Gloss It Rotary Backing Plates

When you really begin to get into polishing with a rotary machine polisher, you will discover that the type of backing plate you use can make a tremendous amount of difference to the polishing process in terms of comfort and control. Because both of these factors have a heavy bearing on safety and the quality of the final result, we would always recommend using flexible backing plates, as they provide far more feel for what is happening at the interface between the pad and the paint than their fully rigid counterparts. Out of all the flexible rotary backing plate designs we have tested, we favour the two Gloss It Rotary Backing Plates shown on this page, as they offer perfect levels of flexibility and feel for the size of areas they will most likely be used upon.

Gloss It Rotary Backing Plates are made from impact resistant synthetic nylon bonded to a generous layer of instant rebound foam, and are ideal for use with M14 threaded rotary machine polishers such as the Makita 9227CB and Kestrel SIM-180. The instant rebound foam layer provides far greater tolerance of off-axis movements than any other backing plate designs we have tested and allows for supremely comfortable transitioning from flat to contoured surfaces, while the hook and loop fastening material enables quick and easy pad changes. Gloss It Rotary Backing Plates are available in two sizes, to facilitate use with standard sized pads and spot repair pads respectively.

General usage notes: (i) always switch off your machine at the mains before fitting or removing a backing plate; (ii) always ensure that you tighten the backing plate sufficiently, but without over tightening it – a half turn after it first pinches tight on the spindle is usually sufficient for safe and effective use, and; (iii) always use an appropriate sized backing plate for the pad you are using – the pad should always protrude past the edge of the backing plate, never the other way around.