Some of the first pads (LC variable contact's) I bought 18 months ago are starting to show signs of wear and tear. Because of use, I think the foam is breaking down internally, because from what I see, the polish migrates from the anti-spatter cup in the center outwards radially and starts streaking on the surface of the pad where it curls up on the outside inch or so of the pad - there is no "dribble" line from the cup to where the radial lines of product show up so it has to be migrathing THROUGH the pad. As soon as this happens, the product starts spraying everywhere.
When I switch to a brand new pad, the problem disappears...