Newbie - pad type and conditioning clarification

[gdvan01]

So I've done my fair share of reading, searching, video watching and have just completed my first 'polishing/correcting' venture...which I am pleased with considering it was my first time. (not THAT first time)

But...realizing I am not going to be a pro at this (anytime soon...), I still want to be using 'to-date' methods and techniques.

Regarding pads to use and the best preparation thereof, I have seen the below in videos on AG:

Pads - should I be using the typical CCS type pads or the 'flat foam/thinPro' type pads? I did see mentioned in one of Mike's 'getting into polishing' posts a reference to 'thin' pads.

Conditioning - have seen a few different approaches...'x' pattern on pad, spray with pad conditioner and then a few dollups of product, spread a coat of product on pad and then a few dollups, ...

I know there is no magic bullet, unless you guys are holding out on me, but I would much prefer to be using a smarter/effective approach in perfecting my craft.

Hopefully that all makes sense, all feedback is appreciated.

[PaulMys]

What DA do you have?

[gdvan01]

What DA do you have?

Porter-Cable 7424XP

[Paul A.]

I like the LC Thin Pro flats on my PC. With regard to priming the pad I like Mike P's method of applying product to the face of a fresh pad and work it into the foam covering the entire pad surface.. Then 2-4 pea sized dollups of product added on top of the primed pad to work the section.

[howardm4]

CCS were the 'new hotness' a few years ago but honestly, most seem to have migrated back to ThinPro or regular pads.

I think the priming method depends on the product. It's a balance between not getting the pad too wet and not scratching due to not enough.

[gdvan01]

CCS were the 'new hotness' a few years ago but honestly, most seem to have migrated back to ThinPro or regular pads.

I think the priming method depends on the product. It's a balance between not getting the pad too wet and not scratching due to not enough.

I like the LC Thin Pro flats on my PC. With regard to priming the pad I like Mike P's method of applying product to the face of a fresh pad and work it into the foam covering the entire pad surface.. Then 2-4 pea sized dollups of product added on top of the primed pad to work the section.

Thanks Gents, much appreciated.

[dlc95]

My favorite is the Lake Country Hydrotech on the PC.

I usually start with four drops of polish around the circumference of the pad, and reload with two or three, depending on the viscosity of the product, and wether I'm compounding of polishing.