Pad versus Backer Size

G

GaryDG

New member
Basics...

What's the relationship between the backer size and the pad size. I see packages being sold (DA + product + pads) with the backer at 5" and the pads at 5 1/2" or other packages where the backer is 5 or 5 1/2" and the pads are 7".

Don't the pads need to be just slightly larger thean the backer?

Thanks!

gary
 
Hello GaryDG -
Welcome to a great Forum.

The Backing Plate should always be smaller in diameter than the pad, so that the edges of the Backing Plate do not come in contact with the vehicles paintwork, or edges of door handles, mirrors, etc..

You would want to have a small amount of the foam, or microfiber, wool, pad out there as a cushion to prevent the hard plastic backing plate from touching anything on the vehicle.

Smaller diameter backing plates and pads are easier to control and work more efficiently because of the smaller size whether it is rotated directly as in a Rotary Buffer or randomly rotated in a PC/Random Orbital machine.

The sizes of both Backing Plates and Pads should not be so far off as you described - a 5 or 5/5" backing plate and a 7' foam pad. That is too wide a pad.

Look for a Backing Plate that is closer to 5" or so, and a Foam or Microfiber Pad that is in the same 5" range but of course, not smaller than the Backing Plate.

Dan F
 
also be cautious about putting an excessively oversized pad on a small backing plate. you'll end up losing the proper polishing action on a da machine.
 
The most common backing plate size on a DA is 5 inches (or 4 3/4 inches). This allows the user to get maximum performance with a 5.5 inch pad or switch to a 6-7 inch pad for more safety (larger border around the plate).

To maximize performance you want the pad/plate size to be as close to the same size as possible. As you increase performance you do loose some of safety zone.

I like beginners to start with a 5 inch plate and a 6.5 inch pad. As they progress and become more comfortable with machine polishing they can switch to the 5.5 inch pads.
 
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