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Pads for DA?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by 58LesPaul, Jul 19, 2016.

  1. Jul 19, 2016 at 8:02 AM
    #1
    58LesPaul

    58LesPaul [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just purchased a Griots Garage 6 from Advanced Auto Parts for $104 with code TRT30. Are pads the only thing else I need for it? I'm planning on light polishing, no abrasive cutting.

    Thanks
     
  2. Jul 19, 2016 at 11:39 AM
    #2
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    I'd recommend getting a 5" backing plate for 5.5" pads, rather than the 6" set-up it comes with.

    It's more effective for defect removal and fits tighter spots on panels.

    If you're doing wax/sealer only, the 6" would probably suffice.
     
  3. Jul 19, 2016 at 3:55 PM
    #3
    58LesPaul

    58LesPaul [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'll probably polish my wife's white Rav4. We've had it about 3 years without a wax or anything. So I need these;
     
  4. Jul 19, 2016 at 4:00 PM
    #4
    58LesPaul

    58LesPaul [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Or this 3 whites and 3 reds or what?
     
  5. Jul 19, 2016 at 7:38 PM
    #5
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    I like the Lake Country ("LC") flat pads. I think they'll work with the Meguiars backing plate-- or you could just get a Lake Country backing plate and pads (cheaper than Megs). I'd probably get 5 white pads for polishing and 1 black pad for wax/sealer.

    You'll want to use several pads (5) for a polishing session on a vehicle. Not only will it be easier/faster, but your pads will last longer when you switch often.

    It's a common post on detailing forums where new guys ask what's wrong with their "pad"-- they go at it and try to do the whole vehicle with one pad. It over-heats and starts to disintagrate. The Velcro can detach. Don't skimp on pads.

    When you wax/seal after polishing, you can do the entire vehicle with one pad.

    A couple more suggestions if you're gonna place an AG order anyway. Pick up a couple hand applicators for spots you can't fit the DA. You may also want to pick up some pad cleaner for when you're done.

    Have you picked a polish and sealer yet? I'd recommend sealers over waxes. I don't know how long it's been since you've dabbled in detailing. But sealers have come a long way in recent years. And sealers are probably better for daily drivers than waxes.

    Any more questions, I'm happy to help.
     
  6. Jul 19, 2016 at 7:39 PM
    #6
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    FYI the Meguires pads and backing plates are good too. Just a little more expensive.

    These washers are also something you don't want to go without. One should come installed on the backing plate, but nice to have spares.
     
  7. Jul 20, 2016 at 4:47 AM
    #7
    ace96

    ace96 Well-Known Member

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    I would suggest getting a variety of pads. You don't want to get started and realize you are not getting the results you want because of the wrong pad.
     
  8. Jul 20, 2016 at 5:14 AM
    #8
    58LesPaul

    58LesPaul [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I haven't picked a polish yet, what do you recommend? I have been using Meg's ULW for sealer.

    Thanks for the pad advice.
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2016
  9. Jul 20, 2016 at 5:19 AM
    #9
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    A 5.5 inch backing plate with 6 inch pads. I like the Hex Logic Pads. They sell a sample pack with one of each on Amazon.

    PS Makes sure you have a clay bar kit!
     
  10. Jul 20, 2016 at 7:37 AM
    #10
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    Megs Ultimate Polish would be a good polish to go with the Liquid Wax.
     
  11. Jul 20, 2016 at 7:38 AM
    #11
    58LesPaul

    58LesPaul [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Great, that's what I just added to my AG order.

    Thanks
     
  12. Jul 20, 2016 at 1:32 PM
    #12
    killerken

    killerken Well-Known Member

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    I would go with Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction system and the Meguiars Ultimate Wax. This combination is great, very easy to use and will give you a amazing shine.
     
  13. Jul 20, 2016 at 2:59 PM
    #13
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    HD Speed is an all in one (polish + seal) that gives pretty amazing one-step results if you're looking to save some time. The sealer component isn't the best as far as longevity goes, but you could always use the Speed for the initial polishing session-- and then return to apply a coat of Ultimate Liquid in another month or two.

    I've been blown away by the results of this stuff with a light polishing pad.
     
  14. Jul 21, 2016 at 11:55 PM
    #14
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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  15. Jul 22, 2016 at 6:36 AM
    #15
    58LesPaul

    58LesPaul [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks harpolith, good info to know. I've read to use multiple pads but wasn't sure why, this is why!
     
  16. Jul 22, 2016 at 7:14 AM
    #16
    Para8291

    Para8291 Well-Known Member

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    Like the above guys said, 5.5" backing plate with 6" pads. If you are going with a polisher why won't you do light cutting? You can't screw up the paint with an orbital polisher. If your going to buy a polisher it seems like your taking you detailing to the next level. Without claying the vehicle and getting all the swirls out (light cutting) you will be just wasting your money in my opinion. I use all of Adam's Polishes pads and products. Not saying other companies products are crap I just prefer Adam's. Their new pads are amazing:

    http://adamspolishes.com/shop/accessories/buffing-pads-applicators.html
     
    ace96 likes this.
  17. Jul 22, 2016 at 8:46 AM
    #17
    58LesPaul

    58LesPaul [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am going to clay the vehicle before polishing.

    Wash
    Clay
    Polish
    Sealant
     
  18. Jul 22, 2016 at 8:51 AM
    #18
    Para8291

    Para8291 Well-Known Member

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    Makw sure you wash it with Dawn dish washing soap so you can get off all those ugly layers off. I would buy a light cutting pad so you can get those swirls out. Nothing is worse then when you spend hours on a vehicle thinking it looks good and you notice swirls all over the place. Just my two cents.
     
  19. Jul 22, 2016 at 9:00 AM
    #19
    NMTrailRider

    NMTrailRider Well-Known Member

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    No need to wash with "dawn". Or any other dish soap. The clay and Ultimate Polish will remove whatever old wax/sealer is on the vehicle.

    Dish soaps can/will degrade and dry out rubber trim. I've seen it happen. One wash here and there won't cause a visible problem, but multiple uses will. I figure why use it at all when you can just use a car wash soap. Formulated for vehicles and it's CHEAP.

    Meguiars Gold Class soap is really nice and is widely available. Leaves paint feeling conditioned. Really nice stuff. The red Duragloss soap is nice too.
     
  20. Jul 22, 2016 at 9:05 AM
    #20
    Para8291

    Para8291 Well-Known Member

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    I always use Dawn because I'm OCD. I want to ensure everything is gone. Can't be to safe. Lol
     

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