I'm finding conflicting info on backing plate size with a Porter Cable polisher. I want to use the 6.5" Lake Country pads, and this site recommend a 5" backing plate, while this site and others recommend a 6".

Which is the best way to go?

 

It has been my experience that using a backing plate that is somewhat smaller than the pad has a couple of advantages.

The softer edge facilitates buffing in highly contoured areas.

The overlap provides more protection from damage caused by carelessly allowing the backing plate to hit the paint.

I recommend the 5” Flexible Backing Plate available from NAM Care Car and Proper Auto Care.

For touch-up and limited area work I use a 3.5” backing plate with 4” pads. A 3.5” Flexible Backing Plate and 4” pads are available from Proper Auto Care (CMA).

Good luck and have fun!

 

Thanks for the input, using the 5" makes sense.