Why are there different types of bodywork polishing pads? Well, you wouldn't use a toilet brush to clean the dishes. By the same reasoning, you really shouldn't use a buffing pad designed for applying cutting compound to apply wax to your car's bodywork - so it makes sense to use the most suitable pads to get the most from your car bodywork polishing tool.
We've created this guide to polishing pads because there are a great many out there, each varying in both quality and purpose. We explain the different types of polishing pads, the materials used, and which ones are best for applying certain products. Our recommendations are for dual-action bodywork polishing tools or for hand application. There are a number of budget machine polishers available if you are thinking of stepping your detailing up a gear from manual polishing.
The three main types of material used in polishing pads are foam, microfibre and wool, which all have different buffing properties which can be further broken down as within each material, there are varying degrees of aggressiveness depending on what they are being used for. In the main, foam and microfibre pads are the best for the amateur detailer to work with, as the abrasiveness of wool can cause trouble for beginners. But no matter what type of pad you use, you'll get the best results if you keep your polishing pads clean.
The best polishing pads at a glance
Editor's pick: Meguiar's DFC6 Foam Cutting Disc - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for tough jobs: Lake Country CCSYE5 Heavy Cutting Pad - Buy now from Amazon UK
Best multi-pack: Glart 46PP Microfibre Hand Polishing Sponge Set - Buy now from Amazon UK
The three main categories of pads are:
• Cutting and compound pads, which are the most aggressive and for use with abrasive cutting compounds in the first stages of dealing with scratch removal on paintwork.
• Polishing pads are less aggressive than compounding pads and are meant for use with mildly abrasive polish.
• Finishing pads are the softest of them all for use with sealants and waxes in applying a protective coat.
For most DIYers, a polishing pad and a finishing pad are what you will need since most of us don’t use the cutting compound. We'll look at the different types of pads for each application, including hand applicator pads.
The best polishing pads
Best for beginners cutting
Perhaps not the most aggressive of cutting discs, this 6-inch buffing pad will deal with light swirls and scratches. It's machine washable, and the hook and loop system keeps it firmly in place as you work.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Secure fit
Cons
- Product can get fully absorbed quite quickly
Best for tough jobs
The Lake Country heavy cutting pad is a 5.5-inch pad for tackling more severe scratches. Partially closed-cell (CCS) foam allows for less polish absorption into the pad, making the product used last longer and helping reduce the heat generated.
Pros
- Slows the product absorption rate
- Reduces heat
Cons
- Perhaps too aggressive for some jobs
Best for tackling swirls
The Chemical Guys Hex-Logic pad is perfect for medium to light polishing. The 6.5-inch pad restores gloss after cutting away scratches and swirls. The hex pattern gives an even spread and allows airflow to prevent overheating.
Pros
- Bendable ring for easier use
- Washable
Cons
- More than one pad needed for best results
Best for high-gloss finish
You'll get the best results from this if you use the Meguiar's DFP5 Dual Action Polisher, which it was designed for, but it'll give a high gloss no matter what machine you use. The Meguiars 5-inch disc is also machine washable.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Great results
Cons
- Can absorb a lot of product
Best for product saving
The Lake Country CCSGRE5 Polishing/Finishing Pad is not the finest pad, so it works as a polisher and a finisher. The pad uses CCS Technology which is Lake Country's innovative pad design that saves product by controlling product release onto the work surface.
Pros
- Reduces product waste
- Polish or finish
Cons
- Perhaps not fine enough for some
Best double set
This set of two 5.5-inch pads from Griot's Garage uses open-cell foam, which increases their durability but tends to increase the amount of product used. You can use it with waxes and sealants, and these pads are machine-washable.
Pros
- Set of two
- Machine washable
Cons
- Uses more product
Best microfibre double-pack
Here's another 5-inch double pack. The microfibre material polishes and refines the paintwork to give a high-gloss finish. The second pad gives you more flexibility, and they are machine washable.
Pros
- Microfibre material
- Machine washable
Cons
- Can burn through paint if not careful
Best hand polishing set
This pack includes two sets of two. One set is soft foam pads (4-inch) for polish or wax; the other set is microfibre pads (5-inch) for applying polish or compound. They are great for applying wax, polish or even tyre dressing.
Pros
- Multi-pack
- Ideal for hand polishing
Cons
- You still need to put in some effort
Best multi-pack
A six-pack of 135mm (5.3-inch) microfibre pads for use with any polish, wax, or sealant. They feature a simple hand strap for easy use. Separate the colours for different uses. They are machine washable, too.
Pros
- Multi-pack
- Flexible usage
Cons
- Elasticity could be improved
Notes on polishing pads
There are a couple of important things to remember when buying polishing pads, in addition to getting the right ones for the job:
Make sure you get the correct size to fit your dual-action polisher. Dual-action polishers vary in size and so do the pads.
Use different speed settings on the polisher when applying compound, polish, or wax. Compound should use a faster speed, polish is best worked at a medium speed, and wax at a slower speed.
Different materials for polishing pads
There are three materials used to make buffing pads: foam, wool, and microfibre. Within each material, there are different grades that each have a certain aggressiveness, depending on whether they are for use with an abrasive compound, polish, or used as a finishing pad.
Foam pads are our material of choice for casual users. It is by far the most commonly used material for polishing pads and comes in a large array of types, depending on their task. They can’t match microfibre for performance or wool for abrasiveness, but overall, they are easier to work with than either of them.
Microfibre pads are the most recent development of the three. Most of us can testify to the effectiveness of microfibre cloths for a range of uses, and it is an equally effective material here, too. There is a big range available, from cutting to finishing. The biggest issue with microfibre pads is the heat buildup. They generate more friction than foam or wool, and it means they can’t be worked for as long. But they also work faster. As such, they are very good for people who know what they’re doing.
Wool pads have been around for the longest. Because the fine wool fibres are themselves abrasive, they are excellent for use in the cutting stage with a medium or heavy cutting compound. Thus, great for paintwork with severe scratches. However, the natural trade-off is that they aren’t good for finishing. For casual DIYers, we tend to suggest sticking to either foam or microfibre pads. The abrasiveness can land beginners in trouble.
Chris Williams is an Automotive Content Writer for CAR Magazine, but he also contributes to Live For The Outdoors and What's The Best. He trained as an automotive journalist in New Zealand, prior to which he studied International Relations and History.