Cut & Finish Pad vs Hex-Logic Orange Pad: Which One Wins?
The Hex-Logic Orange Pad from Chemical Guys has been a go-to polishing pad for years—but is it still the best choice today? We compared it to the more modern Cut & Finish Pad to see which one delivers better results with fewer steps.
Hex-Logic Orange Pad: The Basics
This pad is marketed as a medium-duty polishing pad. It's firm enough for swirl removal but soft enough to avoid heavy hazing—at least in theory. It's been around for years and is still popular for basic correction work, especially when paired with an all-in-one or light polish.
Cut & Finish Pad: The Hybrid Approach
The Cut & Finish Pad is a newer design that aims to simplify the correction process by offering solid cut and refined finishing in one pad. It’s made to pair with adaptive polishes like Picture Perfect Polish—giving you one-step correction without the need for multiple pads.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Hex-Logic Orange Pad | Cut & Finish Pad |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Ability | Moderate | Medium–High |
| Finishing Quality | Fair (may leave haze) | Excellent (refines well) |
| Use Case | Polishing only | One-step correction & finish |
| Machine Compatibility | DA only | DA & Rotary |
| Ease of Use | Beginner friendly | Beginner–Pro, more versatile |
Real-World Results
In side-by-side testing on a daily-driven black SUV:
- Hex-Logic Orange: Removed moderate swirls, but left light haze visible under LED lighting
- Cut & Finish Pad: Removed the same swirls—and finished down clearly enough to skip a second step
Final Verdict
The Hex-Logic Orange Pad is a decent polishing pad, but it’s showing its age. The Cut & Finish Pad gives you more versatility, better finishing, and pairs seamlessly with today’s better polishes like Picture Perfect Polish.
Want to finish even cleaner? Follow with a quick pass using the Black Finishing Pad before applying Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray.
Related Posts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hex-Logic Orange Pad a finishing pad?
No—it’s designed for polishing. It may leave haze on soft or black paint if not followed up with a finishing step.
Can the Cut & Finish Pad replace both polishing and finishing pads?
In most cases, yes. It cuts and finishes well enough for one-step details on all but the most sensitive paint.
Which pad is better for beginners?
Both are easy to use—but the Cut & Finish Pad is more forgiving across a wider range of paints and machines.
Is there a clear upgrade from Hex-Logic Orange?
Yes—the Cut & Finish Pad gives you more correction, cleaner finish, and can be used on DA or rotary polishers.
