NOTE: this is probably old news to some veterans here, but I did not know this.

OK, so anyone that has a RO knows that you get this screw-on white pad with the device:



For the longest time, I just figured that the point of this was to pop a bonnet on and possibly remove dried wax or something - in other words, I had figured that the only "acceptable" pads were the large, foam velcro-backed ones.

NOT SO!

I was asking Heather, one of the vendor reps over at Detailers Paradise about the differences between their polishing compound, Swirl and Meguiar's Scratch-X, and here's what she said (emphasis mine):

"Re: Swirl vs. Scratch-X

They are fairly similar, although Swirl is a tad more aggressive. Most MINI owners have found the Swirl + the white pad to be the best combo on your average MINI paint to clean up the average accumulation of minor swirls and fine scratches. ...You can use it with the white pad that came with your PC for now (yes, the screw-in one). Work it over a 2’x2’ area for a bit (usually until it is almost all dry and won’t move around very easily anymore) in order to allow the abrasives to break down/diminish nicely. You’ll love the results."

So... there IS a use for that darned thing after all, besides being a place to put a bonnet!

 

heather is not a 'vendor rep.' she and her husband are owners.

the rest of the post, i forgot to read.

 

Always being a wiseguy, Ken!!

-Heather

 

I was 98% certain that she was the owner/co-owner, but wasn't totally sure. Even if she's the owner she's also still the representive I know from there so nyanyanyanya...

 

Yes, this is a true fact about the pad. We've used the PC white pad for years and have found it is quite handy to have.

It is not a Lake Country pad- it is manufacturered by Porter Cable.

It is the same density and type of pad as the Lake Country White pad and thus can be used in the same way.

It's more of a pain to use than the LC pads simply because you have to screw it in as opposed to the hook & loop system of LC pads (and others). That said, it is often nice to use it as a backup or if you don't have a white pad and need one.

The only drawback is that it does not last as long as the LC white pad. Other than that, it is a fine pad for light polishing and paint cleansing.

-Heather

 

still forgot to read the post. hehe


ninja edit: ahhh, that white pad is useful.

 

I used the white pad for the first 2 cars I detailed. It worked pretty well (I had no benchmark) but I can't wait to try the new LC Pad. I just washed the Jeep and there is no way I can detail a car today (my elbow doesn't want to work I was way too hard on it last weekend which is a good thing, but a bad thing at the same time sorry I am venting, incredible pain )

 

I know this post is more about the discovery of using the white pad. I don't like using or recommending it, but to each is own. But in regards to your post about ScratchX versus Swirl. Well one thing you forget to realize.

Scratch X until recently has been a hand only applied light scratch/swirl remover.

Comparing Scratch X to Swirl isn't really appropriate. The latest ScratchX has been reformulated to be used with the PC but it isn't any more effective. In fact, its' equivalent to Meguiar's Swirl Remover 2.0 or M82 in terms of aggressiveness.

These products are about half as aggressive as M80. You would use them only after fully polishing out the paint and seeing some finer defects that you might be able to get out by using an even finer polish, otherwise it's not all that useful.

 

One day I'm sure I'll go get a jug of M80 but until then I think I'm actually better with the less agressive stuff. My car still only has minor swirling even though it's been months since my last sessin with a RO. My TRUCK however is a bit beat, but last time I used Scratch-X on it (by hand) it got pretty shiny. Not "show car" quality but shinier than 99% of the other Suburbans out there.