Body Repair Buffing & Polishing Pads

Select pads by pad material (foam for finishing, wool for heavy cutting, microfiber for moderate cutting and finishing), pad diameter matching your polisher (commonly 3–8 inches), and pad hardness appropriate to paint condition — firmer for compounding, softer for polishing and glazing

Use wool or firm-cut foam pads with a cutting compound to remove deep scratches and sanding marks; transition to medium microfiber or foam-cut pads for light defects; finish with soft foam or microfiber finishing pads and a polish or glaze to remove swirl marks and refine gloss

Clean pads after each use by removing excess compound, then wash with warm water and mild detergent or a pad-cleaning solution, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry flat or face-down; inspect for deterioration and replace pads that are torn, misshapen, or heavily contaminated

Match pad backing (hook-and-loop/Velcro or adhesive) to your polisher’s mounting system and verify pad diameter fits your machine; also pair pad aggressiveness with the cutting level of the compound—using a very aggressive pad with a light polish can generate heat and surface marring

A basic starter set typically includes 4–6 pads (cut, polish, finish, and a bonnet) to cover common tasks; budget options can be found under $50 while higher-quality kits or specialty pads average higher, so plan according to usage frequency and desired durability

For best results and to avoid cross-contamination of compounds and heavier abrasives, dedicate pads by task (cutting vs finishing) rather than strictly by color; if switching between significantly different colors or materials, thoroughly clean pads or use separate pads to prevent transfer of compounds or pigments

Work with a cool panel and shaded area, use moderate pressure and keep the polisher moving to avoid burning paint, use appropriate speed settings recommended by polish/compound manufacturers, and wear eye and skin protection if using aggressive compounds