Well I just got a porter cable as a gift but am missing the pads. I only use Zaino on my car and my list consists of...

Z-2
Z-5
Z-6
Z-7
Z-12
Z-aio all in one
Z-CS clear seal


I tried contacting Detailed Image but guess they've been to busy, even though I'm planning to get the pads from them. Anyways what do you guys recommend I go with?

 

Pads are based off of abrasion. It depends on how much cut you're looking for. Lake Country Pads are quality, I've had great luck with them. I would recommend orange, white, and black for the whole Zaino line.

 

Who sells or what is a good website that sells them at a great price?

 

I buy my Lake Country pads from TopOfTheLine (http://www.topoftheline.com/lake-cou...sher-pads.html).

If you're using Zaino, I don't know why you would want or need a PC unless you are planning on polishing it with Z-PC.

The amount of product you'd have to put on a pad to dampen it for use would be equal to what you'd apply by hand on the whole car. In general, it's a waste of Zaino to use a machine.

If you insist on using it, here are a couple sites with info on using the PC...

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14421
http://www.roadfly.com/magazine/7/po..._buffer.1.html
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/det...1430487&page=1

 

I dont use Zaino but what pads do you usually use(color of pad)?? Thanks for the quick links btw..

 

I have some yellow, white and black pads. 90% of the time I'm using the yellow or white with 3M Swirl Mark Remover (now called Perfect-It II Foam Polishing Pad Glaze - Dark #39009).

After 4½ years, my Z is finally starting to show some wear and tear so it looks like I'll be putting some Z-PC to use on it. Got a few water marks, small scratches and swirls that need attention.

 

I'm very sorry if I didn't get back to you. I try to respond to everyone's messages in one business day at the most. Rarely a message slips past me and I apologize if that is the case. Here are the buffing pads I would recommend with the corresponding products you mentioned:

Z-2 - Blue Fine Finishing Pad
Z-5 - Black Finishing Pad
Z-6 - spray it on and wipe it off with a clean microfiber towel
Z-7 - car wax shampoo, no pad needed
Z-12 - hand apply first and if needed try a Black or White Polishing Pad
Z-aio all in one - White Polishing Pad
Z-CS clear seal - Blue Fine Finishing Pad

Also don't forget to get a backing plate if you do not have one already. A Backing Plate is must have so you can use any after market pad like the ones I listed. If you have any other questions please let me know.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

I wouldnt use Zaino for correction. Ive had nice results with menzerna polishes.

 

Just make sure you get 2 or more of the same pad.

 

Thanks Detailed Image...I just placed my order through you guys!

 

quick question...when you apply the zaino, you apply it by hand correct? then you buff it off with the pc? does anyone buff it out by a mf towel?

 

Thank you for your support, it's greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend applying the products with a buffer and hand removing the excess product. With true polishes (chemical and cutting) it's essential to use a buffer for best results. A buffer is really needed because you want the heat and pressure to work the polish in to the surface. The different color pads help represent the different levels of heat and pressure the pad is ideal for creating. For sealants and waxes it's not as essential but I still like to use a buffer when possible. I find they provide even coverage and a thorough application, while using less energy. I hand remove the excess product with a clean microfiber towel. Microfiber towels are great because they are paint safe and easily grab the excess product. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

I talked to superblack350 and he said

"you can use a black/grey (non abrasive) pad and apply liquid wax and remove by hand or you can use that black/grey pad and remove it with the buffer by putting on a wool pad then putting an orange microfiber bonnet over that and using speed 2 to take it off."

what is the wool pad and orange mf bonnet he's talking about? does DI have this on their website?

 

We carry a purple foamed wool pad but not the traditional wool pads. You can put a bonnet on top of these pads and buff off the excess product. However we do not carry bonnets, nor recommend them to customers. My problem is the excess product just keep getting buffed back in to the same bonnet and the clear coat again. You certainly could use this method to remove the product, I just personally feel it's safer to do it by hand. I prefer to take a clean microfiber towel (16x16) and fold it in fourths. I expose a fresh surface after a very small section has been removed. This gives you eight fresh surfaces from one towel and minimizes your chances of grinding in any contaminant or dry excess product. Additionally doing it by hand generally exerts less pressure and orbits over an area which also helps minimize the possibility of adding imperfection to the paint. Neither method is foolproof but I just prefer to minimize problems with this methodology.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

genious! thanks for the tip