Our pads are an important part of our Koch-Chemie PolishSystem, as they are precisely matched to our polishing compounds. But in order for our pads to perform as well as they should for a perfect result, the pads must be cleaned regularly and, above all, properly. For this, the correct procedure is very important to achieve the longest possible service life and optimum results.
Welcome to the KCX Wash Salon.
Proper care, perfect result
Cleaning is not only crucial for a good result after use, but the pad should also be cleaned thoroughly during use. Between polishing operations, the pad should be blown out using compressed air to ensure continued good abrasive performance. In the case of lambswool or microfiber pads, the pad should be brushed out with a soft brush beforehand as well. When moving forward to the next component and during longer polishing processes, the pads should also be sprayed with a degreaser (e.g. Silicon- & Wachsentferner 1:3) and blown out with compressed air after a short exposure time.
After use, the cleaning really starts. If the used pads are cleaned manually, they should be wetted generously with an alkaline cleaner (e.g. Green Star 1:20). After a short exposure time, the pad needs to be freed from the remaining polish residues by means of kneading movements under lukewarm water. Hot water must be avoided at all costs, as the fleece may shrink and thus deform the pad.
For machine cleaning, the used pads should first be soaked in a bucket filled with an alkaline cleaner (e.g. Green Star 1:20). The pads are then wrung out with little pressure and washed at a maximum of 30°C/40°C (86°F/104°F) in a washing machine program with plenty of water and low number of revolutions.
In both cases, the pads should be stored on the Velcro side to dry. The high-quality, natural lambskin pads, on the other hand, should be stretched on a disc to prevent the back from deforming.
The 8 Commandments of Cleaning
DOs:
- If the pad is soaked with polishing compound, polishing should be continued with a fresh/new pad or the pad should be washed out.
- We recommend washing the used pads in warm water with Green Star 1:20. While doing so, squeeze the pad in your hand to wash out the polish. Rinse once with clear water and preferably allow to dry upright on the edge.
- Carefully separate the pad from the Velcro plate with a spatula.
- Use several pads during paint preparation.
DONTs:
- We do not recommend washing the pad in the washing machine, because this puts too much stress on the pad. For example, the adhesive could come off the fleece and thus negatively affect the durability of the pad.
- Do not pull the pad off the backing plate by pulling the foam.
- Do not polish over sharp edges.
- Do not polish the whole car with only one pad.
The pad washing guide
To ensure that washing our pads is always a breeze, we have created compact and clear washing instructions.
