Cutting Pad vs. Polishing Pad: What’s the Difference?
Choosing the right pad is just as important as choosing the right polish.
This guide explains the difference between cutting and polishing pads—so you get better correction, a smoother finish, and no wasted time.
What Is a Cutting Pad?
Cutting pads are designed to remove deeper swirls, scratches, oxidation, and defects from your paint.
- ✅ More aggressive foam or microfiber material
- ✅ Pairs well with heavier cut polishes or compounds
- ✅ Great for neglected or heavily swirled paint
When paired with a one-step polish like Picture Perfect Polish, a cutting pad can remove serious defects—while still finishing down well.
What Is a Polishing Pad?
Polishing pads are designed for refining and finishing your paint.
- ✅ Softer foam construction
- ✅ Ideal for light swirl removal and gloss enhancement
- ✅ Great on newer vehicles or as a second step after cutting
Perfect if your paint isn’t trashed—or you want to maximize clarity after a correction pass.
Quick Comparison Table
| Pad Type | Correction Power | Best Use | Paint Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Pad | High | Removing swirls, oxidation, scratches | Heavily swirled or neglected paint |
| Polishing Pad | Medium to Light | Refining, gloss boosting | Newer paint, or after cutting step |
Which One Should You Use?
If you’re using a one-step polish like Picture Perfect Polish, your pad choice depends on your goal:
- ✅ Need more correction? Use a cutting pad.
- ✅ Paint already in decent shape? Use a polishing pad.
Pro Tip: Always do a test spot first. Start with the least aggressive pad and move up if needed.
Customer Testimonial
"I used Picture Perfect Polish with a cutting pad on my hood and a polishing pad on my doors. The difference in cut was noticeable, but both left a smooth finish. Great system for beginners."
— Ryan J., Test Group Member
Coming Soon: Buffing Pads by Jimbo’s
We’re working on the perfect buffing pads to pair with Picture Perfect Polish.
- ✅ Designed for DA polishers
- ✅ Foam and microfiber options
- ✅ Built for simplicity and pro-level results
Related Blog Posts
Watch our youtube video on pads:
Don’t let the wrong pad ruin your results.
With the right pad and the right polish, you’ll get better correction and a finish that turns heads.
Stay tuned for our new pad lineup—and grab Picture Perfect Polish.
