Buffer pads - clean or replace

B

BillWilliams

Member
Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
2904
Messages
279
It's almost spring time and I am planning on using Buff Magic and Pro Polish on my boat.

I'm new to using a buffer so at the moment I have new pads; however, I was wondering what to do the pads as they are used. I know you spur them as you use them to remove the compounds and polishes but sooner or later I assume the pads get to a point that's not good enough. Is there a way to clean the pads or when they get to that point, do you just toss them and get some new ones?

Thanks
 
I've washed the wool pads in woolite by hand and let dry. works for me.
 
I run mine in the washing machine with Simple Green.

Come out like new.
 
I soak mine in the kitchen sink with some dawn dish soap or woolite as said above. Works perfect.
 
I just bought 3 new ones:)

But now that I have read this i will try some of the suggestions on last years pads.

Niles
 
Use something like Cobra Quick Clenz or Snappy Clean in 2 or 3 gallons of water. Throw the pad in the cleaner while you use the next pad. Pull it out of the cleaner, spin dry on high speed, and put back to work. You can work all day with 2 or 3 pads.
 
X2 Robbins suggestion of Snappy Clean in a bucket.

I do rinse out most of the gunk with a hose, before I put the pad back onto the polisher.

Bob
 
soak in bucket with water and Wisk laundry detergent overnight, spray with hose, then put in washing machine
 
there is a product out there that actually cleans the pads. Professional detailers use it. Its a 5 gallon bucket with some contraption at the top that cleans the pad as you spin it with the buffer. Cleans and drys the pad in a 2 or 3 minutes. Really neat. Im going to search and see if I can find it..
 
It's called System 2000 and easily found with an i/n search.
 
Sandy, as always, I can count on you for a DEAD ON ANSWER! THanks!
 
That's very nice ( & wildly optimistic! :D )of you, BC , but I had never heard of it before you mentioned that interesting device for the pads. Thank you !
 
+1 on Robbins, except that I'm letting mine dry overnight because its too cold to fully dry otherwise. I'm running 8 pads right now, 4 white wool for cutting and 4 more gold for polishing. I've got a couple foam pads for polishing but I can't use them in very many places because they are not as durable and get torn up from door dams, fittings etc... (the good wool pads don't). I use WARM soapy water in the sink and spin dry, but if I've got my electric low pressure pressure washwer out, its even quicker.

Lost one pad on the spin dry. I'm using the 3M velco pads as they are quick to change. If you don't make sure you have the velcro well attached they will fly off quite an impressive distance into the bay.

I'm using 3M Super cut, followed by Finesse II, followed by collonite, followed by Tylenol, followed by going to bed early.
 
with the waxes I've used, only woolite with warm water worked, by hand, using rubber gloves, and it can be tedious after buffing all day. Dawn didn't cut the wax.
Wring them out a little, put on the buffer and (low speed), spin the excess water out and place them on a clean wire rack. In summer, they're ready to use next day.
Buzz
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top