a black Mercedes C320 while using Menz SIP and it accomplished in one pass what several passes of an LC Orange couldn't. It linted considerably for the first use but after that it toned down. By the third panel, no linting at all. Just keep using it and it will get better.

I love the PFW so much I just ordered two more. For correcting hard and/or abused paint, they are a must-have.
 
Dear PFW pad -

Please forgive me for ever having doubted you.

Sincerely,
Caveman

Since I am in-between vehicles, I have been driving the ole standby - my mom's 1996 Blazer. She only uses it to go to and from work. About 1 mile each way. It only gets washed about once per year, and that's when I feel sorry for it. It lives a pretty harsh life where it sits outside 24/7, and at work (on an army depot) where tracked vehicles go up and down the roads creating clouds of asphalty dirt. The last time the Blazer was cleaned up was earlier this year, when I was in-between trucks (is there a pattern for 2009 emerging for this caveman?).

I washed the filth off this afternoon, and just did a quickie polish with the PFW and 205 to see if I could get better acquainted with the PFW. Well lemme tell ya - I am hooked. I finally see what the fuss is about. It did an absolutely wonderful job on removing spiderwebbing, paint transfer, and several deeper RIDS. The linting finally stopped after about the second panel. All I can say for that combo is wow.

My only regret is only having one pad for the Flex. I'll definitely be getting another (or two).
 
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