Foam Pad Selection (For Beginners)
03-20-2007, 09:47 AM
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Foam Pad Selection (For Beginners)
Foam Pad Selection (For Beginners):
Reisgies Schaumstoffe, Gmbh, Germany, have developed a quality foam formula used for detailing that are made from specially engineered European foam, a blend of thermally reticulated polyurethane, created specifically for compounding, polishing and finishing. Closed cell structure (CCS) technology with the cutting power of a compounding foam and the gloss enhancing characteristics of polishing foam, using a strategic pattern of partially closed foam cells slow the rate of polish absorption, gradually releasing polish as needed by the operator. CCS Pockets reduce surface tension, prevent pad skipping and allow the operator to run the pad flat on the working surface.
Foam pads are available in various sizes from 3.5 – 8.0-inch diameter, but I have found that for the application of a polish the optimum size of foam pad for whole panel (i.e. hood, trunk, fender, etc.) is 6 to 6.5- inches, with an effective pad contact diameter of 5.5 to 6.25- inches. For ‘spot-repair’ on a specific blemish or paint defect, I prefer working with a 4- inch pad, this pad size allows pad ‘pressure’ to be localised and to focus on just the problem area and not affect the surrounding paint. Foam pads, just like compounds or polishes should be used ‘least aggressive first’ Pads must be matched to an appropriate product to achieve the desired results. Never mix polishes on a foam pad, and never use a foam pad that has been used to apply a compound for polishing unless it has been thoroughly cleaned first.
1. Black Finishing Pad
2. White Light Cutting Pad
3. Orange Polish / Medium Cutting Pad
4. Yellow Polish / Compound Cutting Pad
The foam pad colour identifications are by Lake County Manufacturing (LC)
The abrasion or cutting ability of a foam pad relative to its composition (number of pores per inch) The work is approximately distributed, 60% product, 30% foam composition density, pores per inch (PPI) and 10% pressure applied and/or speed of rotation or oscillation.
Abrasive Cutting Foam (40 pores per inch)
Medium Cutting Foam (50 pores per inch)
Light Cutting Foam (60 pores per inch)
Finishing Foam (70 pores per inch)
Fine Application (80 pores per inch)
Ultra-Fine Finishing (100 pores per inch)
Never mix polishes on a foam pad, and never use a foam pad that has been used to apply a compound for polishing unless it has been thoroughly cleaned first.
Compounding, Polishing and Finishing are different polishing methods (stages) that do not necessarily need to be applied consecutively. The appropriate combination of polishing steps depends upon colour and quality of the paint surface; as well as the required quality of finished surface.
(See also Going Through the Grits)
This new, closed cell structure (CCS) foam pads continue to incorporate the latest, Constant Pressure™ technology; this is essentially a flat pad which uses a patented technology layer of engineered, instant rebound foam between the pad and the backing plate to absorb off-axis movements while keeping the pressure of the pad on the surface constant. It allows even beginners to achieve professional-like results, they are very forgiving of less-than-perfect technique by providing the operator greater control. The unique design of these foam pads also allows heat to escape from the pad to reduce the risk of burning the paint. http://www.lakecountrymfg.com
Lake County 6.5-inch CCS Foam Pads:
Foam Pad Use Colour
Polish Cutting Pad (*Yellow)
Polish / Light Cutting Pad (*Orange)
Heavy Polishing (*Green)
Polish / Waxing Pad (*White)
Finessing Pad (*Black)
Finishing Pad (* Blue)
Dual-Action Flexible Urethane Backing Plates (6-inch) with a 5/16-inch diameter direct connection
A Porter-Cable random orbital buffer (PC 7424 /7336SP) will safely remove surface imperfections and I would also recommend the Optimum line of products (www.topoftheline.com) as they are ideal for the inexperienced or neophyte user. The polishes remain clear enabling you to see wither the imperfections have been removed.
(See also
Never mix polishes on a foam pad, and never use a foam pad that has been used to apply a compound for polishing unless it has been thoroughly cleaned first.
Foam Pad Backing Plate:
Always use a smaller sized backing plate then the Velcro™ foam pad you are using (i.e. a 6-inch backing plate and a 6.5-inch foam pad) Never use a backing plate that is larger then the backed foam pad as the backing plate will damage and / or scratch the paintwork.
A 5-inch diameter backing plate when used with a 6.5 -inch foam pad allows a 0.75-inch `safety' margin' between the edge of the backing plate and the foam pad. To ensure compatibility of fit with a Porter-Cable the post adaptor should be a 5/16th-inch-24 threaded shaft.
Note: Use the 6-inch counter weight (Porter Cable PN 699933) to lessen machine / pad vibration.
Reisgies Schaumstoffe, Gmbh, Germany, have developed a quality foam formula used for detailing that are made from specially engineered European foam, a blend of thermally reticulated polyurethane, created specifically for compounding, polishing and finishing. Closed cell structure (CCS) technology with the cutting power of a compounding foam and the gloss enhancing characteristics of polishing foam, using a strategic pattern of partially closed foam cells slow the rate of polish absorption, gradually releasing polish as needed by the operator. CCS Pockets reduce surface tension, prevent pad skipping and allow the operator to run the pad flat on the working surface.
Foam pads are available in various sizes from 3.5 – 8.0-inch diameter, but I have found that for the application of a polish the optimum size of foam pad for whole panel (i.e. hood, trunk, fender, etc.) is 6 to 6.5- inches, with an effective pad contact diameter of 5.5 to 6.25- inches. For ‘spot-repair’ on a specific blemish or paint defect, I prefer working with a 4- inch pad, this pad size allows pad ‘pressure’ to be localised and to focus on just the problem area and not affect the surrounding paint. Foam pads, just like compounds or polishes should be used ‘least aggressive first’ Pads must be matched to an appropriate product to achieve the desired results. Never mix polishes on a foam pad, and never use a foam pad that has been used to apply a compound for polishing unless it has been thoroughly cleaned first.
1. Black Finishing Pad
2. White Light Cutting Pad
3. Orange Polish / Medium Cutting Pad
4. Yellow Polish / Compound Cutting Pad
The foam pad colour identifications are by Lake County Manufacturing (LC)
The abrasion or cutting ability of a foam pad relative to its composition (number of pores per inch) The work is approximately distributed, 60% product, 30% foam composition density, pores per inch (PPI) and 10% pressure applied and/or speed of rotation or oscillation.
Abrasive Cutting Foam (40 pores per inch)
Medium Cutting Foam (50 pores per inch)
Light Cutting Foam (60 pores per inch)
Finishing Foam (70 pores per inch)
Fine Application (80 pores per inch)
Ultra-Fine Finishing (100 pores per inch)
Never mix polishes on a foam pad, and never use a foam pad that has been used to apply a compound for polishing unless it has been thoroughly cleaned first.
Compounding, Polishing and Finishing are different polishing methods (stages) that do not necessarily need to be applied consecutively. The appropriate combination of polishing steps depends upon colour and quality of the paint surface; as well as the required quality of finished surface.
(See also Going Through the Grits)
This new, closed cell structure (CCS) foam pads continue to incorporate the latest, Constant Pressure™ technology; this is essentially a flat pad which uses a patented technology layer of engineered, instant rebound foam between the pad and the backing plate to absorb off-axis movements while keeping the pressure of the pad on the surface constant. It allows even beginners to achieve professional-like results, they are very forgiving of less-than-perfect technique by providing the operator greater control. The unique design of these foam pads also allows heat to escape from the pad to reduce the risk of burning the paint. http://www.lakecountrymfg.com
Lake County 6.5-inch CCS Foam Pads:
Foam Pad Use Colour
Polish Cutting Pad (*Yellow)
Polish / Light Cutting Pad (*Orange)
Heavy Polishing (*Green)
Polish / Waxing Pad (*White)
Finessing Pad (*Black)
Finishing Pad (* Blue)
Dual-Action Flexible Urethane Backing Plates (6-inch) with a 5/16-inch diameter direct connection
A Porter-Cable random orbital buffer (PC 7424 /7336SP) will safely remove surface imperfections and I would also recommend the Optimum line of products (www.topoftheline.com) as they are ideal for the inexperienced or neophyte user. The polishes remain clear enabling you to see wither the imperfections have been removed.
(See also
Never mix polishes on a foam pad, and never use a foam pad that has been used to apply a compound for polishing unless it has been thoroughly cleaned first.
Foam Pad Backing Plate:
Always use a smaller sized backing plate then the Velcro™ foam pad you are using (i.e. a 6-inch backing plate and a 6.5-inch foam pad) Never use a backing plate that is larger then the backed foam pad as the backing plate will damage and / or scratch the paintwork.
A 5-inch diameter backing plate when used with a 6.5 -inch foam pad allows a 0.75-inch `safety' margin' between the edge of the backing plate and the foam pad. To ensure compatibility of fit with a Porter-Cable the post adaptor should be a 5/16th-inch-24 threaded shaft.
Note: Use the 6-inch counter weight (Porter Cable PN 699933) to lessen machine / pad vibration.
TOGWT Copyright © 2002-2007. Jon Miller, all rights reserved
Last edited by TOGWT; 03-21-2007 at 10:54 AM.
