Abstract: A buffing and polishing pad or other structure uses extremely fine microfibers of less than 1 denier. Preferred fibers are less than 0.7 denier, and in some cases considerably less. The currently most preferred embodiment is 50% fiber having 0.5 denier and 50% fiber having 0.3 denier. Preferred fibers have an average fiber length of between about 70 and about 90 mm, and most preferably about 80 mm. The fibers can be any suitable material, natural or synthetic, including especially polyester. A layer of the fibers is preferably made on a circular knitting machine.

Abstract: A buffing and polishing pad or other structure uses extremely fine microfibers of less than 1 denier. Preferred fibers are less than 0.7 denier, and in some cases considerably less. The currently most preferred embodiment is 50% fiber having 0.5 denier and 50% fiber having 0.3 denier. Preferred fibers have an average fiber length of between about 70 and about 90 mm, and most preferably about 80 mm. The fibers can be any suitable material, natural or synthetic, including especially polyester. The fibers are preferably made on a circular knitting machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for both cleaning and polishing work surfaces such as automotive panels using a single combination pad. In one embodiment, a support holds a circular replaceable, disposable cleaning/polishing pad on a powered polishing tool for rotation about the pad's central axis. The illustrated pad is made of compressible/expandable material such as foam. The pad has front and rear recesses that define concentric radially outer and inner sections. The inner section is thinner and has a forward cleaning surface. The outer section normally protrudes forwardly of the cleaning surface so that when it is first brought into engagement with a work surface, the cleaning surface does not engage the work surface. A pressure-applying backup plate of a firm material such as neoprene has a forwardly displaced inner portion that is received in the pad rear recess for applying firm pressure to the pad cleaning surface. The plate has an outer portion for applying pressure to the outer pad section.