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Originally Posted by bangm001
If i was to buy more pads for the shinemate, which pads should i go use the same as original shinemate ones in the kit? Which colours do you usually use the most?
I can't recall reading much about keeping pads clean whilst polishing other than brushing after every panel. Is there any other vital maintenance to a pad if i was to use several in a full day of polishing?
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You can clean pads on the fly, but its messy and time consuming. I just swap to clean pads as I go and then clean them all at the end of the day, see below.
As for pad choice, welcome to paint correction!
I have the below threads on pad and compound choices, but I'll post some specifics here too.
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11500540
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11500475
I would stick with the ShineMate pads until you find your feet. You can then venture into Rupes and Lake Country pads. The supplied pads in the kit are the Black Diamond type, which apparently manage heat better and more forgiving to use. They are also affordable to get started with.
This is the ShineMate pad hierarchy, which is
not universal by the way -
- Green Foam Heavy Cut Pad - Ideal for extremely heavy cut without compromising finish on medium to hard paint finishes
- Yellow Medium Cut Pad - Medium to Heavy cut while providing a high gloss finish, ideal on all paint systems
- Blue Foam Intermediate Pad - Excels at moderate to light defect removal on all paint systems whilst finishing down to a fantastic level
- Orange Universal Pad - Ideal for a variety of compounds on all paint types
- Red Finishing Pad - ideal for light defect removal and finishing on harder clear coats. Can be used as a medium cutting pad on softer clear coats.
- Gray Foam Ultra Soft Pad - Ideal for final finishing and application of waxes and sealants
I have not needed to go above the yellow, or below the blue on Ford paint. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have them in stock though, you always need to start with a less aggressive option first, and work your way up if needed.
In your case, I would order more of the blue and yellow ShineMates in Black Diamond spec. Probably another 3 of each, in 6'' size for a 5-inch backing plate. Either that or another pad kit with all three pads.
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/sh...nt=19551685124
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/sh...nt=19552092612
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/sh...31701204828249
Something to keep in mind, the previously mentioned S20 Black can do some serious cutting depending on the pad, if you are only trying to gloss things up rather than remove serious defects, then start with something like Carpro Reflect or Rupes DA Fine.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...iant=641822125
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...32113755455577
Quote:
Originally Posted by bangm001
I have a good compressor, do you just wash the pads after the days done then?
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It's a good habit to blow out the pad after each set of passes. Just do it away from the car so you don't shower it with dust. You can also use a bucket with a small amount of water in it trap the dust.
From my experience, Scholl S20 is pretty dusty, I would also get some Carpro Eraser to help with the wipe off.
And a pad brush is worth having too. I use the Rupes Claw Pad Tool because it also doubles as a pad primer. It also looks good!
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ru...12226723184729
In terms of cleaning, I do this at the end of the day. I chuck them in a bucket with APC or high pH soap and leave them to soak overnight. I then rinse them under warm water, applying more APC if needed, then I run them through the washing machine with microfiber detergent (I'm not taking responsibility if the wife objects to this by the way!). Air dry them and store in airtight containers.
