An applicator pad is the link between the product in the bottle and the paintwork. A good pad lets you apply wax, coating, or dressing evenly without streaks, without over-application, and without product soaking into your palm. Foam pads are most commonly used: open-cell foam for thin liquids, closed-cell for thicker pastes.

Use small, round pads for spots and details, larger rectangular pads for flat panels like the roof or bonnet. Cheap sponge-like pads absorb product without releasing it; this wastes ceramic coating or expensive wax. Choose pads that release product as soon as you apply light pressure.