Lake Country 5.5 inch CCS, flat pads?

**Rykar** · 03-19-2013, 12:23 PM

I am trying to decide between the two. It seems the general consensus is to use 5.5 inch pads on the porter cable 7424xp. (5 inch backing plate) However, I'd like to know what type of pad people recommend most for single stage paint. If there is another more preferred pad, please do tell.

I plan on breaking in my new PC in a couple of weeks...

Thanks!

Earl

**zmcgovern45** · 03-19-2013, 12:54 PM

I have never done any work with single stage paint, however if I am using foam, I strictly use flat pads.

**mwoolfso** · 03-19-2013, 12:58 PM

For me, CCS, HT or vanilla flat pads are dependent on the polish used and the paint as well. That's one of the reasons why a test spot is important. All other things being equal, the combination that accomplishes the results in the quickest amount of time will generally be the preferred choice.

Others have analyzed this and stated for DAT polishes, flat pads work best compared to CCS; and for SMAT polishes flat or CCS are fine. I tend to support this analysis based on my experience as well. So much so I generally start off my test spot with CCS pad for soft paint, AIO's (and cleaner waxes). For hard paint I start off with flat pads and DAT polishes.

**ihaveacamaro** · 03-19-2013, 01:02 PM

I prefer flat pads to CCS, personal preference but I just don't get the same results I do with flat pads. Glad the flat pads are cheaper as I never buy CCS anymore lol

**swanicyouth** · 03-19-2013, 01:04 PM

I'm really loving the LC CCS Cool Wave pads from Autopia. They shouldn't really call them "CCS" because they are a lot nicer / different.

They look like this

**T_velar** · 03-19-2013, 01:30 PM

Priming that pad looks like it would be a nightmare

Mike Phillips · 03-19-2013, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Rykar

I am trying to decide between the two. It seems the general consensus is to use 5.5 inch pads on the porter cable 7424xp. (5 inch backing plate) However, I'd like to know what type of pad people recommend most for single stage paint. If there is another more preferred pad, please do tell.

I plan on breaking in my new PC in a couple of weeks...

Thanks!

Earl

In my how-to book, both the first edition and the second edition, what I wrote in it was that when learning to use the PC or any of its variants, the 5.5" LC Flat Pads are the easiest to learn how to use and master. Plus clean since they are open cell.

The actual face or foot print is smaller than 5" so they rotate really well when used with good technique.

**swanicyouth** · 03-19-2013, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by T_velar

Priming that pad looks like it would be a nightmare

Nope. Their great. The CCS cells hold product on the surface, and the waves help keep pushing the product around. I can't say for heavy correction, but for polishing, LSP, and glaze they are great. Best LC pads so far IMHO.

**Rykar** · 03-19-2013, 03:19 PM

Thanks everyone, and thank you Mike! I have been watching a lot of your videos and will probably be ordering a copy of your book when I put in my order during detail fest, assuming that there will be a nice discount during that time. The videos are pretty much what made me decide to take the plunge and buy a polisher.