Polishing Pad Conditioners

[Willbeen]

Yesterday I detailed my SUV. I was using Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover with a green Rupes pad, and Rupes polisher. To keep the pads moist, I would apply 2-3 sprays of Wolfgang Pad Werks Polishing Pad Conditioner before applying the polish. Once I used up the last of my supply of conditioner, I switched to Wolfgang Instant Detail Spray which is also recommended as a pad lubricant similar to the official pad conditioner.

I immediately noted three changes...none for the better. First it would take about five sprays to keep the pad moist which led to a lot of TSR spatter because of the initial excessive pad moisture. Second the pad would dry out much quicker and I was limited to only 5 passes instead of 8 as used with the regular pad conditioner. Third due to the quick dry time on the pad, the pads deteriorated much quicker.

Has anybody else noticed this phenomenon? I no longer believe the Instant Detail Spray to be a vial alternative to the Pad Conditioner, and I guess I'll have to fork over additional money for both products. Comments appreciated.

[custmsprty]

I never use a pad conditioner.

[minerigger]

Same...never use it. If I need anything it's a spray of distilled water but that's generally using m105

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[TTQ B4U]

I never use a pad conditioner.

Same...never use it. If I need anything it's a spray of distilled water but that's generally using m105

^^ These. Wish I had something to really contribute.

[PaulMys]

IMO, adding any more moisture to the pad than the product you are already using contains, is just asking for premature gumming/heat build-up.

I've tried priming, conditioning, etc. Never worked at all for me.

Just put a thin circle of product around a fresh pad to start, then 3-4 pea sized dots afterward. Your pads will thank you, and your clean up will be easier.

[UncleDavy]

My first go around with serious paint correction involved Wolfgang Swirl Remover and Mckee's Pad Conditioner. I also experienced the spatter phenomena and it was not that pleasant. The next time, I used only one spray of pad conditioner and worked it into the pad by hand and it was much better. The last time, I used Paulie's method of a circle of product around the edge and three pea sized drops on the pad. That yielded the best results.

[osiapstndp]

I've been using the McKee's pad conditioner since 2016. One or two sprays before you put a compound on the pad is all that I've ever needed, and after that it isn't necessary to use the conditioner again. Too much moisture on the pad will hamper its performance. I've never used a pad conditioner when using a polish.

[Toolhead]

i use wg pad conditioner..

i spray 3 squirts to start a pad and then no more conditioner..

with this process, i don't prime the pad, as the conditioner primes the pad..

3 sprays on a new pad..grab product ..apply and start polishing....

the wg instructions detail the pad conditioner as a break in spray.. not for continuous use:

i like the idea of using this stuff to prime a pad rather than using expensive product....

look up the marketing/ how to use instructions on wg website...or AG..

clearly states to use to break in a pad prior to usage..

[Toolhead]

btw..only use it for polishing pads.. not for pads when applying lsp..

[PaulMys]

i use wg pad conditioner..

i spray 3 squirts to start a pad and then no more conditioner..

with this process, i don't prime the pad, as the conditioner primes the pad..

3 sprays on a new pad..grab product ..apply and start polishing....

the wg instructions detail the pad conditioner as a break in spray.. not for continuous use:

i like the idea of using this stuff to prime a pad rather than using expensive product....

look up the marketing/ how to use instructions on wg website...or AG..

clearly states to use to break in a pad prior to usage..

Yeah, I have read that. That was one of the reasons I tried priming/conditioning on my first go-round.

Not a fan. Does not work for me whatsoever.

Premature pad saturation, reduced performance, and excessive heat buildup aren't for me.