A cutting pad is used with a polish or machine cleaning compound to remove oxidation and fine scratches. Cutting pads make quick work, but will leave noticeable swirl marks, especially on dark finishes. After buffing with a cutting pad, it is necessary to make a second pass with a polishing pad and glaze to remove swirl marks and improve luster. Cutting pads, also called leveling pads, should be wool. There are a lot of synthetic wool pads on the market.
Nothing beats lamb s wool.
Nothing is safer than lamb s wool. Polishing pads, often called finishing or waxing pads, are foam rubber. These are the only pads safe to use on a clearcoat finish. Do not use a cutting pad on a clearcoat finish. That said, some expert body shops will use a cutting pad on a clearcoat finish when blending a repair.