We choose polishing pads by the paint's condition, the machine and the result needed, then confirm the combination on a small test section. A cutting pad removes more material, a polishing pad refines lighter defects and a finishing pad suits final refinement or product application. AutoBead's Heavy Cut, Medium Cut and Fine Cut grades make that choice clearer, but pad colours are not standard across brands.
Do polishing pad colours mean the same on every brand?
No, and this catches a lot of people out. Lake Country's CCS pads use blue for heavy polishing, orange for polishing and black for finishing. In the Chemical Guys Hex-Logic range, blue is the lightest glaze and cleaner pad, white is a light polishing pad and black is a finishing pad with no cut. AutoBead avoids the problem altogether by naming its Downforce pads Heavy Cut, Medium Cut and Fine Cut. Always read the grade on the pad or its listing, not just the colour.
Which pad do you need for each job?
We match the pad and liquid together, starting gently on a test section. Cutting pads are for correction that the paint can safely tolerate; polishing and finishing pads suit refinement. A deeper scratch is not automatically a reason to use more cut.
- Cutting: for heavier correctable defects with a suitable compound, after assessing the paint. Do not chase scratches through the clear coat.
- Polishing: for light to moderate swirls and refining after cutting, and for one-step correction with the right polish.
- Finishing: for the final gloss, or for spreading glaze, wax or sealant evenly with no cut.
For the difference between the liquids, see compound vs polish.
Our picks by job
These are our options by job. Compare the grade, construction and machine compatibility, then check the selected size and availability on its product page.
AutoBead Downforce: our first pick
AutoBead Downforce Foam Pads Heavy Cut
A dual-foam cutting pad for compatible DA and rotary machines, available in 3 and 5 inch sizes. It pairs with AutoBead Heavy Cut Compound; we would assess a gentler combination before stepping up to it.
AutoBead Downforce Foam Pads Medium Cut
The dual foam pad in its medium cut grade, the partner pad for the Medium Cut Compound.
AutoBead Downforce Foam Pads Fine Cut
The finishing grade, partnered with the Finishing Compound; a rubber-like backing keeps polish out of the velcro.
Lake Country CCS: HDO and SDO
Lake Country HDO-CCS Orange Polishing Pad
A dual-layer HDO polishing pad with CCS pockets, intended for compatible random-orbital and mini polishers. Check the recommended backing plate and machine combination.
Lake Country SDO-CCS Black Finishing Pad
The finishing pad from the SDO line, which keeps the tapered CCS design without the dual layer. The HDO and SDO lines both come in Blue Heavy Polishing, Orange Polishing and Black Finishing.
Chemical Guys Hex-Logic
A light-cut option for suitable correction work. The actual finish depends on the paint, polish, machine and technique, so we would test the combination first.
A lower-density foam with a fine polishing action and very slight cut, for light polishes, waxes and sealants.
A finishing pad with no cut, made to spread glaze, sealant or wax thinly and evenly.
Polishing pads compared
| Pad | Job | Machines | Sizes we stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoBead Downforce Heavy Cut | Heavy cut | DA and rotary | 3 and 5 inch |
| AutoBead Downforce Medium Cut | Medium cut | DA and rotary | 3 and 5 inch |
| AutoBead Downforce Fine Cut | Fine cut | DA and rotary | 3 and 5 inch |
| Lake Country HDO-CCS Orange | Polishing | DA, long throw | 3.5, 5.5 and 6.5 inch |
| Lake Country SDO-CCS Black | Finishing | DA, mini polisher | 5.5 inch |
| Chemical Guys Hex-Logic Green | Light to moderate defects | - | 4 inch |
| Chemical Guys Hex-Logic White | Light polishing, wax, sealant | - | 4 inch |
| Chemical Guys Hex-Logic Black | Finishing, no cut | - | 4 inch |
How do you choose a polishing pad?
Start with the job, then the size, and always begin with the least aggressive pad that works on a test section.
- Look at the paint: work out whether you are removing deep defects, light swirls or just adding gloss.
- Match the backing plate: use the pad maker's specified backing-plate size and check compatibility with the machine. Pad-face diameter and attachment diameter can differ, so do not choose by the advertised diameter alone.
- Start gentle: try a mild pad and polish on a test section. If defects remain, assess their depth and the paint before increasing cut; leaving a deeper mark can be the better decision.
- Finish down: after cutting, refine with a polishing or finishing pad to bring the gloss back.
- Use a clean pad per product: this stops cutting compound ending up in your finishing stage.
Common questions
How do you look after polishing pads?
We recommend cleaning pads between sections and swapping them before they become saturated or overheated. Follow the pad maker's cleaning guidance and let the machine stop before handling the pad. Clean them properly after the job, let them dry face down, and keep a spare of each grade so you can swap a clogged pad instead of pushing on with it. A pad that has started to tear or delaminate should be retired.
Foam or wool, DA or rotary?
For a beginner, we usually recommend suitable foam pads on a dual-action polisher. Wool, microfibre and rotary combinations can cut more aggressively and need the appropriate technique; any setup can damage paint if misused. Our guide to the best DA polisher covers the machines, and the best car polish guide covers the liquids that go on the pad.
What size polishing pad do you need?
Use the size specified for your backing plate and machine. Check both the working-face diameter and the attachment size, as they are not always identical. Smaller compatible pads help with tight areas; larger ones cover main panels.
Compare two popular foam ranges in our Lake Country HDO versus SDO guide.
Need help?
Tell the TDHQ team what machine you have and what the paint looks like, and we will put together the right pads and polishes. You can also browse every cutting pad, finishing pad and the full AutoBead range.
Last updated 16 October 2026.
