What pads for new car detail?

[MilehighAllroad]

New to detailing, so please go easy on me. I have a new Volvo with dark blue paint. The car has about 2k miles on it and is garaged 90% of the time. There are very minor spread out swirl marks and a few water spots here and there,
I was planning on using Sonex Profiline perfect finish 1 step polish then 2 coats of Griots 3in1 ceramic spray. I am just a little confused on what pads to use.

I don't know if I should use a light cutting pad or a polishing pad or a finishing pad or a cutting then a polishing. Most videos I watch seem to either use an orange pad or white pad. I was planning on going with the Lake Country CCS pads. They have the blue pads, orange pads, white pads and green pads. All seem to be for heavy to light polishing or light cutting. I have seen a few use the Carpro gloss microfiber as well.
Do I need a light cutting pad like the orange or a heavy polishing white or green pad?
I am open for recommendations as well for a better/differnt polish, pad and Ceramic spray. From the videos I have watched, both products seem to accomplish what I am looking for.
Thanks in advance

[Eldorado2k]

I would go with the Lake Country Flat Foam pads over the CCS. The white polishing pads.

[Mike Phillips]

Maybe I missed it but did you share what you own for a polisher and the size of the backing plate?


And... welcome to AutogeekOnline!

[MilehighAllroad]

Older Porter Cable DA polisher 7424 5in backing plate

[Paul A.]

I really like the Lake Country Thin Pro pads on my older PC. They spin better and in turn work the product easier.

Do you already have Sonax Perfect Finish? Do you have any others (other than the LSP ceramic spray)?

[PaulMys]

I really like the Lake Country Thin Pro pads on my older PC. They spin better and in turn work the product easier.

Do you already have Sonax Perfect Finish? Do you have any others (other than the LSP ceramic spray)?

Agreed on the ThinPro's working a bit better on the PC. But I have never had a problem with the standard LC Flat pads.

You just have to learn the machine, and realize that it is not a FLEX or any other more powerful unit. Slow, steady, and be prepared to go over it a few more times if need be.


** To the OP: I'm no pro, so I am not familiar with Volvo paint. But I first corrected my Ram and Wife's Jeep Wrangler which both have clear coat that is on the medium/hard side with a PC. After some test spots, I found that the LC Flat Orange pads were what worked the best.

[fly07sti]

I’d go with the Rupes Mille yellow pads. I use these on my GG6 and they are fantastic. They can cut pretty well, can finish out flawlessly and are VERY durable.

[PaulMys]

I’d go with the Rupes Mille yellow pads. I use these on my GG6 and they are fantastic. They can cut pretty well, can finish out flawlessly and are VERY durable.

How would you know?

You only own like 3 pads and 9 MF towels.

[fly07sti]

How would you know?

You only own like 3 pads and 9 MF towels.

You know me too well

[MilehighAllroad]

I really like the Lake Country Thin Pro pads on my older PC. They spin better and in turn work the product easier.

Do you already have Sonax Perfect Finish? Do you have any others (other than the LSP ceramic spray)?

I only have those two products. I just bought both of them but can return them easily if you have something better in mind. Price kind of matters but I am open too suggestions.

After wachting Scott HD`long term test on sprays, the Griots seems to be doing quite well. I have seen numerous others that seem to agree. Plus the ease of application is key and the price is great. The car is garaged more then 90% of the time and rarely driven in bad weather.

Thanks for the suggestions about the flat pads and color to use