okay, so the couch monster got me last night, sorry for the delay.
To start, if you are planning to clay the vehicle, then it's possible that you will need to polish the paint before adding your layer of protection.
Clay bars, mitts, sponges etc are abrasive even in their mildest offering. It's difficult to suggest a product knowing that you may go straight to Waxing.
With that said, Pinnacle clay bars are very very mild and "should" not mar the surface. Another "bar" would be the AM Details ( from the UK ) white clay bar. Car supplies WHSE ( Chicago Auto Pros ) may carry this.... I think they do ?
As for "synthetic" clay media, I use the Nanoskin handy towel which is in between Mild and Medium. I have not seen much marring on the vehicles I have used it on.
Obsessed garage likes using the Nanoskin fine sponge BUT When I used it, it marred the paint BADLY on
blueoval4life 750iL.
If you decide to go with a sponge or mitt, be sure to "break it in" by using it on the glass first.
Tip: Wash and dry the vehicle. Once dry use a sandwich bag over you fingers to feel the surface. if you do not feel any bumps/contamination then a clay step is not necessary. Could be only the middle to lower panels that need a spot clay.
I agree with Shawn to purchase a hook and loop backing plate ( velcro... and if your machine did not come with one ) so that you can interchange pads in the future.
The pads are for applying the product, not removal. You may be reliving the days of the 10" orbital polisher with the terry towel bonnets. The bonnet or in this case, your pad would get loaded with product and would need to be changed quite often.
Instead, grab a dozen decent quality MF towels and used them to remove the wax.
Additional reading if interested.
If you are only looking to machine apply wax or sealant, then a lake country finishing pad is what you're looking for.
Depending on the type of pad ( there are certain pads that are designed for long throw machines so the "color" of the pad may vary ).
Typically BLUE, BLACK and/or RED are the finishing pads. This info will be clearly documented on whichever site you choose to purchase from.
For example
Designed to apply ultra fine polishes, sealants and liquid waxes. Also commonly used to burnish the paint to a high gloss with a gloss enhancing polish.
www.detailedimage.com