Help Picking Polishes/Pads

[BTLew81]

Doing some homework so when Spring arrives I'll have what I need. Strongly considering OC on the daily driver. I would like to stick with OPT polishes, as they seem to be the most "compatible" with OC.

Car is a 2012 VW. Hard clear. Paint is in very good condition with just some light marring. I would prefer to stick with the traditional polishes, not sprays. Thinking I will get compound for trouble areas and since the paint is rock hard, polish, and perhaps Optimum finish. With traditional polishes, would you suggest Optimum MF pads, or stick with traditional?

This is my first thought. I have a stock of MEg's polishes, which have always served me well and are easy to use.

I also need some new pads in general. Thinking HT, new hybrid pads, or my old standby, which is the CG hex pads. What would your choice be? Using a GG6

Any input is appreciated.

[Mike Phillips]

With a GG DA, the Cyan HT with either of the Optima style compounds and/or polishes works well and provides plenty of cutting power.

For harder paints and/or deeper defects, you can always shrink the size of your work area down too.

[Mike Phillips]

The 5" Hybrid pads will rotate on DA polishers but they are very thick with there taper design and this "thickness" of foam factor is going to rob and dissipate the power coming out of the tool.

Maybe Eric over at LC can introduce the hybrid foam formula int the 7/8" by 5.5" pad size like the HT pads?

Could be he's already working on it as he's a pretty sharp guy.

[BTLew81]

Thanks, Mike. I have yet to try the HT pads. I have a couple laying around, however.

[ihaveacamaro]

I think I would go with mf pads as they are supposed to cut extremely well compared to foam...

[Mike Phillips]

I think I would go with mf pads as they are supposed to cut extremely well compared to foam...

Fiber pads because they offer individual fibers do offer more cutting or abrading ability than a material like foam with a uniform, consistent surface. The OP mentioned HT or Hybrid pads so that's the input I gave him.

Foam pads offer more cushion than mf pads and that equates to a smoother buffing experience. But you are correct that if the OP wants max cutting power from a DA polisher that uses a free spinning drive mechanism than "yes" a fiber pad will cut better.

[ihaveacamaro]

With traditional polishes, would you suggest Optimum MF pads, or stick with traditional?

Mike, I was answering this question

Still, OP, the most fun part of detailing is trying new things! How about foam and MF pads?

[Old Tiger]

Mike, I was answering this question

Still, OP, the most fun part of detailing is trying new things! How about foam and MF pads?

Cut with MF and finish with foam.