Micro Mesh Polishing Pads(wet or dry?)

[Ferbz]

I'm about to buy and try out my first set of Micro mesh Polishing Pads. I've had some experience and success wet sanding/polishing paint jobs before using traditional means of 1500-3000 grit paper and polishing compounds, but thought I should finally try out these pads for myself.

This might seem like a dumb question, but I'm curious if using them dry is an option?  The reason why I'm asking the dry vs. wet question is because since these pads are removing even finer grains/amounts of paint from the surface, maybe using water as a lubricant/cleaner during the process isn't necessary?

Thanks in advance!  

[High octane]

I would use them wet myself. No matter how fine the grains, you need to lubricate and clean the pads.

[John Pol]

lubicate with water or what does it last longer that way

[MrObsessive]

Put a couple drops of dishwashing liquid (I like Dawn) in the water, as that will help things further by keeping the pads from getting too clogged up.

[Steven Zimmerman]

If you use them dry, they will wear out WAY WAY WAY before you're finished.

[ZTony8]

I've found that using them wet makes the grit paper separate from the foam so use the water sparingly.

[Steven Zimmerman]

I've found that using them wet makes the grit paper separate from the foam so use the water sparingly.

Hmmmm, I have been using them for many years and never had that problem......

[ZTony8]

It doesn't happen each time but it happens over time.

 

[StevenGuthmiller]

I've found that using them wet makes the grit paper separate from the foam so use the water sparingly.

Same here.

I use them dry for this reason.

They don't last very long when using them dry, but I've had worse luck using them wet.

I only use the 4 or 5 finest grits & the finest 2 seem to last me much longer than the coarser grits.

I just plan on replacing individual pads as I need to, usually after 2 or 3 builds.

 

Steve