Cut / Finish & Pairing Matrix (Pure Cut + 5" Pads)
| Pad | Material / Tech | Machine | Cut / Finish (10) | Typical Use | Optional Step 2 with Perfect Polish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microfiber Cutting Pad | High-density microfiber | DA / Rotary | 9 / 4 | Heavy defects, oxidation, P1200–P1500 marks | Orange Polishing Pad (most paints) or Black Finishing Pad (soft/dark) | Fastest correction; clean pad often to maintain cut |
| One Step Microfiber Pad | Blended MF over foam | DA | 7 / 6 | Moderate defects; one-step leaning | (Optional) Orange Polishing Pad for extra clarity | Strong cut with better finish; time saver |
| Orange Polishing Pad | SmartCell™ foam | DA / Rotary | 5 / 8 | Light defects, post-compound refining | Black Finishing Pad for jeweling / max gloss | Lower heat, smooth wipe, consistent control |
| Black Finishing Pad | SmartCell™ foam | DA | 2 / 10 | Final finish, coating prep, soft/dark paints | — | Ultra-fine finishing; minimal cut |
DA = Dual Action.
How to Use Pure Cut (with Ethos Pads)
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Pad & Machine
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Start with the least aggressive pad that achieves your goal (see chart).
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DA speeds: 3–5. Rotary: 600–1200 RPM on most paints.
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Prime & Load
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Microfiber: Light face prime the fibers, then add 3–4 pea-size drops.
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Foam: Apply 3–4 pea-size drops spaced on the pad.
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Work a 2' × 2' Section
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Spread product, then make slow, overlapping passes with moderate pressure for 2–3 passes.
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Keep the pad flat; maintain steady pad rotation (DA).
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Refine the Pass
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Clean the pad on the fly (pad brush/air), reload with 2–3 drops, then make a final no-pressure pass to improve clarity.
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Wipe & Inspect
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Remove residue with a clean microfiber. Check under proper lighting.
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If faint haze remains, step down to Perfect Polish + Orange Polishing Pad (or Black Finishing Pad on soft/dark paints).
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Pro Tips: Work on cool panels; don’t overload the pad; clean pads every 1–2 sections for consistent cut and finish.
