I bought two Lake Country pads for my 7424 (random orbital), an orange (light cut) and a white pad (polish pad) and wonder what I should use each pad for.

I plan to do the whole deal... clay, paint cleaner, scratch x, polish, wax (x2).

I also have my stock pad, so technically, two white pads and one orange pad.

Im *planning* to use the stock pad for the paint cleaner, then the new orange pad for the areas I use scratch x, then the final white pad for my polishing. Waxing will be done by hand.

Has anybody used this general setup? Mainly with the orange pad... Its only supposed to have light cutting power for polishes and stuff but I wanna hear other peoples experiences with it. I don't want to use it if its too abrasive (although it shouldnt be).

Appreciate the input.

 

ScratchX is fairly mild. To get the most out of the orange pad you'll need something with more bite but the new formulations of ScratchX are compatible with machine polishers so it'll work. It won't be too aggressive but don't expect to get out deep scratches. I would suggest doing at least two rounds. If nothing else the fillers that I suspect are in ScratchX will be more effective given a second polishing step but a two step with ScratchX ought to be able to remove a good chunk of your swirling.

BTW, what "polish" are you using? ScratchX is generally considered a polish as well so, unless you're using Deep Crystal step 2 or one of Meg's "pure polishes" chances are the polish will have more cut than ScratchX.


The beauty of the LC orange pad is that its cut is highly polish dependent; that is, it'll be able to polish down to a nice finish using a finishing polish, or cut fairly strongly using a light compound (or heavy polish; same deal different name.) Your LC white won't be able to cut deep and a LC yellow won't be able to easily finish down to a burnish.

Aggressive would be LC's yellow cutting pad with Menzerna Power Gloss Compound.

 

Ahhh very good info!

I plan to mainly use the orange pad with scratch x on the rear hatch where I have a nice collection of swirls and stuff from winter abuse. Other then that, only use it for obvious area's and places that may need a little more work.

From there, I plan to use the white pad with meguires deep crystal polish.

I don't really have deep cuts and stuff to get rid of via buffer, just eliminate some swirls from winter. I don't think the white pad with polish alone can do it, and scratch x by hand will kill me.

But I just want to make sure using the orange pad with scratch x won't be any risk or issue. I used scratch x already with the white pad with great results, but will probably need a little more cut of the hatch.