The rubber sanding plate is available in "hard", "medium" and "soft" versions. Which version you select is dependent on what you want to do. A hard rubber sanding plate allows for fast sanding, whereby a lot of material is removed. A medium or soft plate, however, allows you to work more by feel. And if you want to polish especially carefully, use the soft rubber sanding plate and then attach a polishing felt, polishing sponge or lambswool bonnet.