In the meticulous world of car detailing, the tools you choose can make all the difference between an ordinary job and an extraordinary finish. Just as a painter needs the right brush to bring a masterpiece to life, a car detailer requires the perfect pad to achieve that flawless shine on a vehicle. Enter Chemical Guys, a name synonymous with high-quality car care products, and their innovative Hex-Logic Pads.

This guide aims to shed light on these unique pads, offering car detailers an in-depth look into why and how they should be incorporated into their detailing arsenal. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding the nuances of the Hex-Logic Pads can elevate your detailing game to new heights.

Lets take a look!

 

What Are Hex-Logic Pads?

What Types Of Hex-Logic Pads Are available?

Color	Type	Purpose	Best Used With
Yellow	Heavy Cutting Pads	Remove severe paint defects, deep scratches, and heavy oxidation.	Heavy compounds and aggressive polishes.
Orange	Medium-Heavy Cutting	Address moderate swirls, scratches, and oxidation.	Medium-cut compounds and polishes.
Green	Polishing and Light Cutting	Light swirl mark removal and enhancing the paint’s luster.	Light compounds and finishing polishes.
White	Light Polishing and Cleaning	Refine paintwork, remove minor imperfections, and enhance gloss.	Fine polishes and light compounds.
Blue	Finishing	Application of waxes, sealants, and glazes for a brilliant, streak-free finish.	Liquid waxes, sealants, and ultra-fine polishes.
Black & Red	Ultra-Fine Finishing and Waxing	Apply the finest waxes, sealants, and glazes or for ultra-fine polishing tasks.	Premium waxes, sealants, and gloss-enhancing glazes.

 

What Is the Orange Hex-Logic Pad For?

This firm, high-density foam is ideal for scratch and defect removal in the paintwork of the car. The orange hex logic foam offers the correction of a typical compounding pad while at the same time allowing the polishing ability of light cut foam pad. When used with heavier compounds( Such as Menzerna Heavy Cut ) it will remove moderate swirls and scratches with little or no haze. It is an all-around pad that will work on most light to moderate imperfections

This is my go-to pad when I am working on most cars unless I need something with a heavy cut ( really badly damaged paintwork ). If you are totally unsure of which pad your car needs, this pad is probably the best place to start.

More info and where to buy HERE

What Is the Yellow Hex-Logic Pad For?

The main purpose of this pad is to remove severe oxidation, swirls and scratches in conjunction with a polishing compound. It is the most aggressive pad you can buy from the chemical guy’s range and should only really be used on oxidized and older finishes. Don’t forget that when you polish your car that you are essentially taking a very small layer off the clear coat of the car’s paint. If you only have light scratches on your car, you only want to remove the amount of paint that is necessary, so you should not use such a heavy pad.

Always follow this pad with an orange  hex logic pad and a fine polish ( Such as Menzerna SF3500 Super Finish )  to achieve the best finish possible

More info and where to buy HERE

 

What Is the Green Hex-Logic Pad For?

The green pad is designed to be used with a random orbital polisher (like the Porter Cable) It produces less spot heating and has a unique compression/load/deflection ratio which means it conforms quickly to contours. This pad is tough enough to remove swirls and scuffs while at the same time producing a high gloss swirl-free finish.

This foam is also ideal for applying one-step cleaner waxes. It is a balance of polishing and finishing that is perfect for all-in-one product application

If you remember one of my previous posts, Most Beginners should use a DA ( dual action ) polisher when learning how to polish their car. Unless you are pretty experienced or already own a random orbital polisher, you probably don’t need to worry too much about buying a green pad.

More info and where to buy HERE

What Is the White Hex-Logic Pad For?

Less dense foam formula for the application of waxes, micro-fine polishes and sealants. This pad has very light cutting power so its perfect for pre-wax cleaners. It is the most well-used pad as it is ideal for application of pre-wax cleansers as well as many finishing polishes

This pad is used on paint finishes after aggressive compounding ( Like I mentioned with the yellow hex logic pad above ). It is always good to have one of these pads on hand as it can serve multiple purposes. However, you should not use this pad if you are trying to remove any swirls or paint defects in the first step, as it simply is not aggressive enough to cut through the paint, it is used as a secondary tool to finish the job.

More info and where to buy HERE

What Is the Blue Hex-Logic Pad For?

Chemical Guys Blue Hex-Logic Quantum Light Finishing Pads are light duty finishing pads. These pads have no cut and only spread the perfect coat of glaze for added gloss and wet shine. The Blue Quantum pads are perfect for applying the perfect coat of glaze with minimal product waste. Use Blue Quantum pads to spread the perfect coat of glaze like Black Light

Spreading products like glaze, sealant, and wax by machine uses the smallest amount of product for maximum results with minimal product use.

More info and where to buy HERE

What Is the Black Hex-Logic Pad For?

Like the blue pad above, The Composition of the black hex logic pad is firm enough to withstand added pressure during final finishing to remove buffer swirls. It has no cut and will apply thin, even coats of waxes, sealants, and glazes. Both serve pretty much the same purpose so are interchangeable. As you have probably already guessed at this stage, this pad is not used to cut the paint and should only be used after a correction is done with a heavier cut pad.

More info and where to buy HERE

 

What Is the Red Hex-Logic Pad For?

The Red Hex-Logic is considered another finishing pad and is the softest finishing pad in the range. This pad has an ultra-soft composition for applying refined paste waxes and sealants as well as crème waxes. The Black, Blue and Red Pads can basically be used interchangeably.

More info and where to buy HERE

Which Hex-Logic Pad should you use?

It all comes down to your specific needs. Below is a summary of when you should use each type of buffing pad, so it will depend on your specific application. As I said above, for general polishing you can’t go too wrong with the orange pad as a starter and is usually the one I recommend to most people when they ask me about it.

How to Properly Use Hex-Logic Pads

Using Hex-Logic Pads correctly is crucial not just for achieving an immaculate finish on your vehicle, but also for ensuring the longevity of the pads themselves. Let’s walk through the steps to make the most of these versatile detailing tools:

1)Choose the Right Pad for the Job:

Begin by assessing the condition of the vehicle’s paint. Depending on the level of defects and desired results, select the appropriate pad color/type as outlined in our earlier section.

2)Preparation:

Ensure that the vehicle’s surface is clean. Any dirt or debris can cause further scratches when polishing.

If you’re using a pad for the first time, or if it’s been stored for a while, give it a light misting with a pad conditioner or quick detailer. This helps to moisten the foam, making it more flexible and less prone to tearing.

3)Applying the Product:

Apply a small amount of your chosen compound, polish, or wax onto the pad. If you’re using a liquid product, 4-5 pea-sized drops usually suffice. For paste waxes or compounds, a thin layer on the surface of the pad should do.

Spread the product on the pad by dabbing it onto the surface area you’ll be working on.

4)Polishing Technique:

Start your machine on a low setting to spread the product, then gradually increase the speed as needed. For rotary polishers, a speed between 1000-1500 RPM is common for most tasks, while dual action polishers often work best between 4-5 on the speed dial.

Move the polisher in an overlapping pattern, working in sections (typically 2×2 ft). This ensures even coverage and consistent results.

Apply consistent and light pressure. Let the pad and product do the work.

5)Aftercare:

Once you’ve finished polishing a section or the entire vehicle, turn off the machine while keeping it in contact with the surface to avoid any splatter.

Clean your Hex-Logic Pads after each use. Remove excess product with a microfiber towel, then wash with a mild detergent or pad cleaner, gently agitating with your fingers or a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry face-down.

6)Additional Tips:

Rotate your pads during a detailing job, especially during intensive tasks. This prevents a single pad from becoming oversaturated or excessively heated, ensuring optimum performance.

Regularly inspect your pads for any debris or hard particles that might scratch the paint.

Proper usage of Hex-Logic Pads ensures that you extract maximum value from these tools while achieving exceptional results on your vehicle’s finish. Remember, as with all detailing tasks, patience and attention to detail are key. By taking the time to use and care for your pads correctly, you’ll be rewarded with a car that truly shines.

Hex-Logic Pad FAQ

How often should I replace my Hex-Logic Pads?

The lifespan of a Hex-Logic Pad largely depends on its frequency of use and how well it’s maintained. Regular inspection is key. If a pad starts to look worn, thin, or begins to tear, it’s time for a replacement.

Can Hex-Logic Pads be used with any polisher?

Generally, Hex-Logic Pads are designed to be compatible with most rotary and dual-action polishers. However, it’s always best to check the specifications of your machine and the pad to ensure a proper fit.

I accidentally dropped my pad on the ground. Can I still use it?

If a pad is dropped on the ground, it can pick up debris or particles that can scratch your vehicle’s paint. It’s recommended to thoroughly clean the pad before use or, to be safe, use a new pad.

Do Hex-Logic Pads work on surfaces other than paint?

Yes, they can be used on various surfaces like glass, clear plastic, and metal. However, always ensure you’re using the appropriate pad and product combination for the surface in question.

How do I store my Hex-Logic Pads when not in use?

Store your pads in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure they are thoroughly clean and dry before storing. Using a sealed container or a storage bin can help protect them from dust and contaminants.

Are there any products that shouldn’t be used with Hex-Logic Pads?

Hex-Logic Pads are designed to be versatile. However, always read the product label of any compound, polish, wax, or sealant to ensure it’s suitable for use with foam pads.

Can I use multiple products with the same pad during a detailing session?

It’s recommended to use a separate pad for different products to avoid cross-contamination and ensure optimal results. If you must use the same pad, clean it thoroughly between product switches.

Do the colors fade over time, and does it affect performance?

While the color of the pads might fade slightly with use and repeated washing, this doesn’t impact the performance of the pad. The foam density and structure remain consistent, ensuring reliable results.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below.

Happy Detailing!

About the Author – Darren O Hara

Darren is the founder of the DriveDetailed blog and is a keen detailing enthusiast living in the rainy south of Ireland. When he is not cleaning his car he is always researching ways he can improve his techniques and enjoys testing out out new products.

Darren currently drives an Audi TTRS and is a big fan of performance cars.

You can follow Darren on Instagram @darrenoharacork

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