We Say
We have become big fans of the RUPES BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System, and the colour coded pads really do complement the various compounds and free-spinning dual action polishers perfectly. The RUPES BigFoot Medium Foam Polishing Pad is currently available in three sizes, with each size being designed for a specific subset of BigFoot machines (100 mm for the RUPES LHR 75E Mini BigFoot Polisher, 150 mm for the RUPES LHR 15ES BigFoot Polisher and RUPES LHR 15III BigFoot Polisher, and 180 mm for the RUPES LHR 21III BigFoot Polisher). All three sizes are made out of the same semi-coarse open cell foam and feature a centering hole, a durable hook and loop backing and a strongly splayed side profile for safety. Furthermore, they all meet a specific weight target, which ensures that they work in perfect harmony with the counterbalance in the machines they are intended to be used with. This approach, which is also used for the BigFoot backing plates, ensures that each machine is optimally balanced during use and that vibration levels are minimised. Over the years, the RUPES BigFoot Medium Foam Polishing Pad has gained a reputation for being very fragile, with some users complaining that its durability is poor. In our experience, you do have to be careful when using it, because its stiff yet brittle nature does make it susceptible to being torn if it is run into, or over, sharp edges, but as long as good technique is employed then it performs very well.
Key Features
Description
Specification
| Compatible Backing Plate | ? 75 mm (100 mm)||? 125 mm (150 mm)||? 150 mm (180 mm) |
|---|---|
| Construction | Flexible polyurethane foam |
| Cut Level | |
| Flexibility | |
| Foam Structure | Open cell |
| Promo Offer | BUY 3 OR MORE SAVE 5% |
| Suitable For Hard Paints | Yes |
| Suitable For Intermediate Paints | Yes |
| Suitable For Soft Paints | Yes |
| Washable | Yes (hand or machine) |
How To Use
General usage notes: (i) always select the least aggressive pad you think you will need to achieve the desired result, and step up one grade at a time if more cut is required (ii) always ensure that you centre each pad properly on the backing plate (this can take several attempts to get right, but is vital if the machine is to remain perfectly balanced during use); (iii) always use an appropriate sized pad for the backing plate you are using (the pad should always protrude past the edge of the backing plate, never the other way around); (iv) always prime a new pad by loading it with 2-6 pea-sized drops of product (depending on pad size) and running it stationary on the paint for 30 seconds at low speed; (v) always ensure that spent polish residue on the face of the pad is brushed off regularly during use using a RUPES BigFoot Claw Pad Tool (failure to follow this advice can lead to micromarring of the finish, so don't be lazy!); (vi) after use, soak each pad in a bucket of PB Snappy Clean Boost solution for 15 minutes and then rinse under fresh running water (using your fingertips to massage out any remaining polish residue) and allow to dry naturally, and; (vii) while not in use, store in a dry, dust-free environment (lidded plastic storage boxes are ideal in this respect).
