Cheap 6" polisher/buffer pads that work good? (Foam)

[Sh40674]

Gonna give a go at compounding my wifes car and my truck with meguiars ultimate compound and ultimate polish, followed by using the polisher to apply the wax as well. Looking for some cheap pads, haven't buffed a vehicle since I was a teenager so I dont want to go all out until I get the feel for it again... harbor freight pads get bad reviews.. my local menards has these pads in 3 stages (compound, polish, finish)... think these are worth a go?

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...8860-c-9102.htm?tid=231201962800251060&ipos=1

Also need to be hook and loop. Ideally under ~8 bucks per pad...Thanks!

 

[ZRX61]

I wouldn't.

 

[kabinenroller]

I use products from this manufacturer: https://www.lakecountrymfg.com/
They are available from Autogeek.com.
They offer different grades for applying different products, the color differs between the grade of pad.

 

[Parrothead]

I am far from an expert and most of my knowledge comes from YouTube videos from Dallas Paint Correct and Auto Detailing.

I’m sure we have some experts on here who will chime in.

He uses all kinds of pads from Lake Country, to Chemical Guys, to Rupes.

I tried the Harbor Freight pad, and honestly it wasn’t too bad. I’d certainly buy the Menards version (Hex Logic knockoffs) and give them a try. I went with Hex Logic and they work.

*The biggest issue is the backing plate. If you’re using the HF DA (Chicago Platinum/Electric or Bauer) that Warrior pad is universally loathed. Get a better backing plate.

 

[Beans]

Autogeek.net
Learn it.
You'll be fine.

 

[M6erfan]

Lake Country

 

[dnschmidt]

Lake Country. I used to use pads from American Buffing but Lake Country bought them and they are now out of business. I like the foamed wool pads on a rotary. Random orbit sanders simply don't have enough throw to really do anything. That stated they are fool proof and as we know there is no limit to the number of fools available. A forced rotation dual action is a good compromise but these start at about $300. Rupes makes the best of these.

 

[RKA]

I think those will work fine. Just make sure you wash and dry them before using them (goes with anything touching your paint).

 

[mfewtrail]

The harbor freight pads are fine to use in my experience. Get a backing plate that matches the size on the rear of the pad properly, and you shouldn't have a problem at all if you do some reading on how to polish a vehicle. I think most people make the mistake of trying to do too much at one time overheating the pads and/or backing plate, regardless of brand or type. A second common mistake is loading up the pad with far too much product. This also leads to overheating. Having multiple pads of the same level of cut is ideal so you can constantly switch to a new pad once they have absorbed too much product. Also clean the pads often.


Good name brand pads are not really far off the HF pad prices by the way if you order a multi-pack from a reputable vendor. 6 or 12 pack prices for the Lake Country pads are lower than the normal HF prices for example.

 

[Sh40674]

Where would I get a new backing plate for that harbor freight polisher? And just so we are aware this is the "bauer" polisher not the crappy black one, this one seems to get decent reviews (they say just dont use HF pads lol)

I'm only doing my wifes car and my truck, wont be used much more often than that, just a once in a while thing.

 

[Sh40674]

And which lake country pads should I is if I get them? Will be using meguiars ultimate compound, ultimate polish and turtle wax to finish

 

[Sh40674]

Same with chemical guys pads.. which ones?

 

[Danglerb]

Standard advice, practice on a car that doesn't matter, or a hood from a junk yard.

 

[M6erfan]

And which lake country pads should I is if I get them? Will be using meguiars ultimate compound, ultimate polish and turtle wax to finish

Lots of options depending on what you are trying to achieve and condition of the paint. I'd do some reasrch if I were you. Start here...

https://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/Polishing/#pads

Standard advice, practice on a car that doesn't matter, or a hood from a junk yard.

He's using a DA, cant get into much trouble...

 

[barrybeefburger]

Standard advice, practice on a car that doesn't matter, or a hood from a junk yard.

^^ This^^ ask me how I know

Im still "repairing" the damage I did to my wifes car. It has taken about 3 hrs to undo about 20 minutes of damage so far, and Im only trying to get it back to what it was.

 

[M6erfan]

^^ This^^ ask me how I know

Im still "repairing" the damage I did to my wifes car. It has taken about 3 hrs to undo about 20 minutes of damage so far, and Im only trying to get it back to what it was.

Using a DA??? That's hard to do...

 

[RKA]

Any pad manufacturer will offer a course and fine polishing pad and a finishing pad for wax. The naming and colors vary and sometimes they also offer extra course. So look for the finishing pad first, then back away to the nearest 2 grades of pads and that should work for you. If you're not sure, ask the pad manufacturer and let them know you're doing a 2 step polish, plus wax and you don't want to get too aggressive your first time out. They will point you in the right direction.

 

[RKA]

^^ This^^ ask me how I know

Im still "repairing" the damage I did to my wifes car. It has taken about 3 hrs to undo about 20 minutes of damage so far, and Im only trying to get it back to what it was.

What did you do?? There is more to this story that you're not sharing. What machine and what was wrong with your technique?

 

[Parrothead]

Here's I used to get started. It was pretty forgiving

I have a Chemical Guys backing pad and am using the HexLogic pads.

I tried the Menards version of pad as of last night, it was fine with no issues. It was for certain better balanced than the HF pad.

I'm no expert however.

 

[Bucketofbolts]

to start out the porter cable orbit sander, 5" hook loop pad with the hexLodgic pads are the way to go. the ultimate polish is the only thing most people need followed by a wax to seal. save the compound for fixing rub marks in the paint even an orbital with the compound can leave holograms in dark paint.

chemical guys pad cleaner is really good stuff!

 

[Lyt]

Since the OP wants suggestions, here's my goto. Lake Country Flat Pads: Orange for cut and White for polish. If you need something aggressive, Meguiars Microfiber Cutting Pad. And if you need a one step, Buff and Shine Euro Fiber Pads.

I use Jescar Correcting Compound and Finishing Polish, and sometimes 3D One.

EDIT: Get 12 pads total: 6 Orange and 6 White. Helps keep the pads cooler and helps with residue control.

 

[Lyt]

to start out the porter cable orbit sander, 5" hook loop pad with the hexLodgic pads are the way to go. the ultimate polish is the only thing most people need followed by a wax to seal. save the compound for fixing rub marks in the paint even an orbital with the compound can leave holograms in dark paint.

chemical guys pad cleaner is really good stuff!

A Dual Action Polisher will not leave holograms in the paint. A compound without a polishing step may leave a hazing behind if aggressive enough. Also a pad cleaner is nothing more than an all purpose cleaner. My APC of choice is Optimum Power Clean.

 

[Sh40674]

Thanks everyone! Seems meguiars, lake country, chemical guys etc.. all make well reviewed backing plates so I'll grab one of those, maybe I'll try the menards pads as previously mentioned, either that or order whatever is reputable and well reviewed that's cheap. Either way I feel much more confident haha

 

[barrybeefburger]

What did you do?? There is more to this story that you're not sharing. What machine and what was wrong with your technique?

I didnt do my home work, I wasnt using a DA just a regular polisher, I used the wrong pad and polish, (to hard/course) and not enough water, wrong technique etc etc,.

I introduced swirl marks that were not there before hand. Whilst you couldnt see them in normal light once the sun came out and you got the right angle you could clearly see them, also which made the problem worse is the car is dark blue.
Ive pretty much finished it now but as they say, you live and learn... lol