Question about applicator pads

[Mongoose]

Evening folks, got a question concerning applicator pads. Meguiars labels state to use a foam pad when applying their products such as SwirlX,Ultimate Compound,etc. but I haven't been able to locate their foam pads at retail outlets in my area (Monroe,NC, near Charlotte). So is it ok (i.e. safe) to use microfiber applicators like those from Viking with the aforementioned products?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Question about applicator pads

The amount of "bite" the microfiber will offer will vary slightly from a foam pad, but you can sure give it a try. You may need to do a particularly gentle final pass if the microfiber is a little too aggressive, but it should otherwise be OK.

You can also order online from www.MeguiarsDirect.com or outside e-tailors like www.AutoDetailingSolutions.com

Hope that helps!

[Mongoose]

Re: Question about applicator pads

Thanks for the advice, there's a Pep Boys I forgot to check so hopefully they'll have the foam pads. I've never had any problems with the microfiber while using Mothers products but wanted to be sure with the Meguiars just in case.

[Mongoose]

Re: Question about applicator pads

Just checked MeguiarsDirect and they list both foam and microfiber applicator pads, is this a case of foam for cleaning/defect removal and the microfiber for polishing/waxing?

[79elcamino]

Re: Question about applicator pads

the foam pad is less aggressive then a microfiber pad?

[YUSUF_1977]

Re: Question about applicator pads

the foam pad is less aggressive then a microfiber pad?

great question thats what i was looking for an answer to apply cleaner wax

[evotuning]

Re: Question about applicator pads

As above,anyone can answer this question ? Today i used UC with foam pad, results weren't good, i'm consdiering switching to MF pad,if they are stronger.

[Mongoose]

Re: Question about applicator pads

I got better results using the microfiber pads.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Question about applicator pads

Foam is less aggressive than microfiber. I personally prefer foam pads.

[William_F]

Re: Question about applicator pads

Better tool in this case is a relative term. If you're talking about paint corrections, the hardness of the paint and the depth of the defect may impact the choice of tool. A foam pad is typically going to offer less cut than an MF. That doesn't mean that the MF is the better choice, it just means more cut. More cut isn't always the answer.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Question about applicator pads

Better tool in this case is a relative term. If you're talking about paint corrections, the hardness of the paint and the depth of the defect may impact the choice of tool. A foam pad is typically going to offer less cut than an MF. That doesn't mean that the MF is the better choice, it just means more cut. More cut isn't always the answer.

Very well stated!

Yes, our foam applicator pads are less aggressive than a microfiber pad. We've seen several cases where a microfiber pad has hazed a paint finish, but many, many more cases where terry cloth hazed the finish, only more severely.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Question about applicator pads

I personally like the foam pads. As William stated. You need the correct tool for the job. I always go for the foam first. Then adjust accordingly.

[czop suey]

Re: Question about applicator pads

I accidentally made this same post on another applicator pad thread.

I know it's been couple months but I've been researching the same things recently. I've gotten some answers so if you'd like more clarity, I'll share what I've heard:

First, like everyone says, always try the least aggressive method and move up from there.

Least to most aggressive materials: foam, microfiber, terry cotton.

For pure-polishing or noncleaner-waxing, you could get away with using any of the above; but, I would always stick with foam pads for applying because on these steps your are not doing any corrections so you just want to leave the smoothest/nicest finish + you'll probably waste less product because the foam doesn't aborb it as much.

For paint cleaning, on the other hand, there may be times you need to get more aggressive because your first method may not be doing the trick. Even so, I would still work with foam first and move up in aggressiveness from there.

You could even take half steps in aggressiveness. For example, when using a particular paint cleaner & applicator, applying more pressure or more speed will take it up another notch. Also, working a smaller area at a time could do more.

Also, from what I have read, another half step would be to go up a small step in product before going up a step in material. All things being equal, staying with a foam and moving up from say swirlX to scratchX may be less aggressive than going from foam to a mf or terry. Hope this helps and if somebody else feels I'm a little off let us know because I am in the same boat.