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Sanding Pads

Sanding pads and interface pads for DA and orbital sanders. SPX pads provide the ideal density and compliance for automotive sanding, ensuring even abrasive contact on flat and contoured panels — supplied to spray painters and panel shops across Australia.

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How to Choose the Right Sanding Pads

Sanding pads — including backing pads and interface pads — are the critical link between your orbital sander and the abrasive disc. Choosing the right pad density and diameter directly affects the quality and consistency of your sanding result.

Types of sanding pads:

Backing pads (hook-and-loop): The primary pad that attaches to the sander spindle and holds the abrasive disc. Available in hard, medium, and soft densities.
Interface pads: A layer of foam placed between the backing pad and abrasive disc that adds compliance, allowing the abrasive to follow curved panel surfaces without creating flat spots or swirl ridges.

When to use an interface pad:

Use a soft or medium interface pad whenever you are sanding contoured, curved, or wavy surfaces such as bumper covers, door panels, and bonnet curves. On flat surfaces (roofs, bonnets), a hard backing pad without an interface provides better flatness.

Diameter matching:

Always match your backing pad and interface pad diameter to your abrasive disc size — 125mm pads with 125mm discs, 150mm with 150mm. Mismatched sizes cause uneven wear and edge gouging.

SPX stocks pads compatible with Festool, Mirka, Rupes, 3M, and other professional DA sanders.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sanding Pads

What is an interface pad and when do I need one?
An interface pad is a soft foam layer placed between your orbital sander backing pad and the abrasive disc. It adds flexibility, allowing the abrasive to conform to curved or contoured surfaces such as bumpers and door edges without creating flat spots. Use an interface pad for contour work; use a firm backing pad without an interface for flat panel sanding.
What backing pad do I need for a 125mm orbital sander?
For a 125mm (5-inch) orbital sander, you need a 125mm hook-and-loop backing pad with a shaft size matching your sander spindle (typically M8 for most DA sanders). SPX stocks 125mm and 150mm backing pads in various densities — check the product listing for compatibility details.
How often should I replace my sanding pad?
Replace backing pads when the hook-and-loop surface loses grip and discs begin slipping or detaching during sanding. Interface pads should be replaced when they compress unevenly, tear, or develop flat spots. Using worn pads causes uneven sanding marks and can damage the panel surface.

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