Shark Fin Spot Pad - Fin-Cut Foam Polishing Pad, 75mm (3 inch)

• Fin-cut design reduces heat spots and promotes better polish coverage - all with less sling than a regular flat-faced pad
• Medium density for polishing of medium to hard paints, or cutting of softer paints
• Long-lasting (when used and maintained correctly) and fully washable/resuable
• Spot size ideal for isolated defect removal, tight sections and curved panels
• Hook-and-loop backing

1. Select the correct pad for the polishing job in hand; you will most likely start with a fine or mid cut pad to gauge the softness of the paint before moving on to the Shark Fin medium cut foam pad; this will generally suit cutting of soft or medium hardness paints
2. Make sure the polish is matched to the process, your technique and your aim; a cutting pad with a fine grade polish may just destroy itself due to heat overload and potentially damage the paint - you need fine to medium cut polishes with a correct cutting technique when using mid-cut pads (safe cutting is a combination technique, not a single product)
3. Use Stripp-Ex panel wipe to check the true cut achieved; change technique if the pad and polish is suitable, opt for a heavier cut pad like Slim Reaper (rotary) or Fibre Scyther (DA) - or simply get on with another set (or ten!)
4. After any cutting stages, you will usually refine the finish further - use Peak Finish with a light cut compound like Critical Finish
5. Don't get the pad too hot in use; too much heat suggests the wrong technique, pad or polish is being used (and the pad will be in danger of delamination)
6. Wash the pad after use with neat washing up liquid massaged into the face under a running tap; then rinse clean of suds and allow to air dry

Do I need a different backing plate with spot pads?
You will need a smaller 75-90mm backing plate to use with these smaller spot pads. Check that you have one with your machine, or buy one specifically. Remember orbitals and rotaries use different backing plates - one won't tend to fit the other.

Will it remove swirls?
Yes, of course, assuming the right polish combination and polishing techniques on soft and medium paints, but if you need more cut consider Fibre Scyther (DA) or Slim Reaper (rotary).

Is it suitable for DA machines as well as rotaries?
Yes, Shark Fin pads are ideal for DA polishers and rotaries. All machines that have the correct style and size backing plates, in fact.

Why the fin design to the pad face?
Fin pads tend to run cooler in operation, allow a better spread of polish across the pad face and even prevent polish splatter or 'sling'. They can sometimes feel a bit more consistent in use and allow for a more forgiving polishing angle (between pad face and paint surface) than flat pads. Like the popular waffle pad design, but just a bit more extreme in execution. We think you'll like it.

Will it work on headlights?
Yes, it’s small and precise enough. You may need to flat the headlight lens first with the correct grade sanding paper (advanced technique!) or use a different pad or polishing compound so be careful when you work on headlights.