Not so fast if you’re talking about buffing pads. Selecting the right color buffing pad can get confusing. It requires selecting the right pad for the right job.  A blue pad from company “A” might be equal to a red pad from company “B”.  A lot of detailers stay with a manufacturer they’re familiar with. They don’t want to pick up the wrong pad and possibly ruin a paint job. What about the color-blind detailer? How do they pick a pad?

This is an international issue. My friend, Mart in the UK went to the trouble of organizing the top buffing pad companies in England. It’s an impressive piece of work. (onemanandhismustang.com). It demonstrates that not all blue pads are designed for the same type of application. I don’t think it’s elevated to a UN discussion – yet. Industry leaders may meet at the next G7 conference and hash it out. I’m just kidding but it is an issue. It’s also an opportunity.  

 Numerous US companies offer similar comparison charts to help detailers make the right choice.

Why does it have to be so complicated? Why not assign a number to the pad rather than use a color? If two buffing pad competitors would sit down and develop an industry buffing pad color or number standard, they probably become the industry leaders. Other buffing pad companies would adopt the new standard to stay in the game.

Fortunately, other automotive product manufacturers have standards. Tire manufacturers follow an industry standard. SAE oil viscosity levels are equal regardless of the brand. The buffing pad industry needs to adopt both a color and number standard. 

The voice of the customer is golden. Will the industry listen or ignore it?

What are your thoughts?