Should pads be dampened with water?

J

johny

New member
I was wondering if it is better to apply some water to a foam pad when handwaxing. I have tried it both ways (dry pad and damp). I haven't noticed a difference in the final results, but a pre-dampened (is that even a word?) pad seems to spread the wax better. Thanks for any info.
 
I never do but I know a lot of people do and they don't seem to have a problem with it. If you do do this I recommend using distilled water.
 
I find I waste less product in the pad if I do spray, especially with really hard waxes. Also if using a QD it seems like the pad is easier to wash. Some companies like Meguiars specifically recommend against it though.
 
I've never done it hand polishing, but always always always do it while compounding and polishing...makes it a little messy, but that doesn't bother me as the polish just glides on like butter and helps get 100% coverage...I just use water, I don't waste the q.d. on that.



I'll have to give it a whirl with hand polishing.
 
I too do it both ways, not that I notice any huge functional differnce. Some waxes recommend a damp applicator (e.g., 476S). I usually apply 'em by machine and I never dampen the pads lest it sling the dampening agent everywhere.



smprince1 said:
For hard paste waxes like Megs #16 I do slightly dampen the applicator....
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That's intersting as #16 is one where I *don't* moisten it. What I do is move the applicator quickly over the top of the wax (in the can) until the wax turns liquid and distributes itself on the applicator. Your method probably uses a little less wax though.
 
I usually dampen the pad or applicator. As noted, many products recommend it AND it prevent the pad from absorbing so much of the product.



I keep two very small spray bottles I found at CVS for $0.99 each. One is filled with dist water, the other with a 50/50 mix of IPA and dist water. They come in very handy for many tasks. FWIW, quite a few laptop mfrs recommend the 50/50 blend for screen cleaning.
 
I appreciate everybody's input. I think Nu-Finish directs you to dampen your pad (that was the first sealant that I ever used) and I guess the habit pretty much stuck with me for several years. I currently use NXT Tech Wax ... the bottle doesn't say anything about using water on the pad, so that is why I was curious.
 
Moistening your applicator pad is going to allow to do a couple things that will benefit you and the paint. One, you will save a lot of product. Two, the product will be easier to apply. And three, the product will be applied more evenly. It is a good idea to do two thin coats of wax using this method because you're applying a thinner coat of product than you are w/o water and two thin coats is better than one thick coat.
 
HenrikP said:
Moistening your applicator pad is going to allow to do a couple things that will benefit you and the paint. One, you will save a lot of product. Two, the product will be easier to apply. And three, the product will be applied more evenly. It is a good idea to do two thin coats of wax using this method because you're applying a thinner coat of product than you are w/o water and two thin coats is better than one thick coat.
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Would a product like 4 stars clay lube or pb's quick detailer spray work for this too?
 
I too moisten my applicator pads for wax applications. Helps for thin, even coats.



I like to match the manufacturer of the wax with the QD.



For example:



#16 gets #34 misting



Natty's and Natty's Blue get PB S&G misting



Pink Wax gets #425 misting



Souveran and Signature get CM misting



CK Carnauba Moose gets QS misting (even though it is a liquid wax)



Some don't have QD's (that I own) so for Collinite 476s, 3M PI-III Show Car, Blitz and P21s gets Eagle One Wipe n' Shine misting.



Those are the waxes I use.



I also like to mist the panel with the matching QD to help remove the hazed wax and add some extra pop.
 
I tried a few spritz of the distilled H2O last polish with FPII and it worked well...so I'm going to continue with it
 
XMT for me also. Also do it when hand polishing and the panel gets sprayed with quik shine as well.

Some polishes work better by hand on a wet panel
 
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