5 Reasons Your Polishing Pads Aren’t Giving You Results
You bought the polish. You grabbed your pad. But the results? Still hazy. Still swirled. If your paint correction isn’t going as planned, your pad may be the problem. Here are 5 common reasons polishing pads underperform—and how to fix them.
1. You're Using an Outdated Pad Design
Many foam polishing pads—like the Chemical Guys Hex-Logic orange pad—were solid options a decade ago. But pad technology has come a long way. Newer options like the Cut & Finish Pad are designed to cut and finish better, faster, and more consistently on modern clear coats.
2. You're Using Too Much Product
More polish doesn’t mean better results. Overloading the pad causes slinging, dusting, and smearing. Use 3–4 small drops and clean the pad regularly during use. Need a low-dusting polish? Picture Perfect Polish was made for this.
3. You’re Not Cleaning the Pad Often Enough
A clogged pad can’t cut or finish properly. If you're noticing a drop in performance halfway through a job, stop and blow out the pad or clean it with a pad brush. Foam and microfiber both clog—but microfiber pads especially need cleaning every panel or two.
4. You Picked the Wrong Pad for the Job
- Too soft? It won’t cut
- Too firm? It may haze
That’s why a hybrid solution like the Cut & Finish Pad is ideal for most cars—it balances correction with a refined finish, all in one pad.
5. You’re Skipping the Final Finish Step
Even after using a polishing pad, your paint may not be 100% refined. For black or soft paint, follow up with a Black Finishing Pad to remove micro-marring and boost gloss—especially if you’re applying a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell.
How to Fix It All (With Fewer Steps)
Skip the guesswork and upgrade to this simplified system:
- One-step correction: Cut & Finish Pad + Picture Perfect Polish
- Final refinement: Black Finishing Pad
- Protection: Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray
Related Posts
- Microfiber vs Foam Pad for Correction
- 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Finishing Pads
- Cut & Finish vs Foam Pads
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my paint still hazy after polishing?
You may be using too firm of a pad, applying too much pressure, or skipping the finishing step. Try refining with a dedicated finishing pad.
Should I clean my pad while polishing?
Absolutely. Foam and microfiber pads should be cleaned every few sections to maintain performance.
Can a single pad cut and finish?
Yes. The Cut & Finish Pad is designed to handle both correction and finish in one step for most paint systems.
Do I need a different pad for applying ceramic spray?
Not necessarily—but make sure your paint is refined first. After that, you can apply ceramic by hand using a microfiber towel or soft applicator.
