Unless you’ve been living under a rock for many years, it is highly likely that you are familiar with microfiber pads. I believe Meguiar’s released their microfiber correction system around 2011 at which point I had never seen or heard of anything quite like it. They reminded me somewhat of the surbuf pads if you recall those, but the microfiber system was an altogether different approach that really helped to bridge the gap between dual action machines and rotary machines. Microfiber pads have been a staple in my workflow, and while there are many other brands that make their own version of microfiber pad, I had always found myself sticking with the Meguiar’s products. When the guys at Detailed Image reached out to me to see if I wanted to try the Buff and Shine Uro-Fiber pads, I was more or less expecting to see nothing different from the other pads on the market, however I am always interested in experimenting so I agreed to spend some time with them and share my thoughts.
There are two different microfiber pads within the Buff and Shine Uro-Fiber line up; The Uro-Fiber Pad and the Uro-Fiber Finisher Pad. First, the Uro-Fiber pad is quite unique relative to other microfiber pad offerings on the market. The black and white fiber mixture is not just aesthetically pleasing, the different colored fibers indicate two different types of microfiber being used on the same pad face. Cutting fibers and polishing fibers are blended together which, in theory, will enable the user to achieve great cutting power and also outstanding finishing ability with the same pad. These fibers have a 25% lower pile height compared to the market standard, which I have been told enhances both the cutting and finishing results. The Uro-Fiber pad was made for dual action machines and can be used on all types such as short throw, long throw, and gear driven machines. The manufacturer claims the foam interface that is sandwiched between the hook & loop backing and the pad face is exceptionally durable. The pads are available in sizes ranging from one-inch to six-inch diameter.
The Uro-Fiber Finisher pad was created for additional refinement when optimal levels of clarity may not be been attainable with the original Uro-Fiber pad. The Finisher incorporates a more traditional fiber pile height but is still a lower profile design. Similar to the Meguiar’s microfiber correction system, The Uro-Fiber and Uro-Fiber Finisher can be used as a part of a two-step approach to cutting and polishing when paired with your favorite compound and polish.
I really like the fact that the pads have a centering hole. This takes all of the guesswork out of positioning your pad and eliminates wobbling that is caused by having a slightly uncentered pad. The five-inch Uro-Fiber pad was a precise fit, leaving very little excess pad overhanging my five-inch backing plate. Before using the Uro-Fiber pad, I applied a cutting compound to the face and distributed it among the fibers by working it in with my hand. I then applied a few dots of one of my all-time favorite compounds, Meguiar’s M100, and made a few overlapping passes on my test panel.
The paint on this vehicle is quite hard, and the defects are a product of years of tunnel car washes. The scratches and swirl marks were easily visible, even on this highly metallic charcoal colored paint that can be a real challenge to photograph.
I made four passes in total, moving in side-to-side then up-and-down motions to ensure even and consistent results throughout my working area. The end result exceeded my expectation. The test spot was nearly flawless. I had done an adjacent area with another brand of microfiber pad just before this, and there were still quite a few deeper defects remaining. I had not expected the Buff and Shine to produce such superior results, but it certainly seemed to cut quicker.
A very noticeable improvement compared to the uncorrected panel not just in clarity, but in color as well.
Due to the harder paint, I was not expecting to see any significant marring or haze based on past experiences with similar surfaces. My hunch was correct. Despite the cutting ability of the pad and compound combination, the finish was exceptional.
I am happy to say that my initial impressions of the Uro-Fiber pad are outstanding. I am excited to purchase more of these in all sizes to replace my existing microfiber pad collection as they wear out. At this time I have not done any testing with the Uro-Fiber Finisher, so I cannot weigh in on its abilities at this time.