I have some tight spots on a car which I can only contact by using the side of the foam pads. The problem is that I have only used the rotary when it is flat on a surface. Is it possible to use the side of the pads for accessing these tight spots and if so I would appreciate any tips/suggestions. Unfortunately these spots cannot be accessed using small 4" pads. Thanks.
Navigation
Install the app
How to install the app on iOS
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
More options
Style variation
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Rotary users-do you ever use the sides of the pad?
- Thread starter 74 thing
- Start date
brwill2005
New member
If you are using LC variable contact pads, the pad can be rolled slightly to use the slanted edge. Sounds as though your situation would require hand polishing. I would not recommend using the side of a pad, and I think most others on this site would agree. If I am using the rotary, I do as much of the car as possible with it, and then switch to may Cyclo for the tight spots. It is not worth burning paint or trim to polish a very tight spot. It is better just to live with it.
imported_Picus
New member
Yea, even though I will roll the pad slightly in some areas I would not use it at an extreme angle. I'd crack out the PC and get what I could, then do what I couldn't by hand. I spent ~45 minutes polishing the insides of door handles on a car yesterday by hand. :/
I used the edge of the pads on my rotary to get around the badging and close to the trim edge, it was the only edge narrow enough to get into those tight areas. I will have to admit that it was a little hairy getting in that close with the edge of the pad.
As of 3 weeks ago i invested in a EDGE 2000 polishing pad for just that reason, it works GREAT!!! Using this pad took the worry out of using the pad's edge, as a matter of fact the edge 2000 pads have beveled edges for just that reason. $16 bones for the pad plus another $17 for the adapter........ a bit pricey but it pays for itself in saved time over the long run.
good luck
As of 3 weeks ago i invested in a EDGE 2000 polishing pad for just that reason, it works GREAT!!! Using this pad took the worry out of using the pad's edge, as a matter of fact the edge 2000 pads have beveled edges for just that reason. $16 bones for the pad plus another $17 for the adapter........ a bit pricey but it pays for itself in saved time over the long run.
good luck
imported_themightytimmah
New member
Yeah I'd do it by hand too. I tried to use the sides of a pad on a tricky spot once, and it didn't burn the paint but it left about the worst case of hologramming I've ever seen. I spent more time trying to get the deep holograms out then I probably would have spent taking marring out by hand.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Yeah, it pays to take extra precautions. I do it from time to time, but never with harsh products. And it always requires follow up work.
with my rotary and 4" pads I can get to about anywhere.. under spoilers, in and around mirrors..
i do from time to time use the sides with a rotary, but make sure you can get subsequent access to the area, as if you cause "hologramming" it may be more difficult to get a pc sized pad in there and then again, you may have to use the side of the pc pad..
when in doubt, hand application
i do from time to time use the sides with a rotary, but make sure you can get subsequent access to the area, as if you cause "hologramming" it may be more difficult to get a pc sized pad in there and then again, you may have to use the side of the pc pad..
when in doubt, hand application