Hi guys, another polishing based question for you all. When polishing with say Megs #83 and #80 for instance, if i use #83 on a polishing pad and want to refine with #80 on the same pad do i need to clean the pad thoroughly or could it just be cleaned with a toothbrush? Or is it possible to use the same pad without cleaning it?:help:
Well this is just me, but I try not to use the same pad with different polish. I haven't used Meg's #83 or #80 but what I try to do is that if I'm using a lets say a blue 3M UK foam pad with say Menzerna Intesive Polish and find that that combo is not strong enough to remove all imperfections and want to move up to say Menzerna Power Gloss, I normaly try to use a different blue 3M UK foam pad. The reason for this is that I personaly don't mix polishes. Well again just me...it really comes down to personal preference but I do feel that mixing the polishes would make alter the end results..could be good it could be bad Just my :2cents:
Moving from 83 to 80 is a step down in aggressiveness. I recommend you use a different pad because the pad will still have residual 83 abrasives on it. It would MAYBE be OK to first use 80 then use 83 on the same pad because you'd be moving up on the aggressiveness scale, not down. That being said, I would still change pads for different polishes simply because if the previous polish has dried on the pad, you might induce swirls on the paint. For that reason, I'm a proponent of the "clean pad on the fly" method, which is pressing a towel on the pad while spinning it, even if not changing polish.
Its fine to use different polishes with the same pad, but it needs to be washed first. However, I use separate pads/ applicators for my LSP's.
As Dusty would say, theres nothing wrong with mixing polishes, but in order to get the finish you want I would advise cleaning the pad first, in something like a grit guard washer.
I frequently use different polishes with the same pad without consequence; however, as others have mentioned the pad should be washed prior to doing so. I throw mine in the washing machine with CG pad cleaner on the delicate setting; works great provided you let the pads soak in the washer with solution/water for about 15 minutes before closing the lid and beginning the cycle.
Never mix polishes on a foam / wool pad and never use a pad that been used for compounding for polishing unless it’s been washed as there may be compound polish residue that will be too aggressive for polishing
