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Floor Pad Color Chart

Common floor pad colors arranged from least to most aggressive, the task each one is made for, and the machine speed it suits.

Ref JS-0207

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Floor machine pads are color coded to show how aggressive they are. Lighter colors are usually gentler and are used to polish. Darker colors are usually more aggressive and are used to scrub and strip. Most makers follow a similar color order, but it is not a formal standard. Always check the maker's chart before using a new brand.

How to use it

Decide the task: polish, buff, clean, scrub, or strip.
Pick the least aggressive pad that will do the job.
Check that the pad is rated for the machine speed.
Check that the pad diameter matches the pad driver.
Test in a small area first on a new floor type.

Common pad colors (least to most aggressive)

Color	Aggressiveness	Main task	Machine type
White	Least	Polishing and buffing soft finishes	Low speed
Beige, tan or champagne	Light	High-speed burnishing	High speed
Red	Light to medium	Spray buffing, light daily cleaning	Low speed or auto scrubber
Blue	Medium	Heavy cleaning, scrubbing before recoat	Low speed or auto scrubber
Green	Medium to heavy	Heavy scrubbing, light stripping	Low speed or auto scrubber
Brown	Heavy	Wet stripping of finish	Low speed
Black	Most	Aggressive stripping of heavy finish buildup	Low speed

Colors and grades vary by maker. Specialty pads (hog hair, diamond-impregnated, or natural fiber burnishing pads) follow their own charts.

Key points

Start with the gentlest pad. You can always step up.
Burnishing pads are made for high-speed machines. Stripping and scrubbing pads are made for low-speed machines and scrubbers. Do not swap them.
Stripping pads remove finish by design. Never use them on a floor you only want to clean.
Flip and rinse pads during use. A loaded pad works poorly and can scratch.
Wash pads after use and hang them to dry. Store them flat or hanging, not crushed.
Diamond pads are used on stone and concrete. Follow the maker's step sequence.

Common mistakes

Using a black or brown pad to scrub before a recoat and cutting through the finish.
Running a stripping pad on a burnisher.
Assuming every brand's red pad is the same grade.
Using a pad that has worn thin, which lets the driver touch the floor.

Governing standards: No standard governs floor pad colors. Follow the pad maker's chart, the machine maker's speed rating and the floor finish maker's directions.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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