Test Spot vs Working Area - Using a Flex 3401

[Mike Phillips]

Buffer creep I suppose would also come into play here - although you are intentionally increasing your working area, the idea I described above must surely hold true too when people unintentionally increase their working area (as defined by their test spot) - i.e. buffer creep

Buffer Creep

I use that term in my classes. It's when your work area becomes larger and larger as you make your section passes because you gradually creep or move outward around the perimeters of the section.

What started out as a small section ends up being about 2' by 2'

[bwatereagleman]

One more thing to add...

This is mostly isolated to foam pads versus fiber pads and that is as a pad becomes wet with product its cutting ability decreases.

I've seen in many of your write-ups and videos, that you prime foam pads with the product you're going to use. Since a foam pad loses its cutting ability as it becomes wet from product, would it be better to prime a pad with a pad conditioner?

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Smack, I am going to be trying out your version of priming vs the more 'traditional' KBM method this coming weekend - I am quite keen to see the results

Sounds good Lawrence! Please share your results.

Let me know how it works out as I don't have any experience with my technique on a traditional DA polisher.

[Mike Phillips]

I've seen in many of your write-ups and videos, that you prime foam pads with the product you're going to use.

Since a foam pad loses its cutting ability as it becomes wet from product, would it be better to prime a pad with a pad conditioner?

Not in my opinion. The pads is going to get wet no matter what. Might as well be wet with the actual product.

That said, lots of guys love to use a pad conditioner so give it a try and see which approach you like best.