Hey guys,

I'm looking to make another set of purchases including Megs 105. At the moment I have 3 orange pads with Menz IP as my strongest combo. This combo was not able to tackle some of the bad swirls and mild RIDS on my 02 TL-S' EBP paint, so I was thinking of trying an actual compound (heard great things about 105).

My main question is, should I purchase a few more orange pads and stick with those and 105, or purchase a few yellow medium cut pads and match those with 105?

Reason I wanted to check with you guys first is that I have not seen yellow pads used in most of your guys' details. Is is perhaps to harsh of a pad and not all that necessary?

Thanks in advance

 

The orange pad teams up very well with 105 if you properly prime the pad first (the key with 105). If you feel you need a heavier pad, then get yourself a PFW or two. It cuts better than yellow foam, runs cooler, and in my experience it finishes down better as well.

 

Thanks a lot Todd. I definitely thought about using PFW pads instead of yellow. Since I plan on using 105 may I ask what is the best way to prime the pad when using it.

 

Take a clean pad, and then cover the pad in product...I like to go around in circles with a thin bead until I have about 60%-70% coverage. Now take your fingers and spread the 105 around until there are no uncovered areas. After you spread it around you may find that you need to add a few more drops here and there and spread them in until you get complete coverage. You don't want to completely soak the pad...just get a nice even coverage like you were spreading butter on toast (as opposed to loading peanut butter on bread). Hopefully those analogies work...sorry I don't have photos.

You only need to prime the pad once.

If you're using PFW, you want to use the same basic technique, but just work your fingers through the wool to get an even coverage.

With the pad fully primed, you want to then lay a bead directly on the surface, and hit it immediately at speed 6 (if PC), or about 1500rpm if rotary. Don't spread it around at first, and don't start off at slow speed. 105 dries pretty quickly so you want to hit it hard and fast. If you're using a PC, you also want to use a lot of pressure. Not so much that it stops spinning, but much heavier than what you're used to.

At first you'll probably get a little frustrated because there is a learning curve with 105. Don't worry though, because once you get it figured out it will treat you well.

Also you want to lightly clean off the pad after each panel...use compressed air, or a light brush. Just remove the build up from the pad. You should plan on using up 3 or 4 pads for the entire car with 105. It likes fresh, clean pads.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks for that quick write up of tips! Much appreciated and it was all crystal clear (including the analogies). I decided to go with 2 PFW pads to add to the 3 orange I already have. I also have a pad cleaning spur that I like to use to remove some build up. It seems to work pretty good, so hopefully it will do me well with 105.

I'm excited to apply your tips and truly remove the defects from my paint during my fall detail.

One last quick question and I think I'll be good to go.
- If I use the PFW with 105 can I go directly to 85RD on white or should I have a middle stage like IP on orange?
I'm assuming I may be able to go straight to 85RD because I've read that PFW helps a compound finish nicely and not leave as much haze.

 

With Acura paint, you'll probably need an intermediate step...especially since it will be your first time with PFW and 105. I've been able to make the 105 to PO85 jump before, but that was on harder clear coats. I just used 105/PFW on a NBP TL this past weekend, and needed to follow it up with PO203/orange, and then PO85RD/blue.

Take care.

 

Thanks again. Looks like I'll have a good 2 full day detail ahead of me. Here's hoping it turns out! I'm excited.

Cheers

 

good luck, I'm getting ready to do a 2 day orange pad job myself