Pad selection and quantities

[merlin3008]

All,

Quick question for those of you with the Flex 3401. I'm going to be using a Flex with M105 and M205. I figure I'm going to try the LC Force Hybrid pads - white for 205 and orange/gray with the 105 as needed. First, is this a good pad selection for these polishes? Second, how many sections do you generally get through before you switch pads?

Thanks!

[Paul A.]

What vehicle are you working on? Generally speaking from my experience you're pretty good with those color pads i.e. orange with 105 and white with 205.

Do a test spot once you get them and you can guage how hard your paint is to correct.

I use about 8 orange pads and maybe 5-6 white pads for a medium sized sedan. You're removing more material with 105/orange than 205/white and i don't like loading up my cutting pads with gunk. Grabbing a fresh, clean, dry pad gets you back to what your test spot yielded and just plain cuts better.

[Paul A.]

I've never tried the grey pads but have a bunch of the blue wools and MF cutting pads. For harder paints to correct.

Again, it depends on the paint you're working on. Always go least aggressive method to correct to your satisfaction.

[Billy Baldone]

Yes, what vehicle? 105 is not the most user friendly compound out there. Too much dusting/hard to remove

[Paul A.]

Good point, Billy. Everytime i use it i have a bucket of ONR handy and need to frequently clean up from either excessive dusting or sling. I sometimes work it like my Ceriglass...water spritzes here and there.

I was assuming he already had those products.

[merlin3008]

Thanks guys. I've worked with both polishes before. YEs, the 105 is definitely tough to work with sometimes. I'm just moving to the Flex and wanted to hear about your experiences. My wife is getting a new Tesla in a month or so and I"ll be doing a decontamination, polish and sealant. Probably use M205 mainly but will over any problem areas with the M105. Tesla has a reputation of delivering cars in poor shape so I'll expect to have some work to do. I"m also expected a new BMW M3 in the Fall. I expect that paint to be much harder, but probably in better shape.

[Paul A.]

I love the Force Hybrid pads with my Flex. You'll be happy with them.