Sure Merlin, answers are below:
Started with a Torq10fx like most with Hexlogic pads, V compounds, and other CG products.
I then escalated to Lake Country microfiber cutting and finishing pads, their foam CCS pads,
and upgraded to Flex 7-15 and 7-12 polishers. Never changed the backing plates on either machine.
I tried Griots line of compounds and polishes, which work great on certain paint types (medium and soft).
I tried CarPro ClearCut after winning a contest from ChicagoAutoPros and that was impressive when used on a BMW.
Also works well on GM, Audi and Dodge.
As for towels, I have mostly stuck with ChemGuys line-up.
I use their workhorse towels for most of the clean-up (blue for windows, brown for leather, green for exterior, etc.)
and have been using their Happy Ending towels for product removal when polishing.
However, when I did the Tacoma, those towels were not removing the product, merely smearing it.
I used a WorkHorse towel as a test and the smears cleared up instantly.
I thought a higher GSM would be better for product removal but was wrong in this case.
The lower GSM worked far better, and no marring either.
I typically dry with air first, then have a variety of drying towels
I use (waffle weave, plush, etc.) but they fill up so quick that I need at least 4 to dry a car.
I have no problem replacing my entire inventory but want towels for cleaning, product removal,
and eventually cheap-o's for when I start doing Ceramic coatings.
Hope that sheds some more light on the subject.
I prefer 5" pads and I have changed all my backing plates to 5"
(with the exception of the 3" and the Rupes iBrid nano)
I like the handling on the machine better with 5" pads.
This also helps keep pad size inventory to
one 5" size.
I personally have never been a big fan of CCS pads...but that's me.
Carpro, Scholls, Rupes, Lake Country HDO etc. all make great pads.
Have you tried
Meguiars Microfiber Cutting Disc - 5" for correction?
Compound:
Scholl Concepts S3 Gold XXL - 16 oz.
Polish:
Scholl Concepts S30+ Nano Compound - 16 oz.
Wash mitt My new favorite is
RaceGlaze Wool Wash Mitt
(I have gotten spoiled with this mitt)
Drying Towels - I'd try
Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy (25" x 17")
and/or
2)
CarPro DHydrate Drying Towel - 20" x 22"
or
1)
CarPro DHydrate Drying Towel - 28" x 40"
Why?
2) DHydrate 20" x 22"'s can entirely dry a vehicle (one for each hand)
1) DHydrate 28" x 40" can entirely dry a vehicle (throw and lightly pull)
It depends...I can throw and pull the 28x40 and get roof, glass etc.
Completely dry and streak free in one pull. I like quick and easy.
The 2 towel / 2 handed method is also good because the towels are lighter.
What air source do you use?
Now I do drying towel first then I use air for cracks, crevices, wheels etc.
Make sure the drying towels are CLEAN! Be sure you are always working CLEAN!
Compound/Polish Removal
CarPro 2 Face (No Lint) 16" x 16" - Blue/ Orange 10 Pack
Use
Eraser, if needed, to remove polish without dragging it across the paint.
Do not use cheap-o's towels when working with coatings they will scratch!
What I do...
CarPro 2 Face (No Lint) 16" x 16" - Blue/ Orange 10 Pack
I use the orange for compound/polish removal.
I use the blue to remove and level coatings.
NOTE: I throw away the used blues when the coating job is done.
Some folks soak 'em in APC etc. but personally I don't trust 'em.
For me blue towel cost is "built in" to the price of the coating job.
Coatings harden. Coating residue in blue towels harden, and can scratch.
Don't cross contaminate. That's why I like the "color-coded" 10 pack.
Glass Towel:
CarPro GlassFiber Microfiber Towel 16"x 16" (does not streak!)
Follow with a CarPro 2 Face (No Lint) orange 16" x 16" if needed.
Quick Detailing towel
The one. The only -
Microfiber Madness Crazy Pile (16" x 16")
A bottle of Merlin's Majic Elixer and a crazy pile towel and client "Love you long time".
Lesson Learned: Don't get hung up on GSM.
Use a towel that does not scratch and works for the job you need it to do!
