Backing Plates

The backing plate screws onto the polisher's spindle and holds the pad by hook and loop. You need a new one when the hooks wear and pads start slipping or flying off, or when you want to run a different pad size.

How to choose

• Thread: it must match your machine's spindle. Most dual action polishers take a 5/16 inch thread and many rotaries an M14, but check your machine before ordering.
• Diameter: choose a plate slightly smaller than your pads so its edge never touches the paint. A 125mm plate suits 130 to 150mm pads.
• Stiffness: a flexible plate follows curves and spreads pressure, while a firmer one puts more cut into flat panels. Interface Pads fitted between plate and pad add give without changing the plate.

Good to know

Centre each pad on the plate and brush compound and fibres out of the hooks now and then: an off-centre or badly gripped pad makes the machine vibrate.

What size backing plate do I need?

One that matches your polisher's spindle thread and suits your pads. Most dual action polishers take a 5/16 inch thread and many rotaries an M14. Choose a plate slightly smaller than the pad so its edge never touches the paint: for example, a 125mm plate suits 130 to 150mm pads. Our DA polisher guide explains the machines.

Related: Polishing Machines & Kits, Dual Action Polishers, Polishing Pads, Interface Pads. Popular brands here: Lake Country.