I'd say first, it's not that big of deal. But logically, I'd say more aggressive product before more aggressive pad. The rougher pad is more likely to leave micromarring and hazing than the product itself... so you may save time if the same pad is a success with a stronger polish. Make sense? But if you are talking about a "cutting" pad as like a LC orange... I wouldn't worry either way... it's not THAT aggressive. As far as going from say a LC orange to LC yellow... may be worth trying a stronger product before bumping up the pad.