Question about the LC Hydro-tech low profile pads

[Marc Hufnagel]

Hi all, I was looking at the 5.5" LC Hydro-tech low profile pads but have seen a few fleeting references to that part of their line as not being very good (anymore). Anyone using these and can comment?

I'm curious as to what the actual problems might be with them.

Thanks!

[rwright]

Not sure what the problem is? I haven't experienced any issues with them. In fact I've gone through around 50 of each cyan and tangerine without issues. I use them on my Griot's Garage ROP.

[Mike Phillips]

I really like them myself.

Buffing pads have a life expectency and the more you use them and the harder you punish them the faster they wear out, this is true for all buffing pads.


:)

[Marc Hufnagel]

Hmm ok it may have been a couple of isolated issues that were made to seem worse perhaps. I normally use the yellow megs and the tan one (polishing and finishing), what would the equivalent be in the LC low profile ones? They seem to have a much larger range of colors/abilities.

I was looking at the package of 6 and didn't know if it would be better to get one of each (I think there were 7 total but I never use the hard cutting), or to get 3 sets of 2.

Oh the decisions!

[rwright]

You're not looking at the right pads then. The low profile HT pads are only available in 3 colors - cyan (cutting), tangerine (polishing), crimson (finishing). Just a guess but it sounds like you're looking at the regular flat pads. Here is a link to the hydro-tech pads: Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads , hydrotech foam pads for water-based polishes, lake country foam pads, buffing pads (http://www.autogeek.net/hydrotech-low-profile-pads.html)

[rwright]

Perhaps you were looking at the CCS pads? Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html) I haven't used the Meg's foam pads so maybe Mr. Phillips will chime in to help you with your question. :)

[Mike Phillips]

I normally use the yellow megs and the tan one (polishing and finishing), what would the equivalent be in the LC low profile ones?



From my article list (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html) under,

Buffing Pads - Wool Pads & Foam Pads


The different types of foam formulas in the CCS Smart Foam Pad Line (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/29312-different-types-foam-formulas-ccs-smart-foam-pad-line.html)

Be below can be found here on the Autogeek.net site

CCS Smart Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/ccs-polishing-how-to.html)

But doesn't copy and paste well directly into vBulletin forums using BB code, so I tweaked the code a little to make it easier to copy and paste into other threads when needed.



Smart Foam Pad Varieties:

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/6inchccsyellow.jpg
Yellow Cutting Foams 6.5 inch
Use this pad to apply compounds or polishes to remove severe oxidation, swirls, and scratches. It is the most aggressive and should only be used on oxidized and older finishes. Always follow this pad with an orange or white pad and a fine polish to refine the paint until it is smooth.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/6inchccsorange.jpg
Orange Light Cutting Foam 6.5 inch
Firm, high density foam for scratch and defect removal. Use this pad with polishes and swirl removers. It’s an all around pad that will work on most light to moderate imperfections.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/coarse-6inchccsgreen.jpg
Coarse Green Cutting/Polishing Foam 6.5 inch
This foam is of medium density with the ability to level very fine scratches and very light oxidation. Use light swirl removers with this pad.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/6inchccswhite.jpg
White Polishing Foam 6.5 inch
Less dense foam formula for the application of waxes, micro-fine polishes and sealants. This pad has very light cutting power so its perfect for pre-wax cleaners.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/6inchccsgreen.jpg
Green Polishing/Finishing Foam 6.5 inch
Use this foam to apply one-step cleaner waxes. It is a balance of polishing and finishing that is perfect for all-in-one product application.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/6inchccsgray.jpg
Gray Finishing Foam 6.5 inch
Composition is firm enough to withstand added pressure during final finishing to remove buffer swirls. It has no cut and will apply thin, even coats of waxes, sealants, and glazes.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/6inchccsblue.jpg
Blue Finessing Foam 6.5 inch
This blue foam pad has soft composition for applying glaze, finishing polish, sealants, and liquid waxes. The soft pad has no cut, making it perfect for applying nonabrasive products evenly.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/red-ccs-2pads-110.jpg
Red Ultrasoft Wax/Sealant Foam 6.5 inch
This soft, imported foam is ideal for applying the final coat of wax or sealant. The foam works especially well when applying liquid waxes or sealants because it is firm enough to keep the majority of the product on the paint, rather than soaking it up. The red foam has no cut or cleaning ability.


http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/gold-da-pad.jpg
Super Soft Gold Jeweling Foam 6.5 inch
The CCS Super Soft Gold Jeweling Pad is made of Lake Country's softest foam. Use the gold pad to apply a very fine polish or glaze as the final step of the polishing process. Jeweling is the term coined for this step because it intensifies gloss and reflectivity, like a jewel. The gold foam pad also works well for wax and sealant application.

:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

Also from my article list (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html) under,

Buffing Pads - Wool Pads & Foam Pads

Thin is in... New Lake Country Hydro-Tech Low Profile 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/28825-thin-new-lake-country-hydro-tech-low-profile-5-1-2-x-7-8-inch-foam-pads.html)

I've been playing around with these new thin foam buffing pads and really like them. The thinness makes it a breeze for all DA Polishers to maintain rotation and oscillation when removing swirls, water spots, oxidation and scratches.

These will be a great pad for anyone still using a first generation PC or Meguiar's G100, see this article...

How to maximize the ability of the 1st Generation Porter Cable Dual Action Polishers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-ability-1st-gen-porter-cable-dual-action-polishers.html)


Here's a couple pictures I took to show the difference between the thickness of the new 7/8" pads and the 1 1/4" version of these pads.


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/NewHydroTech01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/NewHydroTech02.jpg



Also, either the Cyan or Tangerine pads work great with our Indigo Bonnets for removing waxes that dry.

Indigo on Hydro
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/IndigoOnHydro03.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/IndigoOnHydro01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/IndigoOnHydro02.jpg


On Autogeek.net
Lake Country Hydro-Tech Low Profile 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/hydrotech-low-profile-pads.html)
Cobra™ Indigo 6 Inch Microfiber Bonnets 2 pack (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-indigo-bonnets-2.html)
Porter Cable 7424 XP Dual Action Orbital Polisher
1959 Cadillac 2-door Coupe de Ville (Out of stock)



:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

From this article,

How to maximize the ability of the 1st Generation Porter Cable Dual Action Polishers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-ability-1st-gen-porter-cable-dual-action-polishers.html)


Lake Country

5.5" Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads01.jpg


The outer edge of the face of these pads is tapered so they are actually a little under 5" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads02.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads03.jpg


Approximately 7/8" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads04.jpg



5.5" CCS Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/CCSPads01.jpg


5.5" CCS Pad is right at 5.5" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/CCSPads02.jpg


Approximately 7/8" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/CCSPads03.jpg



5.5" Hydro-Tech Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/hydrotech-da-pads-3pack.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5HydroPads01.jpg


5.5" Hydro-Tech pads are right at 5.5" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5HydroPads02.jpg


Approximately 1 1/4" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5HydroPads03.jpg



6" Kompressor Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lc-6inch-kompressor-pad-kit.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0KompressorPads01.jpg


The outer edge of the face of these pads is tapered so they are actually a little under 6" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0KompressorPads02.jpg


Approximately 1 1/4" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0KompressorPads03.jpg




6" Griot's Garage (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-car-care.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0GriotsPads01.jpg


6" Griot's Garage Pads are approximately 6 1/4" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0GriotsPads02.jpg


Approximately 1" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0GriotsPads03.jpg




6.5" Cobra Cross Groove Flex Pad (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-cross-groove-pads.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0CobraPads01.jpg


6.5" Cobra pads are tapered around the outer perimeter and measure approximately 6 1/4" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0CobraPads02.jpg


Approximately 1 1/4" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0CobraPads03.jpg



6.5" Meguiar's Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-soft-buff-pads-6.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0MegsPads01.jpg


6.5" Meguiar's pads are slightly tapered around the outer perimeter and measure approximately 6 1/4" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0MegsPads02.jpg


Approximately 1 1/8" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/6_0MegsPads03.jpg



5.5" Surbuf MicroFinger Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/surbuf-r-series-pads.html)
(For correction work only, must be followed with a foam pad for finishing)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5Surbuf01.jpg


Right on 5 1/2" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5Surbuf02.jpg


Approximately 3/4" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5Surbuf03.jpg



Products shown

Buffing Pads
5.5" Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)
5.5" CCS Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html)
5.5" Hydro-Tech Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/hydrotech-da-pads-3pack.html)
6" Kompressor Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lc-6inch-kompressor-pad-kit.html)
6" Griot's Garage (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-car-care.html)
6.5" Cobra Cross Groove Flex Pad (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-cross-groove-pads.html)
6.5" Meguiar's Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-soft-buff-pads-6.html)
5.5" Surbuf MicroFinger Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/surbuf-r-series-pads.html)

:)

[Mike Phillips]

Meguiar's 6" and 5" Microfiber DA Pads technically referred to as
discs
(Note how thin these are by design...)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/megsmicrofiberpads01.jpg


The cutting pad is approximately 1/2" thick before fibers matte down
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/megsmicrofiberpads02.jpg


The polishing pad is approximately 3/4" thick before fibers matte down
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/megsmicrofiberpads03.jpg


The 6" pads are actually about 6 1/4" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/megsmicrofiberpads04.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/megsmicrofiberpads05.jpg


The 5" pads are actually closer to 5 1/2" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/megsmicrofiberpads06.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/megsmicrofiberpads06.jpg




Products shown


5" Microfiber DA Cutting Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/5in-microfiber-cutting-discs.html)

5" Microfiber DA Finishing Discs (http://www.autogeek.net/5in-microfiber-finishing-discs.html)

6" Microfiber DA Cutting Discs (http://www.autogeek.net/6in-microfiber-cutting-discs.html)

6" Microfiber DA Finishing Discs (http://www.autogeek.net/6in-microfiber-finishing-discs.html)



Summary


To get the best, fastest and most effective correction power out of any dual action polisher, stick with thin, small diameter pads like shown above.



Use the 5.0 to 6.0 Speed setting for correction work, in most cases you'll want to be on the 6.0 Speed Setting as this will work best to maintain pad rotation when you apply pressure and when buffing on any type of uneven body panels.


Clean your pad often either with a nylon pad conditioning brush (http://www.autogeek.net/padtool.html) or with a terry cloth towel using the clean your pad on the fly technique (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20135-how-clean-your-foam-pad-fly-when-using-porter-cable-style-da-polisher.html)



When the pad becomes wet or saturated with product, switch to a clean, dry pad, this will instantly show up as better rotation ability and that's what you want when you're removing swirls, scratches and water spots.



Mark your backing plate to make it easy to see and maintain pad rotation.



Keep your pad flat to the surface whenever you can.



Work a small area at a time - 2' by 2' is too large, shrink your work area downward.



For correction steps, use firm downward pressure but don't stop the pad from rotating.



Use a slow "Arm Speed", that is move the tool slowly over the surface, not quickly.



Prime new or clean used pads before starting.



Use an ample amount of product, don't under-use product and don't overuse product.



Work one section at a time by using multiple section passes.



After you finish one section, move on to a new section but overlap a little into the previous section.



Wipe off all product residue before moving on to a new section or before re-buffing a section a second, or third time. Don't mix spent product with fresh product.



Before starting, do a Test Spot, make sure your choice of pads, products and your proficiency with your technique all work together to get you the results you want and expect before buffing out the rest of the car.



:)

[Mike Phillips]

5" Backing Plates

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates02.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates03.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates04.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates05.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates06.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/804/5_0BackingPlates07.jpg


Products shown

Backing Plates
The Edge Products 5" HD Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/damvp5.html)
Lake Country 5" Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424-7336-backing-plates.html)
Meguiar's DA Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-w67da-5-inch-backing-plate.html)
3M Hook-It 5 Inch Dual Action Backing Plate - 5775 (http://www.autogeek.net/3m-dual-action-plate.html)


Besides using a small buffing pad, the next most important thing is to use good technique...



Using a DA Polisher - Part 1

- How to remove swirls, scratches and water spots using a Porter Cable DA Polisher


Using a DA Polisher - Part 2

- How to remove swirls, scratches and water spots using a Porter Cable DA Polisher


Using a DA Polisher - Part 3

- How to remove swirls, scratches and water spots using a Porter Cable DA Polisher



Most Important...

Here's how to do a "Section Pass" when trying to remove swirls, scratches and other below surface paint defects.


How to do a Section Pass

- How to do a "Section Pass" with a Porter Cable 7424XP



Visit Autogeek's YouTube Channel for more YouTube Videos (http://www.youtube.com/autogeek)


The Definitive How-To Article for Removing Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots Using a Porter Cable 7424XP, G110v2 or Griot's Garage Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)



Dual Action Polishers
Porter Cable 7424XP (http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polishers.html)
Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-orbital-polisher.html)
Meguiar's G110v2 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-dual-action-polisher-g110.html)


:buffing:

[Mike Phillips]

Does that help?


:)

[CEE DOG]

Nice Mike-LOL

I am curious as to why the low profiles are not offered in the other sizes like 6 1/2". Does anyobody know?

[Marc Hufnagel]

Does that help?


:)


Yes it does, thank you. That's a lot of information there. I know the purpose for the low-profile CCS pads, is there a benefit to using them over the flat low-profile instead?

Oh and here is the thread I was referring to:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing-product-discussion/135186-if-lake-country-pads-fail-what-you-guys-now-using.html