griots garage random orbital

[Perfectlap]

blue and grey pads tend to be non-abrasive buffing pads for top waxes like Carnauba or finishing sprays.

White pads tend to be polishing pads for cleaning the paint using a polish like Klasse All in One, WErkstatt Prime or the Zaino polish(forget the number).

Yellow/maroon pads tend to be cutting pads for deeper cleaning or swirl removal.

I've never been brave enough to use a wool pad.

But each maker has its own color choices so its varies.

How long to use them depends but if the edges start to lose their roundness its time to ditch them. I scrape them off with a soft toothbrush and dunk them in microfiber detergent so they never get dry before washing.

p.s.
Always spray the surface for lubrication before touching it with the buffer. Same goes for manual detailing.

[SC986]

DJ, here is a chart from Lake Country. I have used their pads since I've started. I have the 6.5 with the velcro backing. If you want the plain flat pads, Auto geek has a great close out price, $39.99 for a six pack of orange(light cutting) or white(polishing).

You can re-use them. You will want to get some cleaner and a tool. I tried to soak and wash them out the first time without those and you just can't get all the produtc out.

http://www.lakecountrymfg.com/2006ApplicationGuide.jpg

http://www.autogeek.net/vcpad.html