Compounding DA pads ..?

[ET4]

Currently using my local body shops 4" DA compounding pads but they seem too firm ie: small contact area + little 'give'.
Any recommendations guys?

 

[DerekEddlestone]

Currently using my local body shops 4" DA compounding pads but they seem too firm ie: small contact area + little 'give'.
Any recommendations guys?

You can choose from 3M, Scholl Concepts or Rupes, which all supply their own version of compounds and pads that can be used with a DA machine. The 3M range consists of a three stage system, Rupes use a four stage system but Scholl Concepts have much wider range to cope with virtually any paint type or problem you'll ever encounter. If you enjoy paint detailing and want to buy a machine that is really good and will last for years, check this one out :-

RUPES LHR 75E Mini BigFoot Polisher | RUPES Car Care & Detailing Products

I have no link with this company but buy all of my supplies from them and am quite happy to recommend them based on their prices and level of service.
I've used the same machine to polish various (Aluminium, Fibre-Glass, Carbon Fibre & normal Steel) cars including my own SL55, and am currently using it to do a complete paint rectification on a 1965 Aston Martin DB5.
A few months ago I blagged a trip around the Rolls-Royce factory at Goodwood and they use Rupes products as well which must count for something.
Hope this helps.

 

[stevehg]

I'm no expert, but I can personally recommend hex-logic pads, as they have worked really well for me.

Micro-Fibre pads appear to be popular now for compounding with DA's, but I've not tried them, so can't recommend any makes. Maybe someone with personal experience of MF pads can?

cheers, Steve

 

[Giantvanman]

Currently using my local body shops 4" DA compounding pads but they seem too firm ie: small contact area + little 'give'.
Any recommendations guys?

Don't worry about the size (4")-detailers use the smaller size for harder to reach areas and they only use the larger sizes because bigger pad equals less time. Don't worry about the give or lack thereof in the pad- you don't want the pad to depress too far, risking the plate coming into contact with the paintwork or to over cut through inexperience/too much pressure AND you don't need to push down that hard……gentle pressure and let the pad, machine and product do the work.

Once you get more experience, then you can start experimenting with variable pressure on the machine/pad. It may take longer at the outset to do a good job with gentle pressure but once more confident, the time it takes to do the job will decrease because you will know if it is okay push down harder.

Just re-read that……almost double entendre in places.

 

[J LAD]

What type of DA are you using? I say this because the average DA like the Megs or similar dont have anywhere near as much power as a Rupes etc.
So when you attach a compounding pad thats meant for a Rotary or something with more oomph!, it will not perform as you want it to.
Does it seem to just vibrate?
Try using Sonus pads they are more suited to DA machines and have that bit more give in them.
Remember! when using a " less powerfull " DA dont use a heavy cut compound, they just havnt got the power to break down this type of polish, when a polish is not worked properly it gives the paint all types of problems, such as holograms, hazing, even fine scratches can be inflicted.
What I am saying is know the limits of your DA, some of them are not meant for deep paint rectification / correction, especially on hard Merc paint.