Since I am a novice with a buffer, what kind of pads should I use?

[Mirror Images]

I have a PC, what kind of pads do I need to use and where can I buy them? I want to be able to do the whole gammet of detailing from removing scratches (mild to deep) to applying just a coat of wax.

 

[Eliot Ness]

You'll want at a minimum a cutting, polishing, and a finish pad. You'll more realistically need more than one pad of each depending on the amount of various products you'll be using. I'd start off with at least one cutting, one finishing, and two or three polishing pads. Here are some links for pads, starting with what Autopia sells, and then some other links.



You may want to start with a basic pad kit (that way you'll get the correct backing plate) then order some extra's of what you'll be using the most of. These are for 6 and 6.5" pads but the other vendors also sell 7.5" pads. You could also buy some Meg's pads (usually available locally); they along with the LC pads have worked very well for me.



http://www.autopia-carcare.com/sondas.html

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/lacomfdupa.html



http://www.topoftheline.com/lake-country-polisher-pads.html



http://www.autogeek.net/bf100.html



http://www.properautocare.com/hi612infopaa.html

 

[RedondoV6]

You'll want at a minimum a cutting, polishing, and a finish pad. You'll more realistically need more than one pad of each depending on the amount of various products you’ll be using. I’d start off with at least one cutting, one finishing, and two or three polishing pads. Here are some links for pads, starting with what Autopia sells, and then some other links.



You may want to start with a basic pad kit (that way you'll get the correct backing plate) then order some extra’s of what you’ll be using the most of. These are for 6 and 6.5� pads but the other vendors also sell 7.5� pads. You could also buy some Meg’s pads (usually available locally); they along with the LC pads have worked very well for me.



http://www.autopia-carcare.com/sondas.html

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/lacomfdupa.html



http://www.topoftheline.com/lake-country-polisher-pads.html



http://www.autogeek.net/bf100.html



http://www.properautocare.com/hi612infopaa.html

What John said :xyxthumbs

 

[BookemDano]

Don't forget to buy some pad cleaner. I use "Snappy" which seems to work well. Search the forums for other methods too.



As John suggested, get a pad kit. If you decide to get Lake Country pads from Proper Auto Care, here's the pad kit with the correct flexible backing plate for your PC:



http://www.properautocare.com/hipadkitwive.html



For the really bad scratches, get an additional yellow pad.



Good luck and regards,



Dan.

 

[togwt]

~One manâ€â„¢s opinion / observations~



A Lake County Mfg. constant pressure foam pad this is essentially a flat pad which uses a patented technology layer of engineered, instant rebound foam between the pad and the backing plate to absorb off-axis movements while keeping the pressure of the pad on the surface constant. It allows even beginners to achieve professional-like results, the curved 6- inch pads outer edge makes transitioning seams and uneven panel breaks easier and the concave "dish" in the centre of the pad reduces product splatter, and gives the operator greater pad control. They are very easy to control, and forgiving of less-than-perfect technique.



~Hope this helps~



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justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM