Guide: Learn more about RUPES polishing pads

Choosing the right polishing pad

We always recommend using the recommended BigFoot products together, to avoid increased vibration. Increased vibration not only affects the comfort and overall safety of the operator, but also results in reduced tool life. 

The BigFoot system is designed for maximum efficiency, ease of use and comfort. When using BigFoot with back-up pads and polishing pads, you are guaranteed the best match for a reduced vibration level.

When it comes to different types of coats and paints, polishing compounds and machines, you also need different types of polishing pads to work more efficiently and safely. There are many variables to consider for optimized performance. 

Read on and learn more about the different benefits and features of Rupes polishing pads and discs.

For Random Orbital and Triple Action polishers

RUPES "Expanded resin" polishing pads are specially designed for Random Orbital polishers, such as LTA125 Triple Action Bigfoot Polisherand LHR21II BigFoot Random Orbital Polisher. 

The movements of the machines create a high mechanical load on the foam pads, resulting in a rise in the internal temperature.  However, the innovative "open cell" structure of the BigFoot foam pads prevents the buildup of heat generated during the polishing process. 

Furthermore, this special structure ensures maximum efficiency in the polishing process, with minimal downward vertical pressure from the operator. The center hole creates excellent ventilation and heat dissipation through special channels in the rear disc.

The innovative design of the conical pads optimizes the performance of the large fluctuations, while protecting against accidental contact between the back-up pad and the work surface.

Expanded resin polishing pads come in four types of foam:

• Blue - Blue foam pad for fixed cutting
• Green - Green foam pad for medium cutting
• Yellow - Yellow pad for finishing 
• White - White foam pad for ultra fine finishing

FOR GEAR DRIVEN POLISHERS

The new Mille foam pad series is designed to maximize the transfer of the mechanical movements of Rupes Gear Driven polishers to the surface. The conical low-profile polishing pads are designed to take advantage of the efficient and consistent movements that the Gear Driven machines create.

The shortened height of the polishing pad improves the user experience by reducing the overall distance from the work surface and to the operator, thereby improving the stability and control of the polishing.

Gear Driven polishing pads come in three types of foam:

• Blue - Blue foam pad for fixed cutting
• Yellow - Yellow pad for finishing 
• White - White foam pad for ultra fine finishing

FOR ROTARY POLISHERS

A foam polishing pad optimized for Rotary polishers. The series includes three types of foam pad design to give operator a choice depending on the desired result.

The "open cell" foam materials were chosen to minimize excessive heat. The cushion profile helps prevent accidental contact between the back-up pad and the panel.

The cushions come in a thickness of 25 mm and can be purchased with a diameter of 125 mm, 150 mm or 165 mm.

The Rotary polishing pads come in three types of foam:

• Blue - Blue foam pad for fixed cutting
• Yellow - Yellow pad for finishing 
• White - White foam pad for ultra fine finishing

Become more effective in the workshop

BigFoot Claw Pad Tool is the multi-tool with a focus on efficiency. The claw pad has a brush for cleaning residues from the polishing compound. At the other end sits a "claw" used to separate the pads from the back-up pad. Supplied with or without the belt-mounted holder.

The Bigfoot Claw Pad Tool is a simple and inexpensive tool that can have a surprisingly positive impact on efficiency. 

- A clean polishing pad provides an effective and uniform polish

BigFoot Wool polishing pads

The wool polishing pad series is compatible with random orbital and gear driven polishers included in BigFoot. The wool pads are made from 100% natural fibers, which are attached to a polyester surface.

BLUE WOOL POLISHING PADS COARSE

The blue foam of the coarse wool pad is more rigid and dense, maximizing the transfer of the polisher’s movements to the work surface, resulting in increased cutting ability.

All the coarse wool pads are constructed using two different fiber lengths that create a double density wool surface and a specific visible pattern.

This composition provides good balance between cutting ability and finish, compared to traditional wool pillows.

RECOMMENDED POLISHING COMPOUND

We recommend the coarse or medium polishing compounds Rupes Zephir or Rupes Quarz when the coarse wool pads are used with Random Orbital e.g. LHR15 or LHR21.

When using the wool pads with Gear Driven Mille polishers, we recommend Mille Coarse polishing compound.

YELLOW WOOL POLISHING PADS MEDIUM

The yellow foam of the medium wool pillow is much more flexible to enable an improved control over curves and contours for a nicer finish.

All the yellow medium wool polishing pads have a uniform 15-mm fiber length. The combination of soft and flexible wool with a soft and flexible yellow foam base provides excellent cutting for moderate defects and an excellent finish on most surfaces.

RECOMMENDED POLISHING COMPOUND

We recommend coarse, medium or fine polishing compounds Zephir, Quarz, or Keramik when the yellow wool pads are used together with Random Orbital, such as LHR15 and LHR21.

When using the wool pads with Gear Driven Mille polishers, we recommend Mille Coarse polishing compound.

BigFoot microfiber polishing pads

The microfiber pad series has been designed for the BigFoot random orbital polishers. The innovative and patented RUPES microfiber polishing pads are made using a polyurethane resin that is sprayed directly into the structure between the Velcro surface and the microfiber. The resin crosslinks both materials, providing a safe and stable composition without the use of adhesives.

Due to the unique molding technique, it provides a stable pad with a conical shape, which results in a smoother movement and improved control on the surface you are working on. The center hole also helps to dissipate heat and ensures that the polishing pad is fitted correctly.  

CUTTING AND FINISHING

The microfiber polishing pads are made in two versions, the blue coarse pad for corrections to improve the grinding capacity of the cutting capacity, and the yellow fine pad for light surface treatment to promote gloss.

SPIRAL HOLES

The spiral holes in microfiber pads are an innovative stroke of genius and an important technical improvement provided in a unique design. The microfiber pads are designed for use with BigFoot random orbital polishers. The new spiral holes guarantee heat dissipation, a light weight for better balance, and enable a controlled and even spread of polish on the surface.

BENEFITS OF MICROFIBER POLISHING PADS

• Effective defect correction on high solids or ceramic clearcoats
• Significantly reduced polishing time
• Less dust on the surface during polishing
• Comfortable and easy to use.

Do you know your RUPES POLISHERS?

Polishers and polishing pads are worthless without the right polishing compound. RUPES polishing compound has been specially developed for polishing and polishers.

Do you want to be more productive and efficient in your polishing efforts?

GET SMARTER

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

We hope the above gave you a better insight into choosing the right RUPES polishing pads for you. If you’re still in doubt - please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We can help you decide which compound is right for you!