Methods and Tool for Maintenance of Hard Surfaces, and a Method for Manufacturing Such a Tool

A method for maintaining a hard, smooth surface, the surface comprising a material selected from a group consisting of a gelcoat, glass and automotive enamel, the method comprising treatment of the surface with a flexible pad, in the presence of abrasive particles, bonded to the pad, on a contact surface between the pad and the hard surface, wherein the abrasive particles comprise diamond particles,

• wherein the treatment is performed in the absence of an effective amount of surface-improving agents on the contact surface, and wherein the treatment is performed using a pad comprising an open, lofty, three dimensional non-woven web of fibers.

A method for maintaining a hard surface comprising a stone or stone-like material, the method comprising treatment of the surface with a flexible pad, in the presence of abrasive particles, bonded to the pad, on a contact surface between the pad and the hard surface, wherein:

• the abrasive particles comprise diamond particles, and the treatment is performed in the absence of an effective amount of crystallization agent on the contact surface.

A tool for treating a hard surface, the tool comprising a flexible pad having an active treatment surface presenting abrasive particles bonded to the pad, wherein the pad presents a first portion wherein said abrasive particles are present in a first concentration, and a second portion having a second, lower concentration of said abrasive particles, said abrasive particles comprising diamond particles.

A method for manufacturing a tool for treating a hard surface, the method comprising:

• providing a pad, and applying, on a first surface of the pad, a mixture of a binder and abrasive particles including diamond, such that said pad presents a first portion wherein said abrasive particles are present in a first concentration and a second portion, having a second, lower concentration of said abrasive particles.