So I have watched the videos on polishing and want to take baby steps into attempting this. I have a Makita polisher already that my dad had used on his boat a while back. It already has the 7" velcro looking thing attached... My question is what kind of pads are out there what are each used for what should i get?? I went to check some out and ended up coming home with some kind of wool bonnet..??? With Craftsman clear liquid car wax... Is this going to do me anything or should I go in a different direction. Any help our direction highly appreciated. Id really like to get more involved with detailing and trying to read up.

 

I would start out with foam pads before moving onto wool pads. My favorite at the moment are the uber foam pads from detailers domain. I would pick up orange, blue, and black to go with some menzerna polishes.

also, i think you would need a new backing plate. I have the 3m perfect it backing plate.


http://www.detailersdomain.com/index.asp?P...ATS&Category=42

http://www.detailersdomain.com/index.asp?P...CATS&Category=2

http://www.detailersdomain.com/index.asp?P...ATS&Category=44

 

Is my backing plate too large? Is that why you say I may need a new one? also what are the differences in the colors? How long can you use a pad can you clean/wash them or do you have to get new every time?

 

for more control i would stick with either 5.5 or 6.5 inch pads.

 

You guys are northern NJ...? where abouts are you maybe I can just come in and pick your guys brian instead of posting back and fourth Or are you just an online company?

 

I'm not an expert but I'll weigh in . . .

I believe the backing plate is too large for the majority of pads discussed on this forum. My general impression is many of the non-professionals use a Porter-Cable Dual Action Polisher with 6.5", 5.5" or 4.0" pads from various manufactures. There are a number of people who do use a rotary and might be able to give you some insight into pad sizes for that machine.

The colors are used to identify the 'cut' of the pad. Unfortunately, they are not consistent from manufacturer to manufacturer. A blue pad from xyz could be different than a blue pad from abc.

Use a pad until is has lost it's effectiveness or has become 'caked' with product. You can use a spur to clean the pads. There are other cleaning methods as well.

JoeyBalls had many of the same questions recently, I would look up his posts from the last few months. He received quite a bit of help. Also, Detailers Domain, the forums sponsor, can meet 99% of your needs relative to detailing supplies.