MF Pads vs Foam Pads Pros/Cons

[Daviddear30]

For you guys with experience with microfiber pads and foam pads can we list the pros and cons of each?
I am new and just got a DA and I want to see everyone's opinions on these two types of pads

Which is more durable? (Longevity)
Which is easier to get great results with the same product (may be subjective)
Which is easier to clean?
More versatile?
Etc
Any help would be appreciated

David

[ihaveacamaro]

1) Both are very durable, with slight edge to foam ime.

2) Microfiber cuts more, but foam finishes better.

3) Foam, hands down.

4) Ehh, subjective to each person.


Bottom line: Use both. Microfiber is great for cutting and getting serious defects out. Foam is great for finishing and getting a perfect mirror shine.

[Mach1USMC]

1) Both are very durable, with slight edge to foam ime.

2) Microfiber cuts more, but foam finishes better.

3) Foam, hands down.

4) Ehh, subjective to each person.


Bottom line: Use both. Microfiber is great for cutting and getting serious defects out. Foam is great for finishing and getting a perfect mirror shine.

THIS exactly. I have and use both. They compliment each other very well.

[inDetail]

I agree with the above. MF cuts faster. It's a blessing when you are using a DA and have a lot of cutting to do.
Foam finishes out better.
I think MF is easier to learn. Different foams have different feel while you are working MF pads all feel the same. IMO
MF is easier to keep it from getting caked up with polish. Put the speed to 2 on an DA. Hit it with a little compressed air to fluff the fibers back up then let a soft bristle tooth brush glide over the fibers then blow the pad out again.

When it comes to cleaning the pads. Cleaning pads is cleaning pads. It takes a while. Use liquid foam pad cleaner on the foam and MF wash on the MF pads.
I agree you will be using both. I use both every detail

[Daviddear30]

Sounds like MF for first step products and finish with a foam polishing pad for the clearest results?

Thanks for the tips

[Pureshine]

MF pads are easier to clean just through in wash let air dry done.

[inDetail]

Pad and polish combo depends on paint hardness and amount of correction needed. You need to do a test spot. I was able correct 80 -85% of rids with CG Black optics orange cut pad and Menzerna Full Acrylic Jacket on a Honda. It removed swirls and spider webbing and softened the deeper Rids. Soft paint on the Honda and it really finished out with a nice crisp clean reflection and no hazing for one pass. The client was happy.

[c5errr]

1-Which is more durable? (Longevity)
1- foam once cleaned becomes almost as new but microfiber when it cleaned its not the same softness as before.

2-Which is easier to get great results with the same product (may be subjective)
2- i think foam because microfiber will tend to not spin when using normal DA polisher unless used flex or any forced rotation or if u used the microfiber pad that has soft interface

3- Which is easier to clean?
3- foam is slightely easier to clean but bear in mind that to never let the pads (foam or microfiber) to dry with the dirt and caked on polish residue
i mean once its time to clean them just clean them instantly - dont let them dry

[brianch]

I have used many brands of microfiber pads. I just have to try the new chemical guys ones and the buff and shine ones and I would have tried them all. I use buff and shine and lc foam pads on a regular basis.


Which is more durable? (Longevity)
foam by far. I have over 200 foam pads and i have had 3 fail on me. I have around 20 or so microfiber pads and I have had half of them delaminate after using it once.
Which is easier to get great results with the same product (may be subjective)
It really depends on the product. Microfiber cuts faster in most cases. Certain foam pads have the capability to finish better
Which is easier to clean?
They are the same to me.
More versatile?
I would say foam. You have a wide range of foams to choose from. From density to thickness to how soft or abrasive it is.

Most microfibers just come in 1 or 2 flavors.

There is still a place for microfiber but until they completely solve the delaminate issue I am still sticking with foam.

[Mike Phillips]

I'd agree with most of the above, I would just add that foam will finish out more consistently over a wider spectrum of paint systems, especially softer paints than microfiber.


Above all, before taking ANY combination of,

• Pad
• Product
• Tool
• Technique

To any car you've never worked on before, first do a Test Spot.



How To Do a Test Spot
(and why it's so important)