Users of 3M Finesse-It II Glaze....

[mrgrumpy2]

Do regular users of this 3M finishing product prefer to use a wool polishing pad or find better results with the sponge variety? I would also appreciate any comments on the merits of different manufacturers and grades of pads.....The machine is a dual action orbital.... Thanks in advance.

 

[richardbrennan]

3M do two grades of wool polishing pad, one white and one yellow. They recommend the yellow one for Finesse and the white one for their more agressive compounds.

 

[Monique]

I use a small moistened sponge pad for the 3 M polishing compound and a wool pad for the Finesse.

Boat looks good with no swirls.

 

[Marine Reflections]

Hi Mr G

Both replies you've had are correct as per 3ms recommendations, the yellow superbuff pad is twin sided and has a softer twist of wool for the polishing stages. If you go for the twin sided, then there is no need for a backing plate which are quite pricey for the hook-it type.
These yellow wool heads take a little getting used to and if you use one, use a very small quantity of product each time, eg 2 or 3 pea sized drops per square ft and let the polisher do the rest, otherwise the pad will clog very quickly.

Sponge pads:
As you are probably finding there are so many different grades of sponge heads for the polishers, some need backing plates but you prob have one new with your machine, there are others that are combined with a backing plate.
For the polishing stage go with a "medium soft" pad, only check you are buying the correct size for your backing plate if you have one.
These can be washed during the polishing process, a quick rinse under the tap & a squeeze spin dry on your polisher and your away again.

If I were you I would go with the sponge type, I must have over a hundred different types and wont know which ones I will use until I start working it and often change pads for better performance with each gelcoat.

I would suggest you may like to try these.

Hope it's of some help.