Swing Machine Pads Explained: Choosing the Right Pad for Every Floor Cleaning Job
- Matthew Sarzynski
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
In commercial floor care, the swing machine is only as effective as the pad underneath it.
Using the wrong pad can lead to:
Inadequate cleaning
Excessive floor damage
Poor finish quality
Premature wear of floor coatings
At Priority One Maintenance, we treat floor maintenance as a trade, and pad selection is one of the most critical decisions in achieving professional results.
This guide breaks down the different swing machine pad colours, grit levels, applications, and sizing so you understand exactly how proper floor care is performed.
Understanding Pad Grit and Colour Coding
Most manufacturers use a colour-coding system to represent the aggressiveness of a pad.
Think of it like sandpaper:
Darker pads = more aggressive (higher cut)
Lighter pads = finer finish (lower cut)
Black Pad – Heavy Stripping
Grit Level: Very Coarse
Primary Use: Stripping old wax and heavy build-up
This is the most aggressive standard pad.
Removes multiple layers of finish
Used with strong stripping chemicals
Best for VCT, resilient flooring, and heavily coated surfaces
⚠ Never use on delicate finishes or unsealed floors.
Brown Pad – Deep Scrubbing
Grit Level: Coarse
Primary Use: Heavy-duty scrub and soil removal
Removes embedded dirt and oxidation
Often used prior to recoating
Less aggressive than black but still powerful
3M Maroon Pad – The Industry Workhorse
Grit Level: Medium
Primary Use: General scrubbing and surface prep
The 3M Maroon pad is one of the most commonly used pads in professional floor care.
Ideal for:
Removing top layers of finish
Preparing floors for recoating
Routine heavy cleaning
Light stripping without damaging the substrate
This pad balances cleaning power with surface protection and is a staple in commercial maintenance programs.
Green Pad – Medium Scrub
Grit Level: Medium-Light
Primary Use: General scrubbing and soil removal
Removes scuffs and embedded dirt
Maintains finish integrity
Suitable for regular maintenance programs
Red Pad – Light Cleaning & Spray Buffing
Grit Level: Light
Primary Use: Daily or weekly maintenance
Removes light scuffing
Used for spray buffing
Restores gloss without removing significant finish
Blue Pad – Polish / Light Scrub
Grit Level: Very Light
Primary Use: Polishing and gloss enhancement
Used for high-speed or low-speed polishing
Minimal finish removal
Enhances appearance and shine
White Pad – Final Polishing
Grit Level: Ultra-Fine
Primary Use: Burnishing and finishing
No measurable abrasion
Produces a high-gloss finish
Used on well-maintained floors
Pad Sizing: Why It Matters
Swing machines typically accept:
17 inch (most common)
20 inch (larger commercial areas)
Correct sizing ensures:
Proper pressure distribution
Safe machine operation
Even finish and reduced edge damage
Using an undersized or oversized pad reduces efficiency and can damage both the floor and machine
Professional Pad Selection Makes the Difference
Correct pad choice:
Extends floor life
Improves safety
Enhances appearance
Reduces chemical usage
Delivers consistent, professional results
At Priority One Maintenance, we select the correct pad for each surface and condition — because floor care is not guesswork. It is a craft.
Commercial Floor Care in Edmonton
Priority One Maintenance provides professional floor maintenance services across:
Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, Nisku, and Leduc.
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