Description
This high-performance abrasive pad is expertly designed for dual-action (DA) orbital polishing machines, offering exceptional cutting power for professional-grade paint correction. Its aggressive action efficiently removes deep scratches, heavy swirl marks, and heavily weathered, oxidized paintwork. Ideal for the first, most aggressive stage of a two-step paint correction process, this pad is the perfect partner for heavy-cut compounds.
With a diameter of 165 mm (approximately 6.5 inches), this pad is perfectly sized for use with 150-mm (approximately 6-inch) backing plates on orbital polishers. The design ensures balanced rotation and oscillation, maximizing cutting efficiency while minimizing the risk of holograms and swirl marks typically associated with aggressive pads on orbital machines.
The unique composition and construction of this pad are engineered to deliver high abrasion without the drawbacks of excessive heat buildup or product sling/splashing. This means a safer polishing process for your paint and a cleaner work area, ensuring the compound stays working where it should be—on the paint surface.
Directions:
This pad is specifically recommended for use with SONAX PROFILINE ExCut 05-05 as the primary heavy-cut compound in the first stage of your two-stage orbital correction process.
Preparation
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Clean the Surface: Ensure the paint surface is washed, decontaminated (e.g., clayed), and completely dry before beginning any polishing work.
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Attach the Pad: Place the polishing pad onto your orbital polisher's 150-mm backing plate, ensuring it is perfectly centered. Proper centering is critical for the smooth operation of orbital polishers.
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Prime the Pad (Initial Use Only): Before applying polish for the very first time, it's recommended to "prime" the pad. Apply a small amount of BLACKFIRE Advanced Pad Conditioner or a couple of dime-sized drops of your compound, then use your fingers to rub it lightly into the pad's surface. This prevents the pad from absorbing too much product immediately.
Application and Polishing
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Apply Compound: Apply 3-4 pea-sized drops of SONAX PROFILINE ExCut 05-05 directly to the working surface of the pad.
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Set Up: Place the face of the pad flat against a small working section (e.g., a 2 ft x 2 ft area) before turning the machine on.
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Begin Polishing: Start the orbital polisher on the lowest speed setting to spread the compound across the section. Once spread, increase the speed to the manufacturer-recommended level for cutting (typically medium to high speed, check your polisher's guide).
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Work the Compound: Using moderate downward pressure and a slow, overlapping cross-hatch pattern (moving side-to-side, then up-and-down), work the compound into the paint. Maintain even pressure and keep the pad flat against the surface.
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Crucial Tip: Do not polish with extreme tilting of the machine or high pressure, as this can damage the pad and potentially burn through the paint.
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Wipe Off: Once the compound has become clear or nearly transparent (indicating the abrasives have broken down), turn off the polisher and lift it from the paint. Use a clean Cobra Supreme 530 Microfiber Towel to wipe off the polish residue and inspect your results.
Maintenance and Care
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Regular Cleaning (During Use): To maintain cutting efficiency, regularly "blow out" the pad with compressed air to remove built-up polish and paint residue. You can also use a Wool Pad Cleaning Brush while the polisher is running at a low speed.
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Post-Correction Cleaning: After each polishing session, never use different polishes or compounds on the same pad without a thorough cleaning. For best results and pad longevity, clean the pad using DP Polishing Pad Cleaner or the Snappy Clean Pad Cleaning Powder or utilize a dedicated system like the Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer.
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Drying: Rinse the pad thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air-dry completely before storing or using it again. For faster drying, you can spin the pad dry on the polisher at a low speed, but finish with air drying.
