Choosing the Right Detailing Pad: Cut, Polish, and Finish Like a Pro

In paint correction, the pad is just as important as the machine or compound. The wrong pad can waste your time, leave haze, or even burn the clear coat. The right one levels defects, boosts clarity, and finishes clean.
Here’s what every detailer needs to know about pads.
Types of Detailing Pads and When to Use Them
Pad Type | Purpose | When to Use |
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Cutting Pads | High aggression | Heavy swirl marks, scratches, oxidation |
Polishing Pads | Medium aggression | Light defects, refining after cutting |
Finishing Pads | Low aggression | Applying waxes, sealants, or finishing polishes |
Most pads are made of foam, but some use microfiber or wool for faster correction. Microfiber cuts faster than foam. Wool cuts fast but runs hot and needs skill.
What to Look For in a Quality Pad
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Even cell structure for consistent cut
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Durable backing that sticks through the job
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Washable foam to extend pad life
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Color-coded systems for easy workflow
💡 Pro Tip: Always match your pad to the compound. A heavy-cut compound on a finishing pad will not work. Likewise, a finishing polish on a cutting pad may leave haze.
Psycho Detailing Pads
We built our pads for pros who work fast and don’t compromise on finish:
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White Foam Pad: Medium cut for one-step polish
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Blue Foam Pad: Soft finishing for wax and sealants
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5-inch hook and loop backing, fits most DA polishers
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Open-cell foam for reduced heat and even pressure
Keep Your Pads Clean
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Wash with pad cleaner or APC after every use
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Use a pad brush or spur during jobs to reduce buildup
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Store pads dry and flat to maintain shape