The type of pad used to buff a floor depends on the floor’s material and the desired result. Here’s a guide to choosing the right pad for floor buffing:
Common Buffing Pads by Color and Purpose
- White Pads (Polishing/Finishing)
- Use: For high-gloss polishing on clean, smooth floors.
- Material: Soft and non-abrasive.
- Best for: Marble, tile, and vinyl floors when a glossy finish is desired.
- Red Pads (Light Buffing)
- Use: For removing light scuff marks and restoring shine.
- Material: Slightly more abrasive than white pads.
- Best for: Regular maintenance buffing on a variety of hard floors.
- Tan Pads (Spray Buffing)
- Use: For spray buffing with polishing solutions.
- Material: Similar to red pads but designed for use with spray buffing machines.
- Best for: Moderate cleaning and shine enhancement.
- Green Pads (Scrubbing)
- Use: For light scrubbing to remove dirt and scuff marks before buffing.
- Material: Medium abrasive.
- Best for: Preparing floors for refinishing.
- Black Pads (Stripping)
- Use: For stripping old wax or finish before refinishing the floor.
- Material: Highly abrasive and not suitable for buffing.
- Best for: Deep cleaning or refinishing prep only.
Factors to Consider
- Floor Material: Make sure the pad matches the hardness and finish of your floor (e.g., wood, vinyl, tile, or concrete).
- Machine Speed: Some pads are designed for low-speed machines, while others work better with high-speed or burnishing machines.
- Desired Outcome: Choose softer pads for polishing and harder pads for cleaning or stripping.
If you’re unsure, a red pad is a safe and versatile choice for general buffing on most floors.
