selected surfaces of a cellular polymeric foam surface finishing pad are heated to cause the surface cells to partially collapse or to fully collapse and glaze over . the selected surfaces may be the planar pad faces or may be formed in one or more depressions formed in the planar faces . the areas of partially collapsed cell structures in the operating face of the pad provide a slow down in the rate of polish or compound absorption , increasing the effectiveness of the finishing process . the fully collapsed cell glazed surface on the rear attachment face of the pad prevents the migration of moisture through the pad to the pad attachment mechanism .