What Are Cerium Oxide Polishing Pads?
Cerium oxide polishing pads are abrasive pads or discs used mainly for polishing and cleaning glass surfaces, especially for:
- Removing scratches from glass (car windshields, windows, optical lenses)
- Restoring clarity to dull or damaged glass surfaces
- Precision polishing for optical components or laboratory glassware
Why Cerium Oxide?
- Cerium oxide is a highly effective chemical abrasive for glass because it reacts with the surface to remove micro-scratches without damaging the glass structure.
- It works through a chemical-mechanical process: slightly dissolving the glass surface while polishing it.
- Provides faster and finer polishing compared to traditional mechanical abrasives.
Pad Characteristics
- Typically made of foam, felt, or microfiber, designed for use with rotary or orbital polishing machines.
- Available in different densities and textures depending on the polishing stage (from light scratch removal to final gloss polishing).
- Used together with cerium oxide slurry or powder to maximize polishing effectiveness.
Typical Usage
- Clean the glass surface thoroughly.
- Apply cerium oxide polishing compound onto the pad.
- Polish the surface using the pad at controlled speed.
- Wipe the polished area to remove residue.
- Repeat as needed for a smooth and clear finish.
Applications
- Automotive windshield scratch repair
- Polishing optical lenses and precision glass
- Restoring old windows or glass items
- Electronics industry for polishing glass substrates