To remove imperfections such as tiny scratches or streaks, one must work the polish into the finish. Polishing pads are made to quickly fix a finish. Pads can be mounted to polishing equipment and can hold and distribute polish more uniformly than any other material.

Types of polishing pads

Foam, wool, and microfiber pads are the three most common varieties of polishing pads. Each has its unique set of applications and may be used on both, Dual Action Orbital and Rotary polishers. The pads you use, however, must have the same or bigger diameter as the backing plate of the polisher.

Foam pads

Foam pads are of three types: Compound, Polish and Finish. The stiffer the pad, the more aggressive it is and takes off more paint from the surface.

Compounding pads- These pads are the most aggressive and are used with a cutting compound that has a high level of cut or aggressiveness. It is the first pad used in removing surface defects.

Polishing pads- These are used in the second step of removing surface defects and are used with a polishing compound of low-level cut or aggressiveness.

Finishing pads- These are used as the last step for smoothening and polishing the surface. They are used along with a sealant or a cleaning wax that has little to no cut or aggressiveness. It helps restore and protect the finished result.

Microfiber pads

These polishing pads are of two types: Cutting/compounding pads, and polishing/finishing pads. Microfiber pads are a more recent invention. As a result, their types have a limited number of classifications. Some manufacturers utilize different microfiber, while others alter the foam thickness. Furthermore, a few manufacturers mix the foam thickness and microfiber kind.

Because utilizing these takes some getting accustomed to, one must stick to a specific manufacturer. Do not mix and match microfiber pads as they are not standardized products.

Cutting microfiber pads-These are used with aggressive cutting compounds that serve the purpose of removing paint quickly. However, these pads do not offer a good finish.

Finishing microfiber pads- These polishing pads are used for providing smoothness to the finish. They are used along with polishing compounds and are less aggressive. Hence, they remove paint slowly and offer a smooth finish.

Microfiber pads are usually more aggressive than foam pads since the fibers present in them are abrasives. One can usually notice micro marring caused by a microfiber finishing pad when used on soft and dark paints. As a final step, most people choose to use a foam finishing pad and polishing compound since it produces a smoother, more perfect surface.

 Wool pads

Wool pads are commonly used on rotary polishers. The gradation of wool pads is similar to that of microfiber pads. Compounding pads are the most aggressive, while polishing pads are used for last touches. Wool finishing pads, like microfiber pads, are not commonly used since they do not provide a smooth finish.

Finally, glass polishing pads are very fine pads that are used to remove scratches from a glass surface using a particular cerium oxide polish. Because they have little to no effect on other materials, these pads should not be used on them.

Conclusion

So, use these suggestions to help you choose the ideal diamond polishing pads for your needs. Abrasives in polishes are held in place by polishing pads against the surface being polished. As a result, you may get the best finish while using the least amount of polishing product. Pads also act as a protective barrier between the polishing machine and the polished surface. As a result, incidental scratches on the surface are prevented from being rectified.