How do I identify proper detailing pads?

[dmullen]

A few years ago, I bought but have never used a Porter Cable 7424 polisher and a number of pads from different manufacturers. After that, I attended a detailing class in Irvine but did not have time to work on my cars.

Now, I have the time and want to detail them but do not know how to identify the proper pads to start and finish with. It seems that there is no consistent color for pads that would let a beginner know which ones to use for different purposes.

Can I tell the proper pads for each purpose by feel or a visual inspection?

Thanks

[Andy M.]

Re: How do I identify proper detailing pads?

What kind of pads do you have? Who is the manufacturer? That would help us help you.

Andy

[dmullen]

Re: How do I identify proper detailing pads?

Andy

Thanks for responding. I will get them out of the garage tomorrow and post again.

[Cam]

Re: How do I identify proper detailing pads?

You might also check here to see if your brand & pad color is listed.

[Heatgain]

Re: How do I identify proper detailing pads?

I have these charts but beware....charts I've seen and saved do have some difference of opinions.

	Propel	LC Classic	LC Hi-Gloss	Sonus DAS	Sonus SFX	Meguiars	Edge 2000
Medium Cut	Orange	Yellow	Yellow			Burgundy	Black
Light Cut	Yellow	Orange	Orange	Orange	White		Yellow
Polish	Green	White	White	Green	Blue	Yellow	Green
Light Polish	Blue			Blue			Blue
Finish	Grey	Black	Black/Red			Tan	White

PS: I do have pads from different manufacturers, but somehow always reach for the Meg's pads.

MANUFACTURER	Medium Cut	Light Cut	Polish	Light Polish	Finish
Propel	Orange	Yellow	Green	Blue	Grey
LC Classic	Yellow	Orange	White		Black
LC Hi-Gloss	Yellow	Orange	White		Black/Red
Sonus DAS		Orange	Green	Blue
Sonus SFX		White	Blue
Meguiars	Burgundy		Yellow		Tan
Edge 2000	Black	Yellow	Green Light cut	Blue Finish	White UF finish

[dmullen]

Re: How do I identify proper detailing pads?

Thanks for all the responses. I found the pads and sent an email to the manufacturer. They were too old to identify by part number but they sent me a chart that helped.

The chart posted here is better and I am going to save it for the future.

I also have Meguiars pads and am going to use them first.

Thanks again.