When it comes to auto detailing, polishing pads have several benefits. They’re soft and gentle enough to not damage a bare or painted surface. They also save money in the long run as they require less polish during a job compared to towels.

While they look pretty straightforward, you need to look for the following features to make sure you’re buying the right polishing pads.

1. The Material in Relation to Function

In the world of auto detailing, every polishing pad plays a specific role, which is why we have foam pads and wool pads. When choosing between the two, you should consider the nature of the job beforehand.

Here’s what these two materials are capable of achieving.

·  Foam Pads

Foam pads are all the rage in polishing because of their versatility. You can find them in different shapes and colors, with the latter corresponding to the compound with which they get along. Foam pads are also compatible with low and high-speed polishers and work like a charm for finishing a polishing job.

·  Wool Pads

Most detailers prefer using synthetic wool pads for polishing and cutting, with the help of polishers that generate quite a bit of heat. In other words, polishers with high revolutions per minute. Since wool pads have a thicker face, you’ll need to apply adequate pressure and stay in control of the machine at all times to remove scratches and other imperfections.

2. Size in Relation to the Backing Plate

The polishing pad you’re using has to be the right size to sit right on the polisher. While backing plates have made size negligible, you should always buy the recommended size.

If you don’t have a recommended size, just get a large pad because those always cover the entirety of a polisher.

3. Color in Relation to Compound

As previously mentioned, the color of a polishing pad corresponds to the compound with which it works best. Polishing pads don’t come in different colors for no reason.

They’re always dyed in relation to their corresponding compound or polish. Mix them up, and you risk affecting the final finish. So, always match by color and never use the same cleaned or uncleaned pad for a different compound.

4. Durability in Relation to Affordability

Polishing pads aren’t meant for long-term use, which is why you’ll find yourself in the market for new ones pretty often. While quality does play a role in their shelf life, it also comes at a price.

Even though longer-lasting pads save money in the long run, you have to weigh your options in the present, and the only way to achieve that is to find polishing pads with the right durability and price label.

Buy Polishing Accessories Worth Every Penny

The price is just right at our polishing equipment store, so browse our shelves to buy aluminum polish online and match it with the right polishing pads for aluminum. You can also get an entire Cyclo polisher package with all the polishing pads you’ll ever need to go with your compounds.

Find more car polishing supplies here.