adam123nyc

Really, if it is dirty (not just filled with Polish), there is no way to clean it and immediately use the same pad. You can try to use a pad brush at low speed but that usually just removes dried polish from the pad.

 

Best bet is to have multiple of the same pad to use on a detail. I generally have 4 of the same pad on hand for a correction, very rarely do I use more than 3 but it's nice having a back up.

 

There are lots of stories and products that claim to clean and dry pads fast but none work and some are dangerous. Some people have baked them in the oven to dry (won't mention names) and some companies make pad cleaners that claim to spin the pads dry. However the minute you put weight on the pad and turn it on water goes every where, which is why I quickly ditched the $130 pad washer.

when its filled with polish does it usually appear dirty? like a dark grey?

Really, if it is dirty (not just filled with Polish), there is no way to clean it and immediately use the same pad. You can try to use a pad brush at low speed but that usually just removes dried polish from the pad.

 

Best bet is to have multiple of the same pad to use on a detail. I generally have 4 of the same pad on hand for a correction, very rarely do I use more than 3 but it's nice having a back up.

 

There are lots of stories and products that claim to clean and dry pads fast but none work and some are dangerous. Some people have baked them in the oven to dry (won't mention names) and some companies make pad cleaners that claim to spin the pads dry. However the minute you put weight on the pad and turn it on water goes every where, which is why I quickly ditched the $130 pad washer.

thank you for this informative response

Hello all , during my paint correction process i noticed the orange foam pad getting quite dirty...How do you clean these pads and immediately continue with the project without having to wait for it to dry?

Okay so I did my test patch and before I go further I'd love some more advice.

 

I did the first black correcting pad on speed setting 3, and then setting 4 for the rest of the pads. I did notice that during the first black correcting pad, the pad and paint surface did get warm, but not hot. I pre-lubed all the pads with detail spray to help but I'm assuming a bit of warmth is normal?

 

The results were pretty dang good, but there are still scratches remaining that you can see in the photos below. To get rid of these do I:

1) do more passes? 

2) use more product?

3) up the speed?

4) move slower?

None are deep enough to feel with a fingernail, but apparently too deep for what I did so far! 

 

Also that one big deep spot got better, but I think it would need wet sanding to truly be removed from the paint...kind of a bummer.

 

Also curious about this answer because i just did my two step process as well,  with my porter cable.   It came out ok but there's still some scratches here or there....not sure if i went too fast or what.  

LOLLLLLLLLL this is too funny man sorry about your finger though

well....i tried again,  I cleaned the glass with glass cleaner,  clayed again , used very little sealant,  let it haze.  wiped the residue with a mist of glass cleaner again.   I used APC on the blades and they were quite dirty.  And still....streaking.  little less but still streaking.  Not sure what the issue is at this point.

Ok i will try again and see if the streaking is still there.  Thanks a lot for all the replies 

Attempted to apply the glass sealant.  Used the clay bar and then applied with a microfiber applicator.  I tried to apply as little as possible but i didnt really see it going on so i could not really gauge how much i was using.  Now,  when i use the wipers i have some streaking?  how do i get this done right?

i cant stop looking at the organized bottles i love it

Thanks for the replies - I am happy.  It looks great.  Will try the plastic bag test and see how it feels and report back.  

So i attempted my first Paint Correction with my porter cable,  i used the clay bar on the hood but forgot to use it before all the other panels. I guess i was so focused on the polishing process i completely forgot to clay again after the hood! How bad is this??  Should i strip wash and do it all over??  the car is 4 months old,  i had light swirls.  Thanks 

Adam

 !!! Love the Audi.  Can you share any more info on the mods?

thanks again guys!  sure , heres whats done 

MODS : APR Stage 2+Pulley - Engine Tune plus pulley upgrade

Euro Spec Tails - orange blinkers instead of red (us spec)

Ecodes - euro spec headlights ( no orange side marker)

Bilstein PSS10  - Coilovers

RS5 Grill Silver 

Hoen Fogs

Awe Track Exhaust

DP Resonator Cut Outs 

AWE SFLO Intake 

Eurocode F/R Sways bars

Eurocode Ale Kruz - stabilizer bar

Spacers 

JHM Short Throw shifter

and more to come !!!

check out my build thread on audizine 

Build Thread: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...s-Build-Thread

hope you all like

adam

Thanks a lot guys!  Cant wait to get my summer wheels on and get this thing looking sick!!!! 

thanks guys!

Hey all,  would like to say hello.  Looking forward to learning more and more about the world of detailing.  When i was young washing my car was like a chore, and i almost always went to a car wash.  As the cars got nicer,  i started to do it myself and i really started to notice a therapeutic value to the time spent outside.  I have been fortunate to now own a beautiful new Audi S5.  Its modded heavily and it makes me really happy.  I look forward to using the skills i have learned here to keep it looking great.  Its 4 months old, already some swirls,  purchased a ton of products and a PC 7424 and really excited to dive in!  Weather is finally warming up here in NYC so ill keep you guys posted with questions and comments !!

Thanks