Optimum MF Pads

[us6krums]

Got to say, not impressed. Of course it could be my technique, but my brand new pads (2 cutting) didn't last through 1 car. They haven't torn apart or anything, but they have definitely lost some foam cushion in the middle, probably can't use them anymore. Just received them Monday!

I was using Optimum compound II to remove some deep acid rain watermarks. Most came out, but the hood is still a mess, but it it also has a lot of little paint chips from rocks (7 yr old car), but at least it has a shine and some protection now.

I have a PCXP and mainly used setting 6 for the compound. Is this too high? 5 didn't seem to be doing anything. If I pressed down, it seemed to crate heat even faster. I switched the pads each section and cleaned them with compressed air. The finishing pads I used on 5 with the Optimum polish. They seem to be OK. At the end of the day, I used a pressure washer to clean the pads thoroughly. It took me 2 days to do my car.

Any advice on this? Different pads?

Also, I found I really don't like Optimum Compund II as it dries out and dusts everywhere. The Hyper Compund was better, but it doesn't "spray" out of the bottle, but squirts, often getting too much product on the pad. Suggestions for this?

I like the polish and the finishing pads did fine.

I also like C845 as it seems to have put a good shine on the car and beads well.

Last question, when you do get dusting on different parts of the car that have already been waxed, what is the last step to do to clean the car of all of this. I covered the car somewhat, but I have dusting particles in the windows and on other parts of the car. Do you usually rinse it? Quick foam wash? How long should the wax sit before washing the car?

[Dr Oldz]

I use the OPT pads very often on both a PCXP and a rotary polisher. I must say they are super durable. I have probably used some of the pads 15 or more times and they still work flawlessly. I can't comment on the compound II since I haven't used it. The hyper compound I use often and while the sprayer may be a little different to use, it works good. You have to squeeze the trigger fully and use a quick forcefull action to get it to spray properly.

As far as dusting and premature wear, I would tend to believe you are using a bit too much polish. Try cutting down on the amount used. Using too much product will indeed cause dusting and it will over saturate the pad. Over saturation will cause steam and that will reduce the performance of the pad and can cause the adhesive to let loose(sounds like this is happening to you from your description above). Another thing may be your backing plate.... Optimum suggest using their backing plate but I personally use an Edge BP on my PC and the OPT BP for rotary work.

Also..... Changing you pad often will help. I usually go thru 5 or so compounding pads per vehicle. They wash easily in the washer so cleaning them is no big deal. Changing often will keep the pads from getting saturated with product and causing the harmfull steam.

[Vegas Transplant]

Originally Posted by us6krums

Got to say, not impressed. Of course it could be my technique, but my brand new pads (2 cutting) didn't last through 1 car. They haven't torn apart or anything, but they have definitely lost some foam cushion in the middle, probably can't use them anymore. Just received them Monday!

What do you mean by 'loss'?
I have noticed, and have seen one other member post that they seem to feel soft after warming up...but no actual loss of material.

Originally Posted by Dr Oldz

I use the OPT pads very often on both a PCXP and a rotary polisher. I must say they are super durable. I have probably used some of the pads 15 or more times and they still work flawlessly. I can't comment on the compound II since I haven't used it. The hyper compound I use often and while the sprayer may be a little different to use, it works good. You have to squeeze the trigger fully and use a quick forcefull action to get it to spray properly.

As far as dusting and premature wear, I would tend to believe you are using a bit too much polish. Try cutting down on the amount used. Using too much product will indeed cause dusting and it will over saturate the pad. Over saturation will cause steam and that will reduce the performance of the pad and can cause the adhesive to let loose(sounds like this is happening to you from your description above). Another thing may be your backing plate.... Optimum suggest using their backing plate but I personally use an Edge BP on my PC and the OPT BP for rotary work.

Also..... Changing you pad often will help. I usually go thru 5 or so compounding pads per vehicle. They wash easily in the washer so cleaning them is no big deal. Changing often will keep the pads from getting saturated with product and causing the harmfull steam.

Sage advice.

[Old Tiger]

I think my buddy Jim is spot on. IME, Optimum Compound is the easiest one I own. Sounds like too much of a good thing! I think speed 6 is too high IME.

[DRT BRD]

4800 opm's is where the sweet spot is at. Or speed 4 on the xp.

[us6krums]

Speed 4? Wow, I guess I was too high. Thanks for the inputs. By loss I mean it feels thin in the middle while the outer edges are fuller. I'll wash em tonight and see how they do. 4 with the Hyper Compound as well? What about Optimum Polish? I know you want the pad to keep spinning, but should it just be spinning or a lot of RPMs to have the pad work better. I am confused on that. Thanks

[swanicyouth]

Maybe too much polish and too high speed created too much heat? I have Compound II, but have yet to have a need to use it. I've used Polish II and Finish Polish without any dust or issues. I'd have to agree that maxing the machine out at 6 is too high for constant use. I never go above speed 5 and I'm using an original 7424.

Try slower arm speed. If you are polishing half a hood that is about 18" long, count : one one thousand, two one thousand, etc... Until you reach 18. Then you can see how slow an inch a second is. It's really slow.

[Chris@Optimum]

I will confirm what others have said. Our label states not to exceed 5000 OPM so speed 6 is causing the heat that is drying out the compound prematurely. Also, with da machines, the product migrates to the center of the pad from the motion of the machine. The center is getting softer from the heat of the shaft running at that speed and the migration/saturation at the center.

OcII has a great working time and very little dusting so the sling may be spent product and removed paint flying out of the pad from overuse before cleaning. Microfiber removes more material than foam so like others said, you should blow them out with compressed air or change to a fresh pad after a panel.

Our backing plate reduces heat transfer at the shaft...but slowing the speed will help a lot and when you add fresh product, add it at the outer edges knowing that the da's motion pulls it to the center.

[Vegas Transplant]

Originally Posted by Chris@Optimum

The center is getting softer from the heat of the shaft running at that speed and the migration/saturation at the center.

This was not an issue for me, but was noticed.
Also noticed that when cleaned and dried, returned to original condition. Great product.
Thanks for the definitive answer.

Originally Posted by Chris@Optimum

Our backing plate reduces heat transfer at the shaft...

Waiting for new products SEMA release - then 1 large order.

True Optimum Fanactic.

[FivePoint.0]

Good luck keeping the pad rotating with a decent amount of pressure on speed 4 with the PCXP.