Foam Pads I
Kinetic (or dynamic) Friction
Kinetic friction induced
heat is an often misunderstood concept of polishing / compounding; abrasives
require friction to breakdown, not heat; heat is just a resultant of friction
between two surfaces.
Polishing a paint surfaces
transfer’s kinetic (or dynamic) friction induced heat to the paint surface,
thermoplastic polymers have both tensile strength and elongation (elasticity)
which allow the surface to flex, expand
and contract in accordance to surrounding temperatures, solvents, resins and
other ingredients in polishes will expand causing the paint film surface to
expand.
As the metal substrate
expands the paint moves with it, due to its elasticity, thereby becoming
elongated (thinner) this is part of the cause of friction induced ‘burn’,
you’re applying pressure and an abrasive to a less dense (‘thinner’) paint
surface.
The smaller the contact or
surface area of the pad the more kinetic (heat) energy is transferred to a
given paint surface area. (Area = π (r2) - 6-inch = 28.26 sq. ins. 4-inch =
12.46 sq. inch. The amount of applied pressure will also affect the kinetic
friction (heat) energy transferred
The
aggressiveness of foam pads are judged in a couple of different ways. Grading
-pores per square inch (PPI) and density / compression. If you magnify a foam
pad it will look like a honeycomb. The more cells or pores there are per inch,
the higher the PPI rating and the softer the foam. The less cells or pores per
inch would give that pad a lower PPI rating and will tend to make that pad a
bit more aggressive.
There are
other specialty pads that have dimples to collect and spread the polish or
compound, I feel they are designed that way more to set them apart from the competition
than to enhance the buffing process. Only you can be the judge of the
usefulness of these pads.
Pad
Dependency
Any abrasive polish and pad combination is only as fine as its coarsest component. All abrasive polishes are ‘foam pad and applied pressure dependant’ as far as their paint correction abilities are concerned. Any abrasive / pad combination is reliant upon its most abrasive component.
Foam Pad Design
a) Non-reticulated [:foam membranes are completely sealed to
prevent fluid absorption or air penetration] (closed-cell) which means less product
absorption, and less air flow, reticulated foam are relatively less abrasive
and less dense than polymerized foam; due to this density the polish provides
the abrasive ability as opposed to the foams composition (use when thoroughly
dry as they tend to retain water) with polymerized foam your polish stays
wetter for longer, which extends the products work time This pad design is
relatively firm so that none of the machines action (rotational or orbital) is
lost, as is the case with soft foams. Due to their lack of airflow the foam
doesn’t drain that well they are harder to clean, and take longer to dry
b) Reticulated [: foam which is a linked network or matrix
of small squares or shapes] its composition
varies with pore size. Their open-cell construction allows for fluids to
permeate the pad to a greater degree than closed-cell materials, such as non-
reticulated foam and their lower tensile strength allows them to conform to
contours more easily. Reticulated foam, which is a less dense than polymerized
foam, therefore your polish provides the abrasive ability as opposed to the
foam. Porosity is typically 95%, but can be as high as 98%, typically
resistance to compression is decreased while tensile properties like elongation
and resistance to tearing are increased. This pad design is relatively soft so
that some of the machines action (rotational or orbital) is lost
·
Compression
/ Rebound - compression load deflection is the
measurement of how long the foam takes to regain shape after under certain
pressure, foam pads should be compressed to no more than approx. 50% of its
thickness · Tensile strength – the strength of a material refers to the material's ability to resist an applied force
· Density - provides a protective cushion allowing foam compression to maintain constant surface pressure and it also lessens machine vibration. It also affects the amount of polish the pad will hold; foams that hold a high volume of product allows the polish to do the cutting, as opposed to the abrasiveness of the foam. There are many different types and densities of foam available to pad manufacturers. European foam tends to be specifically fabricated for polishing pads whereas US manufactured foam is manufactured for a multitude of products. The combination of pad density, compression and PPI will ultimately determine the aggressiveness of the foam pad.
· Velocity - pad velocity is substantially increased with a larger diameter pad, increased velocity will increase abrasive capability at the outer edge of the pad.
Foam Pad Thickness
Standard foam pads - 1.25
inch pad thickness was set as an industry standard because it prevented solvent
residues and provided insulation from friction heat from reaching the backing
plate, either of which could compromise the Velcro® (delaminate from the
backing material). They have a rounded outer edge for easy transitions over
seams and edges, and there is also a safety margin between the edge of the
baking material and the foam with a ‘standard’ foam pad.
This foam density provides a
protective cushion allowing foam compression to maintain constant surface
pressure and it also lessens machine vibration.
OEM-style 7/8-inch foam pads
- due to the reduced foam thickness tilting a 7/8 inch pad will change the
polishing pressure on the surface.
These foam pads are flat cut
on the top edge, as opposed to a standard 1.25-inch, which have a rounded outer
edge for easy transitions over seams and edges and the backing material is cut
back 3/8 of an inch around the perimeter of the pad to ensure a safety margin.
On the 7/8-ich foam pads the
backing material extends to the edge of the pad where it could scratch the
paint when working in close corners or around mirrors and wings. OEM-Style pads
are designed for high volume pad users where cost is a significant factor
Like all things related to
tools, pad thickness comes down to personal preference.
Pores per inch (PPI)
As an example you could purchase two seemingly similar pads
based upon their PPI rating, but one pad may have thicker walls between each pore,
be made of softer material, feature a reticulated or non-reticulated foam
structure (basically open or closed cell), or simply be a thicker (1.25 or
0.75-inch) foam, which can affect the machine's movements.
Compressible, open cell
polyether polyurethane reticulated foam is usually specified by pores per inch
(PPI).The greater number of pores per inch generally equates to foam that is
softer; and has less abrasive ability, less density, more porosity and easier
compression.
A very aggressive pad would
typically have a PPI rating of 40 or 50 and would be fairly dense in feel.
Light cut pads would be a 60-80 PPI and have a softer feel but still somewhat
dense. Finishing pads are closer to 100 PPI and feel very soft.
Remember the flatter and
more uniform you make the surface, the greater the light reflection .While most
enthusiasts understand this principle when applied to polishing, the same is
true of finishing. The more uniformly you apply the final wax or sealant, the
greater the shine
Scale 30 – 100 pores per inch
(PPI)
•
Abrasive Cutting Foam (40 PPI)
•
Medium Cutting Foam (50 PPI)
•
Light Cutting Foam (60 PPI)
•
Finishing Foam (70 PPI)
•
Fine Application (80 PPI)
•
Ultra-Fine Finishing (100 PPI)
Note: Harder pads (low PPI) create more surface
resistance and consequently more kinetic energy (surface heat)
The thicker consistency
products (i.e. a hard wax) seem to work best with a more porous pad; a very
tight pad used with these types of products seems to load up and clog the pad,
which in a turn leads to product clumping. When applying light consistency
products (i.e. liquid polymer) a more porous pad will absorb and waste product
Note:
Many foam pad mfg. do not use the PPI identification system
Equivalent Abrasive Rating
The grit rating on an
abrasive or polishing pad is an indication that a product is designed remove the surface scratches left
by finishing paper (i.e. 2500 grit scratches are removed by a 2500 grit rated
polish) it doesn't mean that it is a
2500 grit level abrasive.
•
The coarser the abrasive, the faster the cut
•
The more aggressive the pad, the faster the cut
•
Wool cuts faster than lamb’s wool, foamed wools are next, then
foam.
•
Foam pads generate more friction induced heat than wool pads
Transfer of Kinetic Energy
Dependant on pad choice
though the downward pressure though the backing of the pad. The denser the
backing the more cut and abrasive ability the polish has and vice versa.
Open cell pads - have varying cuts, due to the sharper edges being
created, this type of pads absorb the lubricate from the polish and leave the
abrasives within the open cells; effectively increasing the abrasive ability of
the pad. When you add pressure you also reintroduce the lubricant to the
abrasives, which results in a higher cut.
Closed cell pads - have very little cut on their own, as the lubricant sits
on the surface as well as the abrasives, by adding pressure the denser nature
of the foam will deliver a higher cut.
Comparison of Pad Types
Here's a brief guide to help
you select the correct product for your needs, all of these pads have a hook
and loop fastening system. The Velcro™ on both the pad and backing plate allows
you to quickly and easily install and remove the pads listed below:-
Non-Reticulated
Pre-polymer with Collapsed Cell Structure (CCS)
Technology™ quality foam pads are made from specially engineered European foam,
a blend of thermally reticulated polyurethane with a partially closed foam cell
structure, created specifically for compounding, polishing and finishing.
This foam allows air to
circulate through the pad to reduce heat transfer to the paint surface or
product, while maintaining friction; the secret to successful machine polishing
is using the correct type and size of foam pad, and the proper machine
operating rotational and linear speed.
Thin firm foam would work
more efficiently than a thick pad at transferring the eccentric motion of the
orbital offset motion to the paint surface.
Thick foam allows more
downward pressure, and therefore foam compression, which is not necessary with
forced rotation, except when negotiating contours. One of the drawbacks when
applying downward pressure a forced rotation it tends to ‘self’ steer the
machine
Flat pad- provides an even pressure so it will takes more pressure
to stop the random orbital buffers motor, so the finish is more even. They also
produce a ‘feeling’ for the surface that you can gauge better than the variable
contact pads, this style pad is best for medium polishing and finishing work.
Flat foam pads were the
original pads before the introduction of Closed Cell Structure foam, although
they share the same advanced foam compositions. Flat pads have a slightly
different feel compared with closed cell structure foam especially when used
with a rotary polisher.
Once mastered, flat pads
break down the polish quicker since fresh polish and their lubrication oils are
not being constantly re-introduced to the surface; this allows a skilled
technician in a high-volume detail shop or paint and body shop to accomplish
more in less time. They are very efficient when used with non-diminishing
abrasives as they increase the total surface area of the pad, allowing pressure
to be uniformly applied.
It also increases the pad's
rigidity against the backing plate, which is very similar to block wet sanding
(finishing paper and a sanding block) the most effective tool for paint defect
removal because you can abrade the paint surface flat until the defects are removed. Non- diminishing abrasives and a flat foam
pad are similar in application to the block wet-sanding process
Collapsed Cell
Structure (CCS) Technology™ - foam pads were
developed to use on newer clear coat paints. These harder paints require longer
polishing times to remove defects. They also help solve the problem of
premature "drying". Conventional foam pads absorb water-based
formulas, instantly.
This reduces polish and pad
performance because most of the polish is trapped below the working surface of
the pad. Closed cell structure foam solves this problem with partially closed
foam cells, which slow the absorption of liquid, keeping it on the working
surface.
(CCS) foam, which means the
stiffness of the pad, is focused on to the contact surface, while the rest of
the foam remains soft. This type of foam uses intermittent pockets that have
been sealed and can no longer absorb polish. This technology was designed to
reduce pad absorption at the OEM level, where thinner pads are typically used.
This not only extends the
workability of water and solvent-based polishes, levellers and compounds, it
reduces chemical usage, saves time and makes the polishing process a lot
easier. CCS Pads are flat faced. They have dimples across the surface which
reduce surface heat at high speeds, and prevent pad skipping.
Foamed Wool
(Purple) pad - a patented foam process encapsulates
the base of the lamb’s wool fibre with microscopic poly-foam particles. Cuts
like natural sheepskin but finishes like a foam pad. Aggressively removes 1500
grit scratches, leaving a lustrous finish with no hazing by reducing
compounding swirls. The foam has a dense body and the fibres resist caking and
matting, the foaming process also creates minute air pockets at the base of the
fibres, which improves cushioning and retention of compounds and polishes. The
manufacturing process produces a uniform material, resulting in consistent pad
performance, the Foaming process locks in the lamb’s wool fibres, significantly
reducing lint
Constant pressure
foam pad- 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, the curved 6- inch pads outer edge makes
transitioning seams and uneven panel breaks easier and the concave
"dish" in the centre of the pad reduces product splatter, and gives
the operator greater pad control. They are very easy to control, and forgiving
of less-than-perfect technique.
Variable contact foam pad-
provides focused pressure on a reduced surface contact area using the edges of
the pad, making this pad ideal for machine polishing. Be aware that increased
surface pressure may cause a PC motor to stall. Variable contact pads are more
suitable for use with a high-speed rotary polisher
Tufted foam pad-are made
from pre-polymer foam with a 50% open cell structure. This 7.5-inch pad has nine-
times the surface area of a flat pad. This dissipates heat, spreads polish over
a larger area and reduces polish build-up. This pad is ideal for large surface
area polishing, such as the removal of oxidation
Contoured Edge
pad- these pads have a graduated, concave polish
pocket similar to the variable contact foam pads, but with a contoured edge and
a recessed area for the backing plate. These pads have four distinct working
surfaces (1) flat for polishing (2) they can be ‘lifted’ using the outer 1/3rd
of the pad for areas that are tight (3)The outer edge of the pad can be used
for seams or corners (4) the underside can be used for polishing around
mirrors, badges, emblems or other thigh areas.
A curved edge foam pad- is
ideal for working in tight spaces or a surface with lots of curves. Apply the
polish to the outer edge of the pad and the PC can be used at more of an angle,
the PC generates very little heat so this application method can be used
safely, it’s halfway between a flat and VC pad with surface contact.
This pad can also be used
flat, apply more polish on the peak between the curve and recess, utilizing it
like this assimilates a variable contact pad.
Hybrid Power
Finish Ultra Performance Pads- due to high density
foam, these pads are long-wearing and maintain their shape through many uses.
Each pad, with exception to the wool pad, features a 45 degree bevel around the
edge (pictured) that allows constant pressure across the surface. The pad face
is flat to allow full contact with large panels and the bevelled edge makes it
safe to cut in close to vertical panels.
Microfiber Pads- work in a similar way to a closed cell pad, foam
pads distort, stretch and compress while being worked on a polishing machine.
The greater the thickness of the foam between the
backing plate and the car surface, you have one surface that stays rigid, being
driven by the polishing machine, while the foam acts as somewhat of a shock
absorber.
Optimum Polymer Technologies Microfiber Polishing and Cutting
Pads, their low profile, reticulated, open-cell foam interface backing to disperse heat, which provides
superior cooling and provides generous cushioning between the polisher and the
paint that provides excellent flexibility. A cooler running pad equals a longer pad life.
Along with the unique, open cell foam backing is the advanced laminating system
that ensures maximum durability out of the pads. Thanks to this feature, you
can use these pads with either a rotary or a random orbital polisher.
The independent, non-tufted
vertical fibres work like the fingers on your hand. They flex or stiffen when
necessary to reach the peaks and valleys found in wood, painted or other solid
surfaces. This constant flexing and stiffening action produces uniform results
over the entire surface, adding depth and brilliance of shine not found in
other products.
Available in several sizes as a
polishing and cutting pad, they are designed to work with their Hyper Compound
Spray, Hyper Polish Spray and Poli-Seal AIO and will also work with other polishes to provide
superior paint correction. These pads have a similar abrasive ability when
compared to wool
Orbital Polisher- I’ve found superior results with
all orbital buffers in both compounding and polishing. It cuts as well or
better than the orange or yellow foam pads while leaving less marring that is
inherent with these pads. For polishing I’ve found it will remove swirls left
with a rotary buffer and a wool pad. Initial speed #2 to spread and evenly
distribute polish on the pad, speed 4-5 using medium heavy pressure and then
reduce to speed #3 using medium light pressure
Rotary Polisher - tests with the rotary buffer at
1200 RPM it produced amazing results
with fast and easy polishing applications. The deep pile microfiber pads are
thick and designed for long lasting durability. The soft, reticulated, open
cell foam structure reduces heat, also produces less holograms. Clean the pad
using compressed air or a pad conditioning brush after each section.
These are both machine washable.
It’s important to control the
amount of polishing liquid that is on the pad. The key to polishing is removing
any abrasive and abraded paint residue from the pad.
Lake Country (LC) Mfg. - Microfiber Pads - thousands
of hours of R&D and countless design changes have led to the production of
Lake Country Ultra-Fiber Microfiber Pads. They utilize the latest in microfiber
technology to provide a single design that can be used for compounding and
polishing, they are manufactured using ultra-bond adhesive technology to ensure
the pads don’t delaminate, even after countless uses. Available in two
configurations for dual action and rotary polishers (rotary version is thicker with a foam interface to disperse the heat)
they can be used on factory paint, repainted surfaces and custom paint
finishes. They can be used, washed and reused
Pads are available
in the following types:
·
Wool Polishing Pad – this
wool pad is similar to the regular purple foamed wool pad but has more foam in
the core, making it denser. The foam-wool composition means this pad sheds
less, cuts better, and leaves a smoother finish than a standard wool pad.
·
Orange
Heavy Cutting Pad – This hybrid foam pad provides the level of cut expected
from a foam cutting pad, but finishes like a foam finishing pad! It removes
most paint imperfections and leaves a finish that is nearly wax ready.
·
Green
Medium Polishing Pad - offers a mild polishing power yet leaves the surface
with a high gloss finish. It is excellent on German finishes including the new
scratch-resistant clear coats.
·
Blue
Light Cutting Pad – this light cutting pad features super dense construction which
enables it to remove defects quickly without compressing, like softer pads can.
·
White Polishing Pad – the white pad features very
dense foam. Use this pad to remove light imperfections, apply a light polish,
cleaner wax, and any jobs for which you'd use the standard Lake Country white
polishing pad.
·
Black Finishing Pad – this pad provides no
mechanical cutting ability but thanks to its dense foam, it provides superior
control while polishing. It features super soft foam, which makes it ideal for
finishing polishes, waxes, sealants, and glazes.
Use caution when removing pads from the backing plate; don’t directly pull the
foam / microfiber portion of the disc, grab the entire thickness so that you
pull it off the hook and loop attachment system.
Purple Foamed Wool Pad (PFW)
Lake Country Mfg.
(LC) developed these pads for high production,
OEM/Industrial users. Aggressively removes 1500 grit scratches, leaving a
lustrous finish with no hazing by reducing compounding swirls while retaining a
high gloss. Patented process encapsulates the base of the lamb’s wool fibres
with microscopic polythene foam particles. Cuts like natural sheepskin but
finishes like a foam pad. Foamed fibres resist caking and matting, foaming
process also creates minute air pockets at the base of the fibres, which
improves cushioning and retention of compounds and polishes.
A rotary at 1500 RPM coupled
with a primed PFW, on a 24 x 24 – inch working area for approximately 1 minute;
aggressively removes 1500 grit scratches, leaving a lustrous finish with no
hazing by reducing compounding swirls while retaining a high gloss.
Wool pads are not
recommended for random orbital machines (Porter Cable 7424, etc.) as wool pads
nap / fibres works more efficiently with a centrifugal motion.
Foam cutting pads tend to be much’ stiffer’
than wool fibres and thus will transfer the movement of the machine to the
paint surface more efficiently than a comparable wool pad on an orbital
polisher
3M™ Trizact P5000 Foam Discs -
these discs are ultra-fine 5000 grit) they
allow you to level more serious defects , which may save the ultra-thin
coating found on PPG/Mercedes Benz's CeramiClear as they use an ultra-thin layer of ceramic clear coat
over the regular clear coat. These ultra-fine papers allow you to level serious
defects without removing too much of this ultra-thin final coating.
The 3M Trizact P5000 (grit) Foam
Discs are available in 3 sizes: 3 inch, 5 inch, and 6 inch.
Foam Interface Pad
Use of a foam interface pad
between the sanding disc and the backing plate is recommended. Foam Interface
Pad is made to improve your results during sanding, refinishing and spot repair
projects. The foam pad improves the sanding disc's ability to follow the curves
and contours of a vehicle.
The foam interface pad makes
machine sanding smoother for the technician and enables the sanding disc to
conform better to curved body panels. Using an interface pad also reduces the
aggressiveness of the sanding action and reduces the chance of creating coarser
scratches.
New Abrasive
Technology
These ultra-fine cut
finishing discs are made from a Silicon Carbide Mineral embedded in a cured
resin medium on a flexible film. The polyurethane foam backing is designed for wet
use. 3M Trizact 5000 Discs should only be used with water for both machine and
hand sanding.
Going through the grits
What does this mean?” No it’s not a reference to eating
breakfast in Georgia!
It’s a very similar idea to
‘Least aggressive first’ it refers to the process of using different grit
finishing papers, of progressively finer
grit or foam / wool pads with progressively denser pads to get a smooth finish,
the higher numbers indicate a smoother finish.
By going through the grits each progressive
piece of grit finishing paper or pad removes the scratches from that previously
used; the higher numbers indicate a smoother finish. Always start with the
least abrasive combination, i.e. a machine polish and the least aggressive foam
or wool pad.
Select an
abrasive polish to match the scratch you are trying to remove; by using the least abrasive combination of polish /
pads to remove the defect, before moving
up to a more abrasive combination. It makes no sense to use a very aggressive
polish, that will remove most scratches but to the detriment of the clear coats
thickness.
Notes:
1. Always
choose the least intrusive product, it is preferable to polish 2-3 times to
restore the paint film surface than to use an unnecessarily abrasive machine
polish / foam pad combination.
2. Before
commencing polishing do a test panel on the car, once you have achieved the
desired results with the chosen polish / pad combination proceed
Grit Numbers
Sandpaper or finishing paper is the most common item from a larger group
of products known as "coated abrasives" i.e. Aluminium oxide.
Be cognizant
that both polish / compound and pad grit numbers are referenced to a rotary
polisher using wool pads (to the best of
my knowledge they have never been changed to suit orbital polishers or foam
pads) the higher numbers indicate a smoother finish.
Grit rating:
this is the level of scratches made on a paint surface by finishing paper on
newly applied OEM paint on the production line i.e. before it has been oven
dried and cured The grit rating on an abrasive or polishing pad is an
indication that a product is designed remove the surface scratches left by
finishing paper i.e. 2500 grit scratches are removed by a 2500 grit rated
polish) it doesn't mean that it is a 2500 grit level abrasive. To remove these
scratches would need a finer grit (>2000 grit).
Finishing paper - "grit" is a
reference to the number of abrasive particles per inch of paper. It eliminates
the risk of deep sanding scratches by providing a uniform grit size. This makes
sense if you imagine how small the grit particles on a 1000-grit finishing paper
would need to be to fit into a 1- inch square. Grit finishing paper is referred
to by the size of its abrasives (i.e. 1500-grit paper) the grit rating you use
depends on what you are trying to remove
Polishes and compounds –
also have a grit number associated with them.
The abrasive ability for a polish depends on the shape of its particles,
not necessarily their size. A medium size, spiked abrasive will tumble and dig.
However, a large round crystal won't leave a deep scratch. A large hard
abrasive may also be brittle. It will cut once and lose its edge, while a
softer small abrasive will hold its edge and keep on cutting. Many smaller
abrasives have wedge shaped edges protruding from triangular crystals. These
can easily slice through an oxidized layer of paint
Foam pads - are also rated on a grit
number, that is to say the ‘level’ of scratches they will remove after using
grit finishing paper along with a similarly rated polish (i.e. 2500 grit rated
pad and polish combination will remove the marks left after using 2500 grit
finishing paper) The abrasive ability for a foam pad depends on both the
composition (hard or soft) and the number of pores per inch (PPI).
Start by
electing an abrasive polish to match the
scratch you are trying to remove; by using
the least abrasive combination of polish / pads to remove the
defect, before moving up to a more
abrasive combination. It makes no sense to use a very aggressive polish, that
will remove most scratches but to the detriment of the clear coats thickness.
Once you have identified the
scratch ‘grit’ marks you can match a polish and a foam pad (i.e. 2500 grit
marks, require a polish that is capable of removing 2500 grit (number) marks,
matched with a suitable cutting pad (e.g. Menzerna Power Finish (PO203S) this
is a one-step scratch remover polish that will remove 2500 grit, matched with a
LC White light cutting foam pad)
1. 1000
< grit Heavy - (Compound) levels and removes heavy defects
2. 1200
grit Heavy - levels moderate to heavy defects
3. 1500
grit Medium - levels light to moderate defects
4. 2000
grit Moderate - levels light defects and removes hazing
5. 2500
grit Light - levels swirl marks, light defects and removes hazing
6. 3000
grit Fine - very minor corrective ability, burnishes paint to high gloss
Notes:
1.
Always select the least
aggressive pad you think you will need to achieve the desired result; and step
up one grade at a time if more cut is required.
2.
Always ensure that excess
polish residue on the face of the pad is brushed off regularly during use using
a Pad Conditioning Brush (failure to follow this advice can lead to
micro-marring of the finish
Pad Dependency
Any abrasive
polish and pad combination is only as fine as its coarsest component. All
abrasive polishes are ‘foam
pad and applied pressure dependant’ as far as
their paint correction abilities are concerned. Any abrasive / pad combination
is reliant upon its most abrasive component.
If we consider the Lake Country Mfg. (LC)
White foam (50 PPI) polishing pad as the baseline; any polish used will derive
help from the abrasive abilities of the foam. Then consider the LC Blue (70
PPI) finishing pad has no abrasive ability and will contribute nothing to the
cutting capability of a polish.
What is derived from this is that
a polishes abrasive ability can be ‘fine-tuned’ by using different combinations
(abrasiveness) of polish and foam (the same thing is true of wool pads) and of
course differing the amount of downward pressure (10-15 Lbs is the usual range)
applied will also have an effect on the abrasives capability
Different pad / product combinations
(least abrasive pad / polish first)
b)
Step-up 1 - using the same pad with a more
abrasive product
c) Step-up II – use a less
abrasive pad and the same product as used in step-up I
d) Step-up III- using the same pad with a more abrasive product
As can been ascertained from the above the total abrasive ability of a
polish / foam pad combination is subject to many variables, the polishes
abrasive ability is just the starting point.
If you need to be more aggressive, step
up from a foam pad to a Foam / Wool hybrid and then Wool then Microfiber, if
that doesn't work, go to a SurBuf pad and after that you’ll need to switch your
polish or compounds.
Factors that increase abrasion ability
·
Increased speed (Velocity)
·
Increased pressure (Pad compression)
·
Use smaller pad (Reduced surface Area)
·
Using a firmer pad (Increases surface resistance and kinetic energy
(heat transfer)
·
Using a slower panel transition speed (Increased surface contact
time)
·
Reduce the working area
The key to the polishing process
is to know how the paint will react with each pad / polish combination you
consider using. You must know your product and what its capabilities are before
using it. This is why a ‘test’ spot is so important.
The factors that affect the
outcome -speed, friction (kinetic energy) applied pressure, foam pad actual
surface contact area, pad grit number (abrasive ability) amount of surface
lubrication available, the surface area and heat conductivity of material
All pads have a performance
cycle, meaning you will get the desired results only to a certain point on that
curve. The point of declining performance is typically reached by polish /
compound pad being overloaded with product; you should always be able to see
the individual cells or texture of the pad, with proper, regular cleaning pad
overload can be avoided.
Clean (or replace) you pads frequently: pads are easy to clean. Do not
use the same pad to apply differing products as cross contamination will reduce
the effectiveness or completely negate their purpose altogether. A new or
freshly cleaned / primed pad should be used with each type of abrasive product.
A polishing pad, even if it’s
been primed correctly, will become dry due to paint debris loading up the pad
surface (paint oxidation) this can be eliminated if you use a ‘blast’ of
compressed air or run the pad (foam or microfiber) against a damp towel and
then apply more compound and continue.
As an alternative, use the first
polishing pass to remove paint oxidation, by using a chemical paint cleaner and
polishing pad combination and give a light polish and then changing to a clean
primed pad that matches the requirements of the ‘Test Panel’. This will ensure
that the second polishing is actually removing paint surface defects and is not
hindered by paint oxidation debris.
General
Rules
1.
With
a random orbital polisher; the limiting factor to pad size is the actual power
of the machine. Using larger pads on these machines actually reduces the amount
of polishing power due to the surface resistance of the pad, which will cause
the motor to slow down or stall. Conversely using a smaller pad will increase
the power available by reducing the surface resistance by concentrating motor
power on a smaller area.
2.
With
smaller pads you gain increased control and manoeuvrability. Smaller pads
generate more kinetic friction (and subsequently, increased heat) with a PC,
which breaks down polishes by generating energy (and applied pressure) over a
concentrated area. The random orbiting motion of the PC generates the most
power in the centre of the pad (i.e. area of a 6.5 – inch pad is 33 – square
inches compared to the area of a 4 – inch pad, which is 12.5 – square inches)
This additional pressure / cutting power will facilitate the removal of deeper
imperfections
3.
The
opposite is true with rotary buffers. The speed of the outer edge of a smaller
(radius) pad is slower than that of a larger (radius) pad. This helps reduce
the amount of friction generated, which makes polishing tighter areas much
safer.
4.
Do
not use the same pad to apply differing products as cross contamination will
reduce the effectiveness or completely negate their purpose altogether. A new
or freshly cleaned pad must be used with each type of car care product.
5.
Water
will increase the abrasiveness of a polish; but unlike wool, a foam pad has no
fibres to twist, bend, and reshape, therefore helping to loosen the abrasive,
so water tends to cause abrasive-clumping, which is detrimental to its
performance, it can also cause the pad / abrasive to aquaplane, negating the
abrasive
6.
There
is no recognizable standard between manufacturers that use colour as an
identification of the abrasiveness of a foam
7. Apply pressure to the foam; if it springs back the
pad is fine. If it stays compressed the foam core is damaged and it’s time to
replace the pad.
Backing plates
A rotary polisher has 5/8-inch (14mm) diameter shaft, an orbital
polisher has a 5/16-inch 24 spindle thread (8mm) female thread. The type of backing plate is even
more important than most detailer’s realize, as an incorrect choice can cause
overheating, contribute to swirls, compromise a pad, or add to its durability
or help it to stay cooler
The backing plate directly transfers
the kinetic friction (energy) of the machine to the paint surface via the pad. The foam pad
will absorb the amount of orbital movement produced by the machine polisher
unless sufficient pressure is applied to compress the pad (to approx. 50%).
Using a properly sized backing
plate allows for the equal distribution of pressure across the entire face area
of the pad; making it more efficient; as a
backing plate only compresses the
area of the pad that is directly underneath it.
A polishing system is more
efficient when used with the correct sized backing plate. Using a backing plate
that is slightly smaller than the pad uses utilizes the whole surface contact
area of the pad; you should not use an oversized backing plate.
If the backing plate is too small for
the pad, you reduce the effective contact surface area of the pad that is able to
polish effectively, there is
also a possibility that the backing plate will ‘cut’ the foam causing it to
fail.
Allow a maximum of ¼-inch as a safety
margin (i.e. 6.5 -inch pad- 6-inch backing plate, 5.5-inch pad -4.75-inch
backing plate) this will allow the
maximum pad surface contact area, and equal pad compression over the pad
contact surface ensuring efficient polishing
A hard and inflexible backing
plate will affect the performance of a foam pad; by making it slightly more
aggressive (stiffness) and may cause swirl marks. The inflexible plastic on
many backing plates has zero give and therefore will not adjust to the
contoured body panels. The exception would be a plate bonded to a thick layer
of dense cellular foam Lake
Country Mfg. (LC) CCS pads.
It’s time to replace the backing
plate when they become noticeably less flexible or when the composite rubber
stats to crumble, always check the metal attachment post and if there is any
damage then replace.
Always use the recommended sized backing plate for the pad you
are using. Do not use a backing plate that is larger than the foam or wool pad
Use caution when removing pads from the backing plate; don’t directly pull the
foam / microfiber portion of the disc, grab the entire thickness so that you
pull it off the hook and loop attachment system.
Flexible backing plates
Lake
Country Mfg. (LC) mfg. Grip Easy™ Edge
·
Easy plate removal for quick pad changes
·
Prolongs life of loop material on pads
·
Moulded
polyurethane construction
·
Hook material moulded into plate eliminates delamination
·
Flexible edge
·
Flexible
plastic centre hub
·
Ideal for transitions from flat to contoured surfaces
·
Reduces risk of spot heating
·
Plated steel
threaded insert(5/8-inch or 14mm)
·
Will not cross-thread
·
Reinforced
inner construction
·
Steel struts moulded into centre hub for superior strength
Centre the Pad
To centre the foam pad on to
the backing plate, set it upside down with the Velcro backing plate facing up
(this is easier if the side handle is attached). Using the tips of your fingers
as spacers against the edges of the backing plate, you can centre it with near
perfect results most of the time
When removing the foam pad
from the backing plate do not just grab the foam and pull or you may find it
separates, hold the Velcro and gently pull the pad to prevent any damage. A
5-ich diameter backing plate when used with a 61/2-inch foam pad allows a ¾
-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
5/16inch-24.
Mirrors, badges, emblems or other thigh areas.
A curved edge foam pad- is
ideal for working in tight spaces or a surface with lots of curves. Apply the
polish to the outer edge of the pad and the PC can be used at more of an angle,
the PC generates very little heat so this application method can be used
safely, it’s halfway between a flat and VC pad with surface contact.
1. Always
choose the least intrusive product, it is preferable to polish 2-3 times to
restore the paint film surface than to use an unnecessarily abrasive machine
polish / foam pad combination.
Sandpaper or finishing paper is the most common item from a larger group
of products known as "coated abrasives" i.e. Aluminium oxide.
Any abrasive
polish and pad combination is only as fine as its coarsest component. All
abrasive polishes are ‘foam
pad and applied pressure dependant’ as far as
their paint correction abilities are concerned. Any abrasive / pad combination
is reliant upon its most abrasive component.
If we consider the Lake Country Mfg. (LC)
White foam (50 PPI) polishing pad as the baseline; any polish used will derive
help from the abrasive abilities of the foam. Then consider the LC Blue (70
PPI) finishing pad has no abrasive ability and will contribute nothing to the
cutting capability of a polish.
a)
Base pad / product (least abrasive pad / product)
if this combination does not provide the desired results, increase the
aggressiveness of the technique or product selection.
As can been ascertained from the above the total abrasive ability of a polish / foam pad combination is subject to many variables, the polishes abrasive ability is just the starting point.
If you need to be more aggressive, step
up from a foam pad to a Foam / Wool hybrid and then Wool then Microfiber, if
that doesn't work, go to a SurBuf pad and after that you’ll need to switch your
polish or compounds.
This pad can also be used
flat, apply more polish on the peak between the curve and recess, utilizing it
like this assimilates a variable contact pad.
Hybrid Power
Finish Ultra Performance Pads- due to high density
foam, these pads are long-wearing and maintain their shape through many uses.
Each pad, with exception to the wool pad, features a 45 degree bevel around the
edge (pictured) that allows constant pressure across the surface. The pad face
is flat to allow full contact with large panels and the bevelled edge makes it
safe to cut in close to vertical panels.
Microfiber Pads- work in a similar way to a closed cell pad, foam
pads distort, stretch and compress while being worked on a polishing machine.
The greater the thickness of the foam between the
backing plate and the car surface, you have one surface that stays rigid, being
driven by the polishing machine, while the foam acts as somewhat of a shock
absorber.
Optimum Polymer Technologies Microfiber Polishing and Cutting
Pads, their low profile, reticulated, open-cell foam interface backing to disperse heat, which provides
superior cooling and provides generous cushioning between the polisher and the
paint that provides excellent flexibility. A cooler running pad equals a longer pad life.
Along with the unique, open cell foam backing is the advanced laminating system
that ensures maximum durability out of the pads. Thanks to this feature, you
can use these pads with either a rotary or a random orbital polisher.
The independent, non-tufted
vertical fibres work like the fingers on your hand. They flex or stiffen when
necessary to reach the peaks and valleys found in wood, painted or other solid
surfaces. This constant flexing and stiffening action produces uniform results
over the entire surface, adding depth and brilliance of shine not found in
other products.
Available in several sizes as a
polishing and cutting pad, they are designed to work with their Hyper Compound
Spray, Hyper Polish Spray and Poli-Seal AIO and will also work with other polishes to provide
superior paint correction. These pads have a similar abrasive ability when
compared to wool
Orbital Polisher- I’ve found superior results with
all orbital buffers in both compounding and polishing. It cuts as well or
better than the orange or yellow foam pads while leaving less marring that is
inherent with these pads. For polishing I’ve found it will remove swirls left
with a rotary buffer and a wool pad. Initial speed #2 to spread and evenly
distribute polish on the pad, speed 4-5 using medium heavy pressure and then
reduce to speed #3 using medium light pressure
Rotary Polisher - tests with the rotary buffer at
1200 RPM it produced amazing results
with fast and easy polishing applications. The deep pile microfiber pads are
thick and designed for long lasting durability. The soft, reticulated, open
cell foam structure reduces heat, also produces less holograms. Clean the pad
using compressed air or a pad conditioning brush after each section.
These are both machine washable.
It’s important to control the
amount of polishing liquid that is on the pad. The key to polishing is removing
any abrasive and abraded paint residue from the pad.
Lake Country (LC) Mfg. - Microfiber Pads - thousands
of hours of R&D and countless design changes have led to the production of
Lake Country Ultra-Fiber Microfiber Pads. They utilize the latest in microfiber
technology to provide a single design that can be used for compounding and
polishing, they are manufactured using ultra-bond adhesive technology to ensure
the pads don’t delaminate, even after countless uses. Available in two
configurations for dual action and rotary polishers (rotary version is thicker with a foam interface to disperse the heat)
they can be used on factory paint, repainted surfaces and custom paint
finishes. They can be used, washed and reused
Pads are available
in the following types:
·
Wool Polishing Pad – this
wool pad is similar to the regular purple foamed wool pad but has more foam in
the core, making it denser. The foam-wool composition means this pad sheds
less, cuts better, and leaves a smoother finish than a standard wool pad.
·
Orange
Heavy Cutting Pad – This hybrid foam pad provides the level of cut expected
from a foam cutting pad, but finishes like a foam finishing pad! It removes
most paint imperfections and leaves a finish that is nearly wax ready.
·
Green
Medium Polishing Pad - offers a mild polishing power yet leaves the surface
with a high gloss finish. It is excellent on German finishes including the new
scratch-resistant clear coats.
·
Blue
Light Cutting Pad – this light cutting pad features super dense construction which
enables it to remove defects quickly without compressing, like softer pads can.
·
White Polishing Pad – the white pad features very
dense foam. Use this pad to remove light imperfections, apply a light polish,
cleaner wax, and any jobs for which you'd use the standard Lake Country white
polishing pad.
·
Black Finishing Pad – this pad provides no
mechanical cutting ability but thanks to its dense foam, it provides superior
control while polishing. It features super soft foam, which makes it ideal for
finishing polishes, waxes, sealants, and glazes.
Use caution when removing pads from the backing plate; don’t directly pull the
foam / microfiber portion of the disc, grab the entire thickness so that you
pull it off the hook and loop attachment system.
Purple Foamed Wool Pad (PFW)
Lake Country Mfg.
(LC) developed these pads for high production,
OEM/Industrial users. Aggressively removes 1500 grit scratches, leaving a
lustrous finish with no hazing by reducing compounding swirls while retaining a
high gloss. Patented process encapsulates the base of the lamb’s wool fibres
with microscopic polythene foam particles. Cuts like natural sheepskin but
finishes like a foam pad. Foamed fibres resist caking and matting, foaming
process also creates minute air pockets at the base of the fibres, which
improves cushioning and retention of compounds and polishes.
A rotary at 1500 RPM coupled
with a primed PFW, on a 24 x 24 – inch working area for approximately 1 minute;
aggressively removes 1500 grit scratches, leaving a lustrous finish with no
hazing by reducing compounding swirls while retaining a high gloss.
Wool pads are not
recommended for random orbital machines (Porter Cable 7424, etc.) as wool pads
nap / fibres works more efficiently with a centrifugal motion.
Foam cutting pads tend to be much’ stiffer’
than wool fibres and thus will transfer the movement of the machine to the
paint surface more efficiently than a comparable wool pad on an orbital
polisher
3M™ Trizact P5000 Foam Discs -
these discs are ultra-fine 5000 grit) they
allow you to level more serious defects , which may save the ultra-thin
coating found on PPG/Mercedes Benz's CeramiClear as they use an ultra-thin layer of ceramic clear coat
over the regular clear coat. These ultra-fine papers allow you to level serious
defects without removing too much of this ultra-thin final coating.
The 3M Trizact P5000 (grit) Foam
Discs are available in 3 sizes: 3 inch, 5 inch, and 6 inch.
Foam Interface Pad
Use of a foam interface pad
between the sanding disc and the backing plate is recommended. Foam Interface
Pad is made to improve your results during sanding, refinishing and spot repair
projects. The foam pad improves the sanding disc's ability to follow the curves
and contours of a vehicle.
The foam interface pad makes
machine sanding smoother for the technician and enables the sanding disc to
conform better to curved body panels. Using an interface pad also reduces the
aggressiveness of the sanding action and reduces the chance of creating coarser
scratches.
New Abrasive
Technology
These ultra-fine cut
finishing discs are made from a Silicon Carbide Mineral embedded in a cured
resin medium on a flexible film. The polyurethane foam backing is designed for
wet use. 3M Trizact 5000 Discs should only be used with water for both machine
and hand sanding.
Going through the grits
What does this mean?” No it’s not a reference to eating
breakfast in Georgia!
It’s a very similar idea to
‘Least aggressive first’ it refers to the process of using different grit
finishing papers, of progressively finer
grit or foam / wool pads with progressively denser pads to get a smooth finish,
the higher numbers indicate a smoother finish.
By going through the grits each progressive
piece of grit finishing paper or pad removes the scratches from that previously
used; the higher numbers indicate a smoother finish. Always start with the
least abrasive combination, i.e. a machine polish and the least aggressive foam
or wool pad.
Select an
abrasive polish to match the scratch you are trying to remove; by using the least abrasive combination of polish /
pads to remove the defect, before moving
up to a more abrasive combination. It makes no sense to use a very aggressive
polish, that will remove most scratches but to the detriment of the clear coats
thickness.
Notes:
2. Before
commencing polishing do a test panel on the car, once you have achieved the
desired results with the chosen polish / pad combination proceed
Grit
Numbers
Be cognizant
that both polish / compound and pad grit numbers are referenced to a rotary
polisher using wool pads (to the best of
my knowledge they have never been changed to suit orbital polishers or foam
pads) the higher numbers indicate a smoother finish.
Grit rating: this
is the level of scratches made on a paint surface by finishing paper on newly
applied OEM paint on the production line i.e. before it has been oven dried and
cured The grit rating on an abrasive or polishing pad is an indication that a
product is designed remove the surface scratches left by finishing paper i.e.
2500 grit scratches are removed by a 2500 grit rated polish) it doesn't mean
that it is a 2500 grit level abrasive. To remove these scratches would need a
finer grit (>2000 grit).
Finishing paper - "grit" is a
reference to the number of abrasive particles per inch of paper. It eliminates
the risk of deep sanding scratches by providing a uniform grit size. This makes
sense if you imagine how small the grit particles on a 1000-grit finishing
paper would need to be to fit into a 1- inch square. Grit finishing paper is
referred to by the size of its abrasives (i.e. 1500-grit paper) the grit rating
you use depends on what you are trying to remove
Polishes and compounds –
also have a grit number associated with them.
The abrasive ability for a polish depends on the shape of its particles,
not necessarily their size. A medium size, spiked abrasive will tumble and dig.
However, a large round crystal won't leave a deep scratch. A large hard
abrasive may also be brittle. It will cut once and lose its edge, while a
softer small abrasive will hold its edge and keep on cutting. Many smaller
abrasives have wedge shaped edges protruding from triangular crystals. These
can easily slice through an oxidized layer of paint
Foam pads - are also rated on a grit
number, that is to say the ‘level’ of scratches they will remove after using
grit finishing paper along with a similarly rated polish (i.e. 2500 grit rated
pad and polish combination will remove the marks left after using 2500 grit
finishing paper) The abrasive ability for a foam pad depends on both the
composition (hard or soft) and the number of pores per inch (PPI).
Start by
electing an abrasive polish to match the
scratch you are trying to remove; by using
the least abrasive combination of polish / pads to remove the
defect, before moving up to a more
abrasive combination. It makes no sense to use a very aggressive polish, that
will remove most scratches but to the detriment of the clear coats thickness.
Once you have identified the
scratch ‘grit’ marks you can match a polish and a foam pad (i.e. 2500 grit
marks, require a polish that is capable of removing 2500 grit (number) marks,
matched with a suitable cutting pad (e.g. Menzerna Power Finish (PO203S) this
is a one-step scratch remover polish that will remove 2500 grit, matched with a
LC White light cutting foam pad)
1. 1000
< grit Heavy - (Compound) levels and removes heavy defects
2. 1200
grit Heavy - levels moderate to heavy defects
3. 1500
grit Medium - levels light to moderate defects
4. 2000
grit Moderate - levels light defects and removes hazing
5. 2500
grit Light - levels swirl marks, light defects and removes hazing
6. 3000
grit Fine - very minor corrective ability, burnishes paint to high gloss
Notes:
1.
Always select the least
aggressive pad you think you will need to achieve the desired result; and step
up one grade at a time if more cut is required.
2.
Always ensure that excess
polish residue on the face of the pad is brushed off regularly during use using
a Pad Conditioning Brush (failure to follow this advice can lead to
micro-marring of the finish
Pad Dependency
What is derived from this is that
a polishes abrasive ability can be ‘fine-tuned’ by using different combinations
(abrasiveness) of polish and foam (the same thing is true of wool pads) and of
course differing the amount of downward pressure (10-15 Lbs is the usual range)
applied will also have an effect on the abrasives capability
Different pad / product combinations
(least abrasive pad / polish first)
b)
Step-up 1 - using the same pad with a more
abrasive product
c) Step-up II – use a less
abrasive pad and the same product as used in step-up I
d) Step-up III- using the same pad with a more abrasive product
As can been ascertained from the above the total abrasive ability of a polish / foam pad combination is subject to many variables, the polishes abrasive ability is just the starting point.
Factors that increase abrasion ability
·
Increased speed (Velocity)
·
Increased pressure (Pad compression)
·
Use smaller pad (Reduced surface Area)
·
Using a firmer pad (Increases surface resistance and kinetic energy
(heat transfer)
·
Using a slower panel transition speed (Increased surface contact
time)
·
Reduce the working area
The key to the polishing process
is to know how the paint will react with each pad / polish combination you
consider using. You must know your product and what its capabilities are before
using it. This is why a ‘test’ spot is so important.
The factors that affect the
outcome -speed, friction (kinetic energy) applied pressure, foam pad actual
surface contact area, pad grit number (abrasive ability) amount of surface
lubrication available, the surface area and heat conductivity of material
All pads have a performance
cycle, meaning you will get the desired results only to a certain point on that
curve. The point of declining performance is typically reached by polish /
compound pad being overloaded with product; you should always be able to see
the individual cells or texture of the pad, with proper, regular cleaning pad
overload can be avoided.
Clean (or replace) you pads frequently: pads are easy to clean. Do not
use the same pad to apply differing products as cross contamination will reduce
the effectiveness or completely negate their purpose altogether. A new or
freshly cleaned / primed pad should be used with each type of abrasive product.
A polishing pad, even if it’s
been primed correctly, will become dry due to paint debris loading up the pad
surface (paint oxidation) this can be eliminated if you use a ‘blast’ of
compressed air or run the pad (foam or microfiber) against a damp towel and
then apply more compound and continue.
As an alternative, use the first
polishing pass to remove paint oxidation, by using a chemical paint cleaner and
polishing pad combination and give a light polish and then changing to a clean
primed pad that matches the requirements of the ‘Test Panel’. This will ensure
that the second polishing is actually removing paint surface defects and is not
hindered by paint oxidation debris.
General
Rules
1.
With
a random orbital polisher; the limiting factor to pad size is the actual power
of the machine. Using larger pads on these machines actually reduces the amount
of polishing power due to the surface resistance of the pad, which will cause
the motor to slow down or stall. Conversely using a smaller pad will increase
the power available by reducing the surface resistance by concentrating motor
power on a smaller area.
2.
With
smaller pads you gain increased control and manoeuvrability. Smaller pads
generate more kinetic friction (and subsequently, increased heat) with a PC,
which breaks down polishes by generating energy (and applied pressure) over a
concentrated area. The random orbiting motion of the PC generates the most power
in the centre of the pad (i.e. area of a 6.5 – inch pad is 33 – square inches
compared to the area of a 4 – inch pad, which is 12.5 – square inches) This
additional pressure / cutting power will facilitate the removal of deeper
imperfections
3.
The
opposite is true with rotary buffers. The speed of the outer edge of a smaller
(radius) pad is slower than that of a larger (radius) pad. This helps reduce
the amount of friction generated, which makes polishing tighter areas much
safer.
4.
Do
not use the same pad to apply differing products as cross contamination will
reduce the effectiveness or completely negate their purpose altogether. A new
or freshly cleaned pad must be used with each type of car care product.
5.
Water
will increase the abrasiveness of a polish; but unlike wool, a foam pad has no
fibres to twist, bend, and reshape, therefore helping to loosen the abrasive,
so water tends to cause abrasive-clumping, which is detrimental to its
performance, it can also cause the pad / abrasive to aquaplane, negating the
abrasive
6.
There
is no recognizable standard between manufacturers that use colour as an
identification of the abrasiveness of a foam
7. Apply pressure to the foam; if it springs back the
pad is fine. If it stays compressed the foam core is damaged and it’s time to
replace the pad.
Backing plates
A rotary polisher has 5/8-inch (14mm) diameter shaft, an orbital
polisher has a 5/16-inch 24 spindle thread (8mm) female thread. The type of backing plate is even
more important than most detailer’s realize, as an incorrect choice can cause
overheating, contribute to swirls, compromise a pad, or add to its durability
or help it to stay cooler
The backing plate directly transfers
the kinetic friction (energy) of the machine to the paint surface via the pad. The foam pad
will absorb the amount of orbital movement produced by the machine polisher
unless sufficient pressure is applied to compress the pad (to approx. 50%).
Using a properly sized backing
plate allows for the equal distribution of pressure across the entire face area
of the pad; making it more efficient; as a
backing plate only compresses the
area of the pad that is directly underneath it.
A polishing system is more
efficient when used with the correct sized backing plate. Using a backing plate
that is slightly smaller than the pad uses utilizes the whole surface contact
area of the pad; you should not use an oversized backing plate.
If the backing plate is too small for
the pad, you reduce the effective contact surface area of the pad that is able to
polish effectively, there is
also a possibility that the backing plate will ‘cut’ the foam causing it to
fail.
Allow a maximum of ¼-inch as a
safety margin (i.e. 6.5 -inch pad- 6-inch backing plate, 5.5-inch pad
-4.75-inch backing plate) this will
allow the maximum pad surface contact area, and equal pad compression over the
pad contact surface ensuring efficient polishing
A hard and inflexible backing
plate will affect the performance of a foam pad; by making it slightly more
aggressive (stiffness) and may cause swirl marks. The inflexible plastic on
many backing plates has zero give and therefore will not adjust to the
contoured body panels. The exception would be a plate bonded to a thick layer
of dense cellular foam Lake
Country Mfg. (LC) CCS pads.
It’s time to replace the backing
plate when they become noticeably less flexible or when the composite rubber
stats to crumble, always check the metal attachment post and if there is any
damage then replace.
Always use the recommended sized backing plate for the pad you
are using. Do not use a backing plate that is larger than the foam or wool pad
Use caution when removing pads from the backing plate; don’t directly pull the
foam / microfiber portion of the disc, grab the entire thickness so that you
pull it off the hook and loop attachment system.
Flexible backing plates
Lake
Country Mfg. (LC) mfg. Grip Easy™ Edge
·
Easy plate removal for quick pad changes
·
Prolongs life of loop material on pads
·
Moulded
polyurethane construction
·
Hook material moulded into plate eliminates delamination
·
Flexible edge
·
Flexible
plastic centre hub
·
Ideal for transitions from flat to contoured surfaces
·
Reduces risk of spot heating
·
Plated steel
threaded insert(5/8-inch or 14mm)
·
Will not cross-thread
·
Reinforced
inner construction
·
Steel struts moulded into centre hub for superior strength
Centre the Pad
To centre the foam pad on to
the backing plate, set it upside down with the Velcro backing plate facing up
(this is easier if the side handle is attached). Using the tips of your fingers
as spacers against the edges of the backing plate, you can centre it with near
perfect results most of the time
When removing the foam pad
from the backing plate do not just grab the foam and pull or you may find it
separates, hold the Velcro and gently pull the pad to prevent any damage. A
5-ich diameter backing plate when used with a 61/2-inch foam pad allows a ¾
-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
5/16inch-24.
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