Does it matter what sponge applicator to use?

[Junkyarddogg]

I have the following and will be applying by hand.

Poorboy's Professional Polish
Poorboy's Back Hole
BFWD

Can I use any sponge applicator for the above?

[The Guz]

Invest in some foam and/or microfiber applicators.

[jamesboyy]

Plus one on Guz post, though I will add you may find ease or comfort in a specific applicator therefore by enough for all your products

[Tato]

There's a lot of options. For sure, if your applicator has some 'pick', it'll help you getting the job done better.

In example, LC CCS Hand applicators,

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_38905459

CCS Euro Foam Hand Applicators Trio - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/ccs-euro-foam-hand-applicators-trio.html)

The orange will offer more cutting power if you're trying to remove some defects, the white will be good for finer polishing, or even the compound on soft paints.

i.e, I'll use very well known products, meguiar's Ultimate compound and polish.

You can use the compound with the orange applicator, polish with the white.

Sure you can use any combination that fits the job after trying a test spot.

The 'inexpensive' Meguiar's Even Coat Microfiber applicators are also a good choice. They offer a good grip and the 'pick' of the Microfiber helps getting good results by hand.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2271_11376000
Meguiars Even-Coat Applicator - 2 Pack: 2 microfiber applicator pads that are excellent at applying Meguiars products. (http://www.autogeek.net/x3080.html)

A Microfiber towel may work as well if you have good technique (fold it at least in 2 to get some cushion, DON'T exert pressure only on fingertips, but spread pressure evenly)...

Generally with Microfiber applicators, the 'Additional Cut' will be provided by product use, I may use either Menzerna FG400 or SF4000 with MF applicators and get correction with one and good finish with another.

There's a lot more options, like using small pads with a gripper, like polishing pal, etc...

I Have to go now, do a research and you'll find the one which fits your needs.

Also look for Mike Phillips's polishing by hand tips and tricks around the forum. Put some 'passion' behind the pad, move your hands at speed of light, some elbow grease, and you'll be good to go!

Kind Regards.

[Junkyarddogg]

There's a lot of options. For sure, if your applicator has some 'pick', it'll help you getting the job done better.

In example, LC CCS Hand applicators,

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2269_38905459

CCS Euro Foam Hand Applicators Trio - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/ccs-euro-foam-hand-applicators-trio.html)

The orange will offer more cutting power if you're trying to remove some defects, the white will be good for finer polishing, or even the compound on soft paints.

i.e, I'll use very well known products, meguiar's Ultimate compound and polish.

You can use the compound with the orange applicator, polish with the white.

Sure you can use any combination that fits the job after trying a test spot.

The 'inexpensive' Meguiar's Even Coat Microfiber applicators are also a good choice. They offer a good grip and the 'pick' of the Microfiber helps getting good results by hand.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2271_11376000
Meguiars Even-Coat Applicator - 2 Pack: 2 microfiber applicator pads that are excellent at applying Meguiars products. (http://www.autogeek.net/x3080.html)

A Microfiber towel may work as well if you have good technique (fold it at least in 2 to get some cushion, DON'T exert pressure only on fingertips, but spread pressure evenly)...

Generally with Microfiber applicators, the 'Additional Cut' will be provided by product use, I may use either Menzerna FG400 or SF4000 with MF applicators and get correction with one and good finish with another.

There's a lot more options, like using small pads with a gripper, like polishing pal, etc...

I Have to go now, do a research and you'll find the one which fits your needs.

Also look for Mike Phillips's polishing by hand tips and tricks around the forum. Put some 'passion' behind the pad, move your hands at speed of light, some elbow grease, and you'll be good to go!

Kind Regards.

Thanks Tato. I already bought the Chemical Guys microfiber applicators. I was just wondering if these are sufficient or if I need something with "cut" when applying the polish to correct the paint better.

[Tato]

Hi, thanks for feedback. The cut of a Microfiber applicators is spot-on for hand polishing, specially using cutting polishes / compounds.

Use proper technique, and let us know if you need further support.

You can also feel free to shoot me a PM if/when in a hurry,

Kind Regards.