[RWebb]

you need a decent foam pad - go to an autobody shop if you want a high end one or go to a discount store & buy Meguairs or Mothers. Griots will ship you a nice one for a very high price.

just use old 100% cotton towels, or again visit the Meguairs web site - go there anyway to get a customized rec. for your car in your location with your amount of labor & $$ input.

There is NO reason to spend a huge amt. of money on this. If you do not believe that, then do a side by side test on vertical & horizontal surfaces of your car. I did.