What PC Pad for new finish?

R

rleven

New member
What pad or pads should I use for a silver-grey BMW metallic finish? I just ordered the PC 7424 from Coastal tools. The tool is configured as folloed. What else do I need?



Standard Equipment

6" Random Orbit Polisher/Sander

with 5" Counter-Weight

6" Foam Polishing Pad #54745

Wrench

Operating Manual



Coastal Tool

Bonus Kit Equipment

6" Hook & Loop Contour Pad #18002

6" Counterweight
 
The pad kit from CMA is nice - just got it on Friday and have had a chance to play. You would want the kit *without* the velcro backing plate (DAP-KIT, I think). It comes with wool pad, 2X White polishing pad, Yellow cutting pad, Gray finishing pad, and 2 terry bonnets.
 
rleven - Depends how good the finish on your new car is. Some cars are all scratched up upon delivery. Generally, if it's swirled or has scratches, you'll want a CUTTING pad (usually yellow). If it's already in pretty good shape, you might get by with just a POLISHING pad (usually white), which you're gonna need no matter what. The FINISHING pad (usually dark gray) is more for applying products after you've already got the swirls out.



Get more than one of whichever pad(s) you buy. You'll need them eventually and it's best to have them on hand for, uhm, contingencies.
 
The finish is perfect. I had the car delivered without a wash or wax. I did it myself when I took delivery. The dealer bitxched though. :) Here is what I am going to order what do you think?



I am ordering several of each.



Viper Microfiber Bonnets: Pkg/2 6 inch Viper Microfiber Bonnets



Porter Cable 7424 Accessory Kit: 6 inch White Polishing Pad



Porter Cable 7424 Accessory Kit: 6 inch Grey Finishing Pad



Porter Cable 7424 Accessories: 6 inch Lambswool Leveling Pad

Porter Cable 7424 Accessories: Pkg/2 6 inch Terry Bonnets
 
If your only doing your own vehicle, 1 of each pad will last you ages.



I only have 2 of each and they've done over 40 vehicles with no problems.
 
Smoker- You're right about the pads lasting for ages, I was thinking towards "accidents". But then, I tend to buy in bulk and thus "accumulate" stuff ;)



rleven- I myself wouldn't use the terry bonnets, and I've had mixed results with the Viper MF ones. They are NOT the most gentle things you can use on your finish. Not that they're bad, but I THINK they put some (very) minor micro-marring on my S8. Hard to tell (and FWIW, I was using BF), but these days I'm erring on the side of caution where they're concerned. I've generally been disappointed with the whole removal-by-machine bit. It SORTA works OK, but you'll still have to go over it by hand to get that last 1-5% off. Maybe try the "suede-style" MF's (forget what CMA calls them). They've worked out better for me, at least no marring (more for sealants than for waxes, though). A slightly different version is available at TOL. As I recall, THEY recommend theirs for waxes INSTEAD of sealants, so take your pick depending on what you're gonna use.
 
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