flex user? what pads? - DetailCity.org

cheapshot · 07-07-2009, 04:31 PM

What pads does everyone use with there flex? My kit came with CCS orange and black foam pads.

I think the orange is OK with 105, But I see many people using 205 with LC white polishing pad.

I have a few of meguiars 2.0 yellow polishing. Do you think this pad will work better then the black CSS with 205?

Thanks

ArmstrongDetailing · 07-07-2009, 05:06 PM

The 205 was developed with the Meguiar's 2.0 yellow polishing pads so I would say they are a good choice. The black ccs pad is not meant for paint correction so yes the yellow Meguiar's pad will perform better.

cheapshot · 07-07-2009, 06:16 PM

Thanks again troy, I'll give it a shot.

This is my next paint correcting test.

Machine : Flex DA
Compound: 105
Pad: 6.5 orange CCS foam
Spread: dab and spread with machine off
Speed: Speed 5
Arm-speed: very slow (as if an ant were crawling across the finish)
Pressure :very light pressure weight of my hand.
Passes: 3 total passes (one side to side, one up and down, side to side)

Polish: 205
Pad: 7" Meg's 2.0 polishing foam
Spread: same as 105
Speed: speed 5 or 4.5?
Arm-speed: very slow
Pressure: very light pressure
Passes: 3-4 total passes

I know it's hard to say if this looks OK, without seeing the finish I'm working on. But does the procedure look accurate?

How many minutes does it take you guys to work 105 and 205?

ArmstrongDetailing · 07-07-2009, 09:41 PM

Moving that slow is not necessary (I guess it depends on the ant). I move my buffer about 2" per second when working with 105 and 205. My buffing method is not text book as I tend to slowly massage the paint with the buffer. I would vary your pressure though. Not enough initial pressure will slow you down quite a bit. Add some pressure on the first pass and lighten up as you go.

As far as how long to work it, I work it until it dissipates. Usually less than a minute per 2x2 section with a second application if needed.

tuscarora dave · 07-07-2009, 10:01 PM

I saw a flex kit that has a oem type backing plate but also comes with an edge 2000 backing plate and a variety of edge pads, Being that I mostly use the edge system I am leaning towards this kit.

cheapshot · 07-08-2009, 06:04 AM

Troy, work it until it dissipates? Till the polish becomes almost dry? Just before it would seem to dust?

Dave, How do edge pads compare to meguiars and LC foam? Besides having the click systems and both sides of the pad to work with.

tuscarora dave · 07-08-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapshot

Troy, work it until it dissipates? Till the polish becomes almost dry? Just before it would seem to dust?

Dave, How do edge pads compare to meguiars and LC foam? Besides having the click systems and both sides of the pad to work with.

Sorry I can't give a comparison as I originally went with edge pads and have not tried the other pads. I can say that they work very well for me with no vibration.

cheapshot · 07-08-2009, 06:26 PM

Dave what size edge pads do you use?

I use to use 3m pads only, then Meg's. Now I have buff and shine, LC, Meg's,3m and some other brands. I think I may have some edge vc or V-shaped pads. A finishing or polishing that I really like to use with Vmoose.

I still prefer 3m and Meg's pads for some reason.

tuscarora dave · 07-08-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapshot

Dave what size edge pads do you use?

I use to use 3m pads only, then Meg's. Now I have buff and shine, LC, Meg's,3m and some other brands. I think I may have some edge vc or V-shaped pads. A finishing or polishing that I really like to use with Vmoose.

I still prefer 3m and Meg's pads for some reason.

I have every color 8" flat foam pad and a green and a white 6" designed for a PC that I really like for the rotary, I will be getting all the rest in 6" as well. A few wave finish pads in 8"

Ronkh · 07-08-2009, 07:11 PM

I gave away all my edge pads think about 8-10 of em (new) (cuz i never used em with my pc).
two days before the announcement that they had made the adapter for flex.

Bunky · 07-08-2009, 07:16 PM

With 105 and 205, on the first use you really need to apply a nice X bead to get the pad primed. The polish works just by contact with the paint. With 105, just work it until it just disappears (if it dusts it is gone). It can take as little as 3 passes if you try to spread with the machine running. I considered 3 the minimum. For subsequent sections, apply 4 small blobs. Depending on the size of your work area, you need to adjust more or less. If you cannot get 3 passes till it disappears, then apply more per section.

M205 has a longer work time. For me it was at about 6 passes (4 pressure, 2 less pressure) but I think it could work longer.

ArmstrongDetailing · 07-08-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapshot

Troy, work it until it dissipates? Till the polish becomes almost dry? Just before it would seem to dust?

Am I confusing you?

Just follow what Bunky has said and you should be fine. I can understand wanting to make sure you are doing it right but I think you're over thinking this a little. 105 is a very easy polish to use. Your buffing technique will effect how well or fast the polish works. Just follow what we have said and you will get great results.

cheapshot · 07-09-2009, 05:28 AM

I really appreciate all the help. I am a bit confused on the the best technique with 105,205. But I have only done a few test spots. I really want to get it down before I detail the few cars I have lined up.

How do you clean your pads as you go? or on the fly?

I have a yellow plastic angled brush, but it seems to beat the crap out of my pads.