How many pads do I need to buff out my car?

[chriskraft3]

Just bought an additional twelve pads for the upcoming job on a Civic Si. Right along with pad cleaner and pad conditioner.

If only I had realized this the first car I brought back the finish from the dead.

[Mike Phillips]

Just bought an additional twelve pads for the upcoming job on a Civic Si. Right along with pad cleaner and pad conditioner.

If only I had realized this the first car I brought back the finish from the dead.

It's a learning process for all of us. I can remember when the light bulb first when off in my head and I noticed dry foam pads spin better than wet foam pads.

Seems like it would be obvious after buffing out a few cars but it wasn't and back when I first started using the Porter Cable the Internet had not been invented let alone discussion forum software.

With a forum like this though... now everyone knows. (if you read a forum like this)

[Mike Phillips]

Mike P,

Can you please post some photos of pads that are "Done"

I think I may be tossing mine out too soon

Thanks

I tend to throw "done" pads away when they are "done" versus saving them for a group shot but I'll save some for some future pictures. Sure you bet.

I threw away a 7" RUPES blue coarse foam cutting pad last week after buffing out this 1970 Ford Torino, foam was worn out and getting pretty tatty looking.

[chriskraft3]

It's a learning process for all of us. I can remember when the light bulb first when off in my head and I noticed dry foam pads spin better than wet foam pads.

Seems like it would be obvious after buffing out a few cars but it wasn't and back when I first started using the Porter Cable the Internet had not been invented let alone discussion forum software.

With a forum like this though... now everyone knows. (if you read a forum like this)

I appreciate the reply Mike. Of course I sure appreciate the platform you guys have created and the input you offer freely!

I tend to throw "done" pads away when they are "done" versus saving them for a group shot but I'll save some for some future pictures. Sure you bet.

I am also interested in what "Done" looks like to you.

[bym007]

Subscribing to this thread to see your worn out pads, Mike!

[2pennies]

I tend to throw "done" pads away when they are "done" versus saving them for a group shot but I'll save some for some future pictures. Sure you bet.

I threw away a 7" RUPES blue coarse foam cutting pad last week after buffing out this 1970 Ford Torino, foam was worn out and getting pretty tatty looking.

Sometimes....it seems impossible to make a car shine this great. After reading so much of the advice here, I just buy pads every chance I get to avoid the risk, but it would be great to see at which point an experience pro would consider changing the pad.

[Mike Phillips]

Sometimes....it seems impossible to make a car shine this great.

The original enamel paint on the 1970 Ford Torino really shined up good. Lacquers and enamels are known for this characteristic.

After reading so much of the advice here, I just buy pads every chance I get to avoid the risk,

but it would be great to see at which point an experience pro would consider changing the pad.

A good rule of thumb is one pad per panel.

For larter panels, for the cutting or compounding step use 2 pads.

You'll do better work faster and your pads will last longer over time.

[Miatand]

newbie here! just ordered the gg6 and additional pads...but looks like I need more!
now the confusing part...what colors to use and order

[Eldorado2k]

newbie here! just ordered the gg6 and additional pads...but looks like I need more!
now the confusing part...what colors to use and order

Which pads did you buy?

[Miatand]

the lake brand.
couple black
few white
few orange