Newb questions

[The Pit]

I have a hand-me-down rotary that I want to start using. Not to worry, I've plenty of panels to practice on before touching a "real" car. I'm well aware of the risks. I'm just doing it to learn, not for profit.

I've picked up lots of good info here on DC, but I'm also confused on a few issues. Help me out here, please.

I've seen many references to using orange, green, white, etc. foam pads. Does the manufacturer matter, or is it only the color? For example, does a LC green pad produce the same result as a Sonus green pad (all other things being equal)?

When would I use EX versus EX-P? I know one has carnuba and the other doesn't. Many people recommend a carnuba over EX-P. Why not carnuba over EX? Personal preference?

What is the best way to apply UPP?

Does it help to apply carnuba over AIO/UPP, or is that redundant?

Here is the process I was planning to practice. I haven't bought supplies yet, so it doesn't cost me anything to change the process/products at this point. Your comments are welcome.

Wash/Clay
SSR2.5 (green pad on rotary, 1500-2000 rpm)
AIO
UPP
Carnuba (Natty's or P21S)?

[JaredPointer]

Originally Posted by The Pit

I have a hand-me-down rotary that I want to start using. Not to worry, I've plenty of panels to practice on before touching a "real" car. I'm well aware of the risks. I'm just doing it to learn, not for profit.

I've picked up lots of good info here on DC, but I'm also confused on a few issues. Help me out here, please.

I've seen many references to using orange, green, white, etc. foam pads. Does the manufacturer matter, or is it only the color? For example, does a LC green pad produce the same result as a Sonus green pad (all other things being equal)?

NO!!!! Different mfgs. use different colors for different cuts. Color is by no means a "universal" way of defining a pad's cut.

Originally Posted by The Pit

When would I use EX versus EX-P? I know one has carnuba and the other doesn't. Many people recommend a carnuba over EX-P. Why not carnuba over EX? Personal preference?

Some people say that EX is for dark colored cars, whereas EX-P is for lighter colors. I think if you want a warmer glow, use EX. For a shinier looking finish use EX-P.

Originally Posted by The Pit

What is the best way to apply UPP?

I think it's a personal preference thing, but I like to apply using the yellow foam applicators from Meguiar's.

Originally Posted by The Pit

Does it help to apply carnuba over AIO/UPP, or is that redundant?

It can add a different look. I think there's very little that you can top UPP with that will make it look better, but that's a personal opinion. I like the look and feel of UPP.

Originally Posted by The Pit

Here is the process I was planning to practice. I haven't bought supplies yet, so it doesn't cost me anything to change the process/products at this point. Your comments are welcome.

Wash/Clay
SSR2.5 (green pad on rotary, 1500-2000 rpm)
AIO
UPP
Carnuba (Natty's or P21S)?

Sounds like a fairly decent plan. I would state what type of pad you will use instead of a color, but other than that, it looks okay.

[The Pit]

Originally Posted by JaredPointer

I would state what type of pad you will use instead of a color, but other than that, it looks okay.

Since I'm using a rotary, I thought I should take it easy with the pad, a polishing pad rather than cutting pad. Make sense? Or would it be better to use a more agressive pad with less aggressive SSR?

Thanks for the feedback.

[JaredPointer]

Originally Posted by The Pit

Since I'm using a rotary, I thought I should take it easy with the pad, a polishing pad rather than cutting pad. Make sense? Or would it be better to use a more agressive pad with less aggressive SSR?

Thanks for the feedback.

As I am not proficient with a rotary, I won't comment on it's use. But for PC work, I like polishing pads for all around use.