Quick Answer

Grinding pads use metal bond segments to remove material and level the floor; polishing pads use resin bond to refine scratches and create gloss. You need both: grind first to cut, polish last to shine.

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Grinding Pads

• Bond: metal (or hybrid on the edge)
• Job: stock removal, levelling, coating breakdown
• Grits: typically 6# to 200#
• Result: flat, uniformly scratched surface - not shiny

Polishing Pads

• Bond: resin (or hybrid/ceramic for the early steps)
• Job: honing, scratch refinement, gloss
• Grits: typically 50# to 3000#
• Result: smooth, reflective surface

How They Work Together

The standard sequence moves from coarse metal grinding pads through transitional pads to resin polishing pads. Metal removes the highs, the transition smooths the transition point, and resin builds the gloss. Using only one type leaves either a rough cut surface or a polish with no profile.

How to Tell Them Apart

• Weight and stiffness: metal pads are rigid; resin pads are softer
• Colour and grit marking: polishing pads often use a colour or grit ladder
• Sound: grinding pads chatter and cut; polishing pads run quiet and smooth

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can polishing pads remove epoxy?

A>No. Coatings need PCD or coarse metal grinding pads first.

Q: When do I switch from grinding to polishing?

A>Around 100/120# to 200#, once the surface feels smooth and coarse marks are gone.

Q: Do I always need both sets?

A>For a polished floor, yes. For a merely cleaned or honed floor, grinding pads alone may be enough.

Looking for the right tool? Check our 3'' Metal Bond Diamond Grinding Disc with 10 Segments. Looking for the right tool? Check our 3'' Metal Bond Diamond Grinding Disc with 5 Segments.

Conclusion

Grinding pads cut, polishing pads shine, and the two work in sequence. Match the pad to the stage and your floor gets both a flat profile and a glossy finish.