What kind of pads to use with a 7in polisher?

[StreetCreeper]

I've decided work on my paint and plan to use the 7" polisher I picked up to do it. I've never used one, and through my research I seem to be finding all manner of polishing pads online.

My plan is to clay bar it first then use a compound and then polish/wax. I don't need super fancy stuff but just decent stuff that won't damage the paint. I'm not really a "detailing" kinda guy so my experience with this sort of thing is very limited.

Figured I would get the scoop on what works with our paint from fellow T4R owners. My truck is natural white BTW so it has no clear-coat to mess with.

Recommendations or thoughts?

 

[4racer]

What are your goals? Swirl free or just a touch up? I would recommend a 5 inch pad. You get better cutting from a smaller pad. I have yet to due a full detail on the 4Runner. Being that I'm guessing the paint is on the softer side I would go with any DAT polish/compound. I would try Menzerna Power Finish. May be all you need. However the Ike of detailing is the least aggressive method first. I used Lake Country pads. Crimson, Tangerine, and Cyan.

 

[pauldub]

Is it a rotary or random orbit polisher? A rotary polisher can get you in trouble pretty quick if you're not careful. Random orbit is easy-peasy. I'm using Meguiars pads on my random orbit polisher. I've got three pads. One for compound, one for polish, and one for wax. I got Meguires pads because that's what was readily available.

 

[StreetCreeper]

What are your goals? Swirl free or just a touch up? I would recommend a 5 inch pad. You get better cutting from a smaller pad. I have yet to due a full detail on the 4Runner. Being that I'm guessing the paint is on the softer side I would go with any DAT polish/compound. I would try Menzerna Power Finish. May be all you need. However the Ike of detailing is the least aggressive method first. I used Lake Country pads. Crimson, Tangerine, and Cyan.

Are the backing pad sizes interchangeable? I haven't even opened the box yet to see the parts.

My goal is to get rid of some of the grungie areas that the white paint seems to absorb. You cant wash those areas clean; its like the grime has become one with the paint. Once the grime is out, the paint needs some shine. It's very dull right now and I doubt it's ever been waxed in its life.

Is DAT a brand, or type of polish/compound? I think I saw some of those Lake County pads online. I'll have go look again.

Is it a rotary or random orbit polisher? A rotary polisher can get you in trouble pretty quick if you're not careful. Random orbit is easy-peasy. I'm using Meguiars pads on my random orbit polisher. I've got three pads. One for compound, one for polish, and one for wax. I got Meguires pads because that's what was readily available.

Rotary variable speed HF brand.

Are the three Meguiars pads the same kind or do you have a special compound type, Polish type...etc?

 

[4racer]

If you're rotary then 7inch pad is fine. DAT is Diminishing Abrassive Technology. As you work it, it corrects the paint and breaks down. Eventually breaking down fully and you wipe off then. If you're looking to just bring some luster back and clean up the paint I would take it easy on the abrasives. Meguires stuff (M105 & M205) are SMAT. Super Micro Abrassive Technology. These are sensitive to pressure. The abrasives don't break down so you work with firm pressure on the first couple of passes and eventually lighten up each pass till it's just the weight of the polisher. Tape your corners, keep the polished moving, and polish off the corner not on to them.

 

[Doc2012]

Maxi pads should work. [emoji106]


Sent from my PRC-119 using morse code

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I have a Griots Garage 6" random orbital buffer and use their foam pads. Works amazing. You can pick up their pads on Amazon.

 

[Desert Fox]

Check out some of the videos available that explain the pads and how to use them
Here is chemical guys how to link https://www.chemicalguys.com/HOW_TO_ARTICLES_s/338.htm

I use their pads but not their polishing products. for polishing I use Zaino products and the results are great.

Using the right product and equipment can get you great results.

 

[zoombyu86]

I an am amateur at detailing and I have the 5" Griots Garage Orbital and use the black polishing pads with mequiars M105 and M205. I am still learning how much pressure to use since I'm always afraid to mess it up but I just find people with already shitty paint and nothing to lose to practice on HAHAHAHA. I use a hard wax for the finish which sucks to apply by hand. They also made pads that substitute for Clay Bar and makes it way easier. I've used Nanoscrub concentrate for lube and the the nanoskin autoscrub for the "claybar."

My results are far from perfect but I like trying and it's a fun hobby. It's one of those fields that takes LOTS of practice and experience. Easy to learn, hard to learn to do well.

 

[StreetCreeper]

I have a Griots Garage 6" random orbital buffer and use their foam pads. Works amazing. You can pick up their pads on Amazon.

Cool I'll check them out.

Maxi pads should work. [emoji106]

Sent from my PRC-119 using morse code

Sweet! For once I can send the wife out to pick up "truck stuff"...

I an am amateur at detailing and I have the 5" Griots Garage Orbital and use the black polishing pads with mequiars M105 and M205. I am still learning how much pressure to use since I'm always afraid to mess it up but I just find people with already shitty paint and nothing to lose to practice on HAHAHAHA. I use a hard wax for the finish which sucks to apply by hand. They also made pads that substitute for Clay Bar and makes it way easier. I've used Nanoscrub concentrate for lube and the the nanoskin autoscrub for the "claybar."

My results are far from perfect but I like trying and it's a fun hobby. It's one of those fields that takes LOTS of practice and experience. Easy to learn, hard to learn to do well.

I'll be looking into the Meguiars M105 & 205.

From just the little digging I've done, there's so damn many choices of pads that it's bewildering. I don't know how anyone figures it out with a bunch of trial an error.

 

[99Runnr]

I second Griots, I live 20 miles from their headquarters. I use the same 6" orbital and their pads.

My method for quick, decent, efficient details;

-Wash vehicle and dry
-Clay bar vehicle and dry
-Compound and clean
-Sealer and clean

Make sure you dry the truck off thoroughly and take account of the crevices and places water will run from. Nothing will piss you off like water through your material/towel as your wiping/drying things off.

I use speed 3 for the compound and the sealer goes on at speed 6. Don't sit still on the paint, move in "#" patterns, up and down, side to side. Don't lift the orbital off the paint while it's turned on if you want to keep the pad. The material goes further then you'd think as far as coverage. Get a feel for it, feel the pad for temperature, you'll get the hang of it pretty quick.

After owning a few black car's that always needed to look flawless, I am pretty proficient with an orbital. It takes me about 6 hours to do a nice detail, I did my 4runner now (twice) in 4 hours.