How to get your pad dry using the universal pad washer?

[Mc'lovin]

Hi all,

I'm excited to try out my new pad washer in a couple of weeks when I will be detailing a car. However, I am wondering whether or not you can properly dry your pad in order to keep using it for polishing the next panel, or is a damp pad the best that you get?

I have the European version of the Griot's Garage (it's practically identical except for the company's logo on the side ) and I remember that I once detailed a car and accidentally took a damp-wet pad - This resulted in the pad barely rotating, despite the powerful motor of this DA polisher.

So for those of you who are using the pad washer - Does the pad get totally dry? Can you share any recommendations on the right technique to properly dry it using the pad washer? (I've seen a lot of videos, but the pads there don't seem to be THAT dry).

Thanks!

[cgreen1120]

I would like 1 of these washers myself but only for the purpose of washing out my pads quickly. As far as drying, I can’t see it drying them out enough to satisfy me. What I have found in the past is that just a little moisture will cause my product to thin and sling into all the nooks and crannies and is very difficult to remove. (Especially M105) My current method of drying out my pads is after pressing between several layers of terry cloth towels to remove as much water as possible, mount the pad on a 3” hook and loop backing plate that was included in the 3M headlight restoration kit. I then run my drill motor wide open for about 3 minutes. You have to be sure it is centered pretty good and run it just inside the mouth of a bucket until most of the mist dissipates. The pad surface should be dry to the touch at that point depending on the rpm of your drill motor. (If it is a battery powered unit you will need to run longer) I keep 3-4 pads in rotation just to give a little extra air dry time. Keeping them clean and dry will keep you cutting in my opinion.

Craig

[Mc'lovin]

Thanks for the input Craig!

I'd still like to hear from detailers using the pad washer - is it capable of completely drying the pad so it could be reused for the consecutive panel I need to polish?
And what are your tips in order to do so?

Thanks

[BobbyG]

I use a rotary when washing both foam and wool pads. I'll wash them at 600 rpm spin them at 1200 or so for 5 seconds. Then squeeze then with a terrycloth towel for extra measure.....

[Mc'lovin]

I use a rotary when washing both foam and wool pads. I'll wash them at 600 rpm spin them at 1200 or so for 5 seconds. Then squeeze then with a terrycloth towel for extra measure.....

Thanks BoobyG!

Problem with this solution however, is that I don't have a rotary
Is the Griot's capable of drying the pad on the Grit Guard insert?

[Johny B]

Thanks BoobyG!

Problem with this solution however, is that I don't have a rotary
Is the Griot's capable of drying the pad on the Grit Guard insert?

My answer is YES with the little extension.

[rider9195]

I use Mike's method of cleaning your pad on the fly. I get an all purpose towel and place it over the pad after you finishing running the machine in the pad washer. Then grip the pad and turn the machine on speed 1-2 and it will dry out fairly well.

[ihaveacamaro]

Easy, what I do is after the pad is clean is make sure the pad is on tight, and turn the da on at speed six for about twenty seconds. The pad has never flown off in my experience. By then the pad is just about completely dry but squeezing it in a terry or microfiber cloth will get the last few drops of water out. I've done this method successfully many times.

[BobbyG]

Thanks BoobyG!

Problem with this solution however, is that I don't have a rotary
Is the Griot's capable of drying the pad on the Grit Guard insert?

BoobyG..........Must be a new guy in town!!

You can use an extension like Johny mentioned or just take the top off the bucket and work it without it. It will work just as good but without the cover you're apt to get a little wet....

[cartman57]

without the cover you're apt to get a little wet....

That's why you look like that in your avatar!?