Higher density foam cutting pads are often orange, and these should be used with your initial stage of compounding as they give the heaviest cut. Then you can follow this up with a softer foam cutting pad, which are normally black. If you've got a dual stage compounding system, then you would use the finer cutting compound with the softer pad. Normally I apply a bit of compound to the pad, and a bit of compound onto the surface of whatever you are polishing. Then start compounding with the edge of the pad, and work the whole surface before doing it again with the pad flat. Be sure to keep enough compound on the pad/surface to keep everything lubricated. Do the same with each pad/compound stage. After each step, wipe off any residue with a clean cloth to avoid contaminating the next stage and ending up with swirls. After your final compounding stage, give the part another quick polish by hand with a clean cloth. 

Thanks for the reply. you say a orange pad? What exactly am I looking for? is this to buff up after or apply the polish? Cheers




EDIT - Do you mean these? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLEXIPADS-HEX-POLISHING-FOAM-PADS-X-3-FOR-5-5-DA-OR-ROTARY-ORANGE-GREEN-BLK-/181192000090?hash=item2a2fe2825a

Are these well priced? Do I apply polish on each pad working to fine, then buff by hand? Thanks

Yes its tuff stuff to polish.

If you go to heavy with pressure or compound its easy to damage the gel.

Ive found it better to work with a orange pad going to black them finishing by hand.

You can buy pads in 2",3",4" etc to fit a cordless drill, go to your local paint supplies, they are relatively cheap and work well.

Hi, the wet lay carbon parts I produce (on the clear polyester gel coat) come out very good I take time to get the moulds tidy, but I want a faultless finish in the polishing. At the moment im using a 6" compound pad on a drill attachment and using farecla profile 500.

I can get a decent finnish on them but takes ages of polishing then can end up with swirl marks.

iv looked at 2" air polishers but air isn't a option for me and cant seem to find the equivalent in electric.

All help would be grateful




Thanks