Hi, I wanna get the PC7424 from costaltools, but not sure which (starter) pads I should go w/.

I've read most of the threads, but it seems to just confuse me more...
I know there are lots of pads out there, but which set seems like a good start? Im leaning towards the Sonus SFXs. I dont wanna get too complicated and start test every single available pad and polish out there, are the Sonus SFXs good enough?

I have some light/medium scratches and swirls.

Thanx!!

 

my fav pads are lake country...

http://properautocare.com/porcabpolac.html

http://properautocare.com/hi612infopaa.html

you need at least the following:
light cutting action (white)
no cutting action (black)

and extra credit would be microfiber covers over lambswool pads (if you want to use the machine to remove products like wax or synthetics)

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forgot to answer your question re: sonus- yup, those pads are fine also!

http://www.bettercarcare.com/polishers.html

btw, my fav pad cleaner is the sonus pad cleaner-

 

I use the Wolfgang ones from autogeek.net (Lake Country makes good padas too)... I would recommend picking up a couple orange (light cutting) and white (polishing) pads, and maybe a couple black pads too if you want to use your PC to apply your wax/sealant. I've had no problems with them and they've been able to tackle some of the most severe swirl marks. Here's the link: http://www.autogeek.net/vcpad.html

BTW, what kind of polish are you planning to use?

 

If you're going to start with Sonus, I'd recommend leaving the SFX and getting the DAS - they're more flexible and easier to work with... Definitely good starter pads.

 

Thx for the repsonses guys. If I decide to go w/ pads such as lake country, what kind of polish should I use? say to go a long w/ the white and black pads?

Whats the difference between SFX and DAS?

Thanx!!!

 

The SFX are slightly smaller, require a smaller backing plate (5") and are a more dense foam. They're harder to control, in my opinion as the polishing surface is completely flat. The DAS pads are a bit less dense, a bit larger (6" backing plate), slightly convex and much easier to control.

 

I have the SFX pads, blue, yellow, and white. What are the cutting levels of each one, and what makes a pad more cutting than another?

 

Blue = finishing pad = very low, if any, cut
White = polishing = low level of cutting
Yellow = cutting = high level of cutting

Basically it's about the density and composition of the foam.

 

So if I'm gonna use SFX-2 polish, should I use the white pad, and then follow up with SFX-3 and the blue pad? Or is it SFX-2 w/ yellow, SFX-3 w/ white, and wax (NXT) w/ blue? what are the consequences of mismatching polish and pad?

Thanks for you input Chris. Still learning.

 

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish and how well your pad/polish combo is working.

SFX2 + white pad would be a good place to start.
If it clears up your marring well but leaves some micromarring (unlikely, but possible), you could follow up with SFX3 + blue pad.

If it's taking too long or too many passes, you could step up the pad to yellow, then you might be able to finish down with the SFX3+blue pad.

There isn't really a "consequence" aside from something working more quickly or (more likely) ineffectively than with a "proper" combination. There's not really a right way, but a way that works most easily and quickly with the fewest number of steps.

I'd recommend applying the wax by hand.