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Chemical Guys 5.5" Cutting Pad Orange Inner Foam 3/4″ Thickness (1PCS)

Microfibre cutting pad with orange inner foam

Chemical Guys 5.5" Cutting Pad Orange Inner Foam 3/4″ Thickness (1PCS)

SKU BUFX_302_5 Ask a question

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£14.99

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Size 5.5in

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Chemical Guys 5.5" Cutting Pad Orange Inner Foam 3/4″ Thickness (1PCS) Chemical Guys 5.5" Cutting Pad Orange Inner Foam 3/4″ Thickness (1PCS) £14.99
Click & Collect: Ilkeston · FreeMost eligible orders are ready within 5 minutes during opening times. Please wait for your collection-ready confirmation before travelling. Click & Collect: Ilkeston Not available for this option. Options that can be collected show it here. How it works
  • Microfibre cutting pad for fast correction
  • Removes heavy swirls, scratches and oxidation
  • Works on single stage and clear coat
  • Cutting half of a simple two pad system
  • Centre vent cools pad and machine
  • Bevelled edge fits into tight areas
  • Recommended for dual action polishers
  • Orange inner foam, 3/4in thick
Read the full description

Full Description

Why Buy This Product?

  • Removes heavy swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation like heavy wool pads
  • Refines depth, reflection, and clarity like fine foam pads
  • Simple 2 Pad System virtually eliminates human error
  • Center pad vent cools pad and machine during extended polishing jobs
  • Works on any color paintwork
  • Works on all gloss paint types: single stage, clear coat, ceramic clear coat, etc.
  • Functions best with dual-action polishers
  • Works best with compounds and fine cutting polishes
  • Hook and loop backing for fast and easy changes
  • Also available in 4.5″ and 6.5″ sizes for all detailing applications

More in Heavy Cut Foam Pads.

Royal Mail Tracked 24 from £3.95, free over £100.Delivery details

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Key features

  • Microfibre Cutting Pad
  • 5.5in Pad
  • 3/4in Inner Foam
  • Two Pad System
  • DA Polisher Pad

The Drivers HQ

Expert Notes

The Chemical Guys Black Optics Orange Microfibre Cutting Pad is a 5.5in microfibre cutting pad with orange inner foam 3/4in thick. It is the cutting half of the Black Optics two pad system, made to remove heavy swirls, scratches and oxidation from single stage, clear coat and ceramic clear coat finishes. It is recommended for dual action polishers with a compound or fine cutting polish, and the hook-and-loop backing allows quick changes. A centre vent cools the pad and machine, and the bevelled edge fits tighter areas. Follow it with a microfibre finishing pad, and keep a pad brush and pad cleaner to hand. One pad is included.

Perfect For / Suitable Surfaces

  • Single stage paint
  • Clear coat finishes
  • Ceramic clear coat paint
  • Heavily swirled paintwork
  • Oxidised paintwork
  • Tight panel areas
  • Painted car and van panels

Caution: This pad is designed to cut fast, so it removes paint. Measure paint depth, test a small section first, and never hold it still on one spot.

Technical Specifications

Product Type
Microfibre Cutting Pad
Brand
Chemical Guys
Range
Black Optics
Size
5.5in
Pack Contents
1 Pad
Inner Foam
Orange, 3/4in Thick
Cut Level
Cutting
Backing
Hook-And-Loop
Suitable For
Single Stage, Clear Coat, Ceramic Clear Coat
Use With
Compounds And Fine Cutting Polishes
Compatibility
Dual Action Polishers (Recommended)
Features
Centre Vent Hole, Bevelled Edge

How To Use

Using it

  1. Fit the pad centrally on a hook-and-loop backing plate on a dual action polisher.
  2. Prime the pad with a few small dots of compound or fine cutting polish.
  3. Test a small section to confirm the cut before tackling whole panels.
  4. Work one section at a time with slow, overlapping passes and steady pressure.
  5. Wipe the residue away with a clean microfibre towel and inspect the result.
  6. Follow with a microfibre finishing pad to refine gloss and remove compounding marks.

Cleaning and storage

  1. Brush spent compound out of the pad between sections.
  2. Wash the pad in warm water with a dedicated pad cleaner after use.
  3. Rinse until the water runs clear, then press out excess water gently.
  4. Air dry it face down, away from direct heat.
  5. Store it dry in a sealed bag to keep dust and grit out of the fibres.

Top Tip: Brush out the pad after every section so spent compound does not build up and reduce the cut.

Performance Benefits

  • Removes heavy swirls and scratches
  • Cuts through oxidation on paint
  • Refines depth, reflection and clarity
  • Keeps pad and machine cooler
  • Bevelled edge reaches tight areas
  • Quick pad changes with hook-and-loop

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this pad?

It is the Chemical Guys Black Optics Orange Microfibre Cutting Pad in 5.5in, with orange inner foam 3/4in thick. Chemical Guys lists it under code BUFX_302_5.

What paint can I use it on?

It works on all gloss paint types, including single stage, clear coat and ceramic clear coat, in any colour.

Which polisher does it suit?

A dual action polisher is the recommended machine for this pad. It attaches to a hook-and-loop backing plate for quick changes.

What is the two pad system?

Chemical Guys designed Black Optics as one pad for cutting and one for finishing. Use this orange cutting pad first, then the black microfibre finishing pad to refine gloss and depth.

What should I use with it?

Use it with a compound or a fine cutting polish. Chemical Guys also lists a pad conditioner and a pad conditioning brush as useful extras.

How many pads are included?

One. This is a single 5.5in Black Optics orange cutting pad.

Do you deliver across the UK?

Yes, The Drivers HQ offers UK-wide delivery, and our walk-in store is in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

HQ Suggests Tips & Insights

  1. Run it on a dual action polisher, the recommended machine.
  2. Pair it with a compound or fine cutting polish.
  3. Measure paint depth before cutting older or resprayed panels.
  4. Clean the microfibre face after every section.
  5. Follow with a finishing pad to remove compounding marks.
  6. Keep the pad flat and moving at all times.
  7. Wash and fully dry the pad before storing.
  8. Order online with UK-wide delivery from The Drivers HQ.

The Brand

Chemical Guys

Chemical Guys is an American car care brand, operated by Smart, LLC and based in Torrance, California. It combines car care chemicals with detailing education and a community of enthusiasts, and its stated mission includes making professional-style results achievable at home through clear instruction. Its lines include the Hex-Logic polishing pads, Mr. Pink shampoo and a long list of air freshener scents.

At The Drivers HQ we stock Chemical Guys online with UK delivery and in our Ilkeston shop: Hex-Logic and Hex-Logic Quantum pads, shampoos, waxes and detailers, interior cleaners, wash mitts and a wide choice of air fresheners. Popular choices include the Hex-Logic Light Polishing Pad, the Quantum Buffing Pad in red and Mr. Pink shampoo.

Shop all Chemical Guys
Chemical Guys HEX-Logic pads in red, white, orange and black on a black display plinth, the red Quantum pad showing its printed back

Hex-Logic polishing pads by colour

Chemical Guys colour-codes its Hex-Logic pads by task, so choose the colour for the job. The Hex-Logic Quantum pads have laser-cut hexagonal grooves and a central Precision Port opening, which Chemical Guys says reduce heat, friction and wear.

Start with the least aggressive pad that removes the defect. Shop more polishing pads.

Chemical Guys red HEX-Logic Quantum pad on a dual action polisher on red paint, with the black Quantum pad held ready

Chemical Guys wash, protection, interior and air fresheners

Shampoos. Mr. Pink is a pH-balanced shampoo that Chemical Guys says is safe on existing protection, used in a bucket, foam gun or foam cannon; its dose is 1 to 3oz (about 30 to 90ml) in a 5 gallon (about 19 litre) bucket. Maxi-Suds II comes original, Grape Fusion and Strawberry Clear. Also Glossworkz, Clean Slate, Stripper Suds and, for matte paint, Meticulous Matte Auto Wash with its Detailer & Spray Sealant.

Waterless, waxes and protection. Swift Wipe, EcoSmart and EcoSmart RU waterless washes; Butter Wet Wax, Cherry Wet Wax and Instawax; After Wash; HydroView ceramic glass cleaner and coating; Wax Coat Wheel Guard; Heavy Duty Water Spot Remover; and Wipe Out surface cleanser.

Dressings and interior. Silk Shine, Clear Liquid Extreme Shine and Barebones for the undercarriage; inside, InnerClean, the Leather Quick Detailer, Foaming Citrus Fabric Clean and Lightning Fast Stain Extractor.

Mitts and tools. Bear Claw mitt and pad, chenille mitts in black and blue, the Stiffy Brush, the Soft Stool detailing cart and a logo bucket sticker.

Air fresheners. Scents include New Car Smell, Signature Scent, Black Frost, Leather Scent, Fresh Cherry Blast, Chuy Bubble Gum (also hanging), Fresh Glazed Doughnut, Buttered Up, Honeydew, Fresh Slice Watermelon, Fresh Cut Grass, JDM Fresh Citrus Squash, Mangocello, Mom's Pound Cake, Pina Colada, Purple Stuff Grape, Rides and Coffee, Stay Fresh Baby Powder, Vanilla Bean and Warm American Apple Pie.

Shop more car shampoo and car air fresheners.

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