The Different Types of Polishing Pads (Foam, Microfiber & More)
Buffing pads can make or break your paint correction results. Whether you’re removing swirls or chasing gloss, using the wrong pad can leave haze, holograms, or worse. Let’s break down the major types of polishing pads—and when to use each.
1. Foam Pads
Foam is the most common pad material. Available in various densities, foam pads are used for cutting, polishing, and finishing. For example, brands like Chemical Guys offer their popular Hex-Logic orange polishing pad as a go-to option. But foam isn't one-size-fits-all.
- Cutting Foam Pads: Firm density for heavy correction
- Polishing Foam Pads: Medium density for swirl removal
- Finishing Foam Pads: Soft foam like our Black Finishing Pad—ideal for refining soft paint and maximizing gloss
2. Microfiber Pads
Microfiber pads offer aggressive correction. They’re great for removing deep defects on hard paint but require technique and care—especially during finishing. They tend to clog quickly and can leave haze if overused.
We cover this more in Cut & Finish vs Microfiber Pads.
3. Wool Pads
Wool pads are often used with rotary polishers for fast correction. They're aggressive, generate more heat, and are mostly reserved for professional body shops or extremely oxidized paint.
4. Hybrid Pads
Hybrid pads like the Cut & Finish Pad are designed to both correct and refine in one step. These are ideal for one-step polishing jobs where you want to save time without compromising results.
Which Pad Should You Use?
| Task | Recommended Pad |
|---|---|
| Heavy Correction | Microfiber or Wool |
| Swirl Removal | Polishing Foam (e.g., Hex-Logic Orange or Cut & Finish) |
| Gloss Refinement | Black Finishing Pad |
| One-Step Correction | Cut & Finish Pad |
Want to Simplify It?
Use this system:
- Step 1: Cut & Finish Pad with Picture Perfect Polish
- Step 2 (optional): Black Finishing Pad for ultra-deep gloss or ceramic prep
- Step 3: Lock it in with Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray
Related Posts
- Cut & Finish Pad vs Foam Pad
- Cut & Finish Pad vs Microfiber Pad
- Do You Need Different Pads for DA vs Rotary?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foam pads good for beginners?
Yes. Foam pads offer a forgiving learning curve and are available for all correction stages.
What’s better—microfiber or foam pads?
Microfiber pads cut faster, but foam pads are more versatile and easier to finish with. Hybrid pads like the Cut & Finish Pad give you the best of both.
Can I use the same pad for cutting and finishing?
You can with a pad like our Cut & Finish—but traditional foam or microfiber pads usually require separate steps.
Do polishing pads work on DA and rotary machines?
Yes—but some pads perform better on one type. We cover this more in an upcoming post: Do You Need Different Pads for DA vs Rotary?
