Which pad to use for One-Step?

[r3faat1]

I currently have 2012 BMW (light color paint). I'm assuming this is hard paint? I'm wanting to apply a ceramic coating right after.

Here's what I was thinking of using:

• 3D One - Car Scratch & Swirl Remover
• Lake Country HDO Blue Heavy Polishing
• DA Polisher Speed Settings: 5 (MaxShine M8S)

Should I try another pad instead? I saw a lot of people recommend the orange one instead. But my thought is since I'm applying a seal that will last a long time, I could go harder on the polishing.

[Rsurfer]

I currently have 2012 BMW (light color paint). I'm assuming this is hard paint? I'm wanting to apply a ceramic coating right after.

Here's what I was thinking of using:

• 3D One - Car Scratch & Swirl Remover
• Lake Country HDO Blue Heavy Polishing
• DA Polisher Speed Settings: 5 (MaxShine M8S)

Should I try another pad instead? I saw a lot of people recommend the orange one instead. But my thought is since I'm applying a seal that will last a long time, I could go harder on the polishing.

Alway's do a test spot first and go with the least aggressive. Be sure to do a panel wipe before coating.

[PaulMys]

Alway's do a test spot first and go with the least aggressive. Be sure to do a panel wipe before coating.

^^^This^^^

You never want to assume anything. Start off with a less aggressive pad/combo. You might be surprised..........

[John U]

The blue pad sounds kinda strong to start with. Orange sounds better.

[The Guz]

The blue pad is nice and has the potential to finish nice depending on the paint hardness.

I agree with the others to let the test spot guide you.

[r3faat1]

Gotcha, thanks guys. Yea, I guess I'll start with orange and use blue on places that might need a little more.

[glen e]

All the one step products I’ve used, I choose a medium pad, because they are different colors for different manufacturers, it’s easier to just pick a pad in the middle, from all the manufacturers.

[Paul A.]

If you have fine polishing pads you might try a white or black HDO with 3D One after the blue or orange and see if it refines the gloss and shine a bit further. I realize you're probably looking at just once around the car but you can get refinement with 3D One and a jewelling pad...especially if you opt for the blue cutting pad first.

When I lay down a coating I know i won't be correcting for at least a year and spend a little more time refining. 3D One is very pad "variable". I'm thinking 10 year old BMW paint could use a good cut and polish. Both of my former BMW's ('04 & '07) were medium hard paint.

Definately test spots first but I'd guess Blue HDO and then White or Black HDO might be almost perfection!

[matdavidson]

I agree with most of the replies.
Blue will be perfect.
however, you can also try black or white or a combination.

[Kamakaz1961]

I use a Lake Country White Pad on one steps and have had great success!