Buffing pad comparison chart

[Me Time]

Good day Mike,

I have a question about flat foam pads. I have looked on this and other forums and have yet to find an answer. I'm new to the forums and not totally sure how they work.

I have had some Buff-n-Shine flat pads for a few years and I just recently purchased some Lake Country flat pads. What I would like to know is if you would have a comparison chart on the two, or can provide me with a link to one. My father just aquired a 2005 red Thunderbird and it looks like it might of lived in shine and swirl car wash. I know I will be using a few pads and will have to probably use both brands.

If you can help, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks Greg

[Me Time]

Can I get any help on this? It would be appreciated.

[Bill D]

I’ll third this request. Pads and color combinations can be confusing and to see them all laid out on a chart according to color and cut would be very helpful.

[Mike Phillips]

Good day Mike,

I have a question about flat foam pads. I have looked on this and other forums and have yet to find an answer. I'm new to the forums and not totally sure how they work.

I have had some Buff-n-Shine flat pads for a few years and I just recently purchased some Lake Country flat pads. What I would like to know is if you would have a comparison chart on the two, or can provide me with a link to one. My father just aquired a 2005 red Thunderbird and it looks like it might of lived in shine and swirl car wash. I know I will be using a few pads and will have to probably use both brands.

If you can help, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks Greg

I don't know of any comparison charts for different companies buffing pads. Sounds like a great project for someone with some time to spare.


What I do is keep it simple.

Use foam cutting pads for correction work
Use foam polishing pads for polishing or one-step cleaner/waxes
Use foam finishing pads for finishing work.

I don't really like closed-cell foam pads and I share why in my how-to book The Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine.

I use both Buff and Shine and Lake Country pads when I detail cars professionally, do tool and product reviews and teach car and boat detailing classes, so they are both great quality pad lines.


In my experience - the pad is the least important factor for getting pro results as long as you do like I typed above and match the "type" of pad to the process.

The MOST important factor is abrasive technology.

[Mike Phillips]

The picture in this article says it all....


Abrasive Technology - THE most important factor when it comes to polishing paint

[Bill D]

I’m pretty sure Autogeek has a comparison chart of Lake Country pads on its site. It should say which are for cutting,polishing, and finishing.

[Me Time]

I don't know of any comparison charts for different companies buffing pads. Sounds like a great project for someone with some time to spare.


What I do is keep it simple.

Use foam cutting pads for correction work
Use foam polishing pads for polishing or one-step cleaner/waxes
Use foam finishing pads for finishing work.

I don't really like closed-cell foam pads and I share why in my how-to book The Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine.

I use both Buff and Shine and Lake Country pads when I detail cars professionally, do tool and product reviews and teach car and boat detailing classes, so they are both great quality pad lines.


In my experience - the pad is the least important factor for getting pro results as long as you do like I typed above and match the "type" of pad to the process.

The MOST important factor is abrasive technology.

Thanks Mike for the reply. I just saw your post that you had been busy working at the Barrett-Jackson auction and spending a few imaginary million dollars on cars like the rest of us. I've been a "lurker" for a while and have read most of your posts on buffing out the paint. I'd love to take one of your classes, but my daughter is getting ready graduate college, so I don't get any play time money for a while.

With your experience working with both brands would you say their colors line up close or would they be off? I keep reading each brands description, but I think I'm starting to over think it.

Thanks, Greg

[Me Time]

Mike,
What are the flat pads from Buff n Shine, openot or closed cell? I don't see it anywhere and would like to know. Also, whstt are he pads that you use that are open cell? I'm using a 2nd Gen Griots da.


Thanks, Greg

[Mike Phillips]

Mike,
What are the flat pads from Buff n Shine, openot or closed cell? I don't see it anywhere and would like to know. Also, whstt are he pads that you use that are open cell? I'm using a 2nd Gen Griots da.


Thanks, Greg

You want the Buff & Shine URO-TECH pads.


These ones,

Buff & Shine Uro-Tec Foam Pad System for long throw orbital polishers




Open cell will take more abuse and last longer than closed cells. I share this in my book you just bought,

The Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine

(I forget the page but it's in the foam pad section)

[Mike Phillips]

Sorry for the late reply - been a tick busy...

10 cars detailed in 2 days! Texas Roadshow Detailing Class!


We used the Buff and Shine Uro-Tech pads on the 2 Corvettes in the above write-up.