How to Use a Black Finishing Pad for Flawless Results
A finishing pad is your last stop before protection—so it needs to be right. Here's how to get the most out of your Black Finishing Pad for maximum gloss, no haze, and a perfect finish.
What You’ll Need
- Black Finishing Pad
- Picture Perfect Polish
- DA or rotary polisher
- Panel prep spray or isopropyl alcohol mix
- Soft microfiber towels
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Surface
Before using a finishing pad, the paint should already be corrected and swirl-free. Wipe the surface with a panel prep or IPA to remove any residue from previous steps.
2. Prime the Pad
Apply 4–5 small drops of Picture Perfect Polish and spread it across the surface with the machine turned off. This helps prevent dry contact and ensures even product distribution on the first pass.
3. Set Your Machine Speed
- DA Polisher: Speed 3–4
- Rotary: 1000–1200 RPM with light pressure
The goal is not to correct—just to refine. Let the polish and pad glide smoothly across the surface.
4. Use Light Pressure
Do not push down. Let the weight of the machine and pad do the work. Excessive pressure can reintroduce haze or marring—especially on soft or black paint.
5. Work Small Sections
Stick to 2’ x 2’ sections. Use a slow, overlapping crosshatch pattern (up/down then left/right). Two to three passes is usually all you need.
6. Wipe Down and Inspect
Use a soft microfiber towel to wipe off any residue. You should see deep gloss, sharp reflections, and no haze.
7. Protect Immediately
After finishing, apply a durable protection like Tough As Shell ceramic spray. It bonds better when the surface is clean and refined.
Pro Tips
- Clean the pad after every few sections to prevent buildup
- Use low-dusting, non-filler polish for best results
- Don’t overwork—short, slow passes work best
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the black pad with any polish?
Yes—but for best clarity and finish, use Picture Perfect Polish. It’s designed to finish down without fillers or streaking.
What pressure should I use?
Just the weight of the machine. No added pressure. If you push too hard, you’ll risk marring the paint.
Do I need to clean the pad often?
Yes. Every few sections, blow it out with compressed air or clean with a brush to keep performance consistent.
Can I skip the finishing step if I already polished?
If you’re chasing perfection or working on black paint, don’t skip it. A quick finish pass takes minutes—and makes all the difference in clarity and coating prep.
