Which pads and products for my new DA?

[TechDiver]

I just got a great deal on the Mequiar's G110v2, so now I need to find out what accessories to get. I'm currently looking at 5" backing plates, so I suppose I will go with the 5.5" pads. Here is my main question.

How do I know which pads and product to get? I am new to this, so sorry for the newb question. I have a 2005 van that definitely has swirls. I just don't know what combination of product and which pads to purchase to correct this.

Thanks.

[Mike Phillips]

I just got a great deal on the Mequiar's G110v2, so now I need to find out what accessories to get. I'm currently looking at 5" backing plates, so I suppose I will go with the 5.5" pads. Here is my main question.

How do I know which pads and product to get? I am new to this, so sorry for the newb question. I have a 2005 van that definitely has swirls. I just don't know what combination of product and which pads to purchase to correct this.

Thanks.

Here's the dealio... something I type everytime this question comes up...

When it comes to influencing factors, your choice of foam pads are the least influential because all the foam pads work really well, what's more important is,

Product choice - Abrasive technology.

Technique - You can have the best of everything but if you use bad technique you won't get good results.


As to your question, a lot of time I use and recommend the simplest pads there are because you simply cannot make a mistake with them and those are the 5.5" Lake Country, open cell flat pads.

After that would be the 5.5" Hydro-Tech Pads

After that the Lake Country CCS pads


Again, they will all work but the simple, open cell flat pads make learng to use and mastering the DA Polisher very easy.

One thing for sure...

More pads is better...


It's always better to be able to switch to a clean dry pad as you're working around a car than to try to clean and re-use one or two pads for each step. (Correction and Polishing steps).

You really onlly need one waxing or finishing pad if you're going to machine apply your LSP but for the correction and polishing steps, especially the correction step if you're working on a lot of neglected cars, more pads is better.

I know I included this link in one of your other threads so this is just for quick reference for you and for every member and lurker that will read this into the future...

(I always type for the present and the future)


5 inch Backing Plates on Meguiar's, Griot's and Porter Cable DA Polishers


And this one...


5 1/2 inch and 6 inch Buffing Pads on Autogeek's Online Store


Lake Country

5.5" Flat Pads



The outer edge of the face of these pads is tapered so they are actually a little under 5" in diameter





Approximately 7/8" thick




5.5" CCS Pads



5.5" CCS Pad is right at 5.5" in diameter



Approximately 7/8" thick




5.5" Hydro-Tech Pads



5.5" Hydro-Tech pads are right at 5.5" in diameter



Approximately 1 1/4" thick




6" Kompressor Pads



The outer edge of the face of these pads is tapered so they are actually a little under 6" in diameter



Approximately 1 1/4" thick





6" Griot's Garage



6" Griot's Garage Pads are approximately 6 1/4" in diameter



Approximately 1" thick





6.5" Cobra Cross Groove Flex Pad



6.5" Cobra pads are tapered around the outer perimeter and measure approximately 6 1/4" in diameter



Approximately 1 1/4" thick




6.5" Meguiar's Pads



6.5" Meguiar's pads are slightly tapered around the outer perimeter and measure approximately 6 1/4" in diameter



Approximately 1 1/8" thick




5.5" Surbuf MicroFinger Pads
(For correction work only, must be followed with a foam pad for finishing)




Right on 5 1/2" in diameter



Approximately 3/4" thick




Products shown

Buffing Pads
5.5" Flat Pads
5.5" CCS Pads
5.5" Hydro-Tech Pads
6" Kompressor Pads
6" Griot's Garage
6.5" Cobra Cross Groove Flex Pad
6.5" Meguiar's Pads
5.5" Surbuf MicroFinger Pads


Master Link to all buffing pads

Matching Backing Plates - Pictures and Links


Dual Action Polishers
Porter Cable 7424XP
Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher
Meguiar's G110v2



How To Video Resources
How To Remove Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots using a PC 7424XP, Meguiar's G110v2 or Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher

Using a DA Polisher - Part 1


Using a DA Polisher - Part 2


Using a DA Polisher - Part 3

Most Important...

Here's how to do a "Section Pass" when trying to remove swirls, scratches and other below surface paint defects.

How to do a Section Pass



Visit Autogeek's YouTube Channel for more YouTube Videos

How To Articles

The Definitive How-To Article for Removing Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots Using a Porter Cable 7424XP, G110v2 or Griot's Garage Polisher
Tips for working in warm/hot weather or direct sunlight
Proof You Can Do It! - Joe The Detailer - Black Porsche Turned into Black Pearl!
The Free Floating Spindle Assembly - The Story Behind The Story...
How much product do I use with my DA Polisher? -

[TechDiver]

Product choice - Abrasive technology.

At first I thought that was a product brand. A search of that just brought up Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover that you used that in your video. Would the Wolfgang Swirl Remover 3.0 and Finishing Glaze 3.0 cover most swirl removal situations? I would be using an assortment of the Lake Country 5.5" open cell Flat pads that you recommended.

Thank you. You have been very helpful.