5 best polishing compounds

Polishing compounds, often referred to as polishing pastes or buffing compounds, are abrasive materials used in the automotive industry and various other applications to enhance the appearance and finish of surfaces.These compounds play a crucial role in the process of buffing and polishing, helping to remove imperfections, scratches, and dullness from surfaces while creating a smooth and glossy finish.

Key points about polishing compounds:

Types of Polishing Compounds: There are various types of polishing compounds available, each designed for specific applications and materials. Common types include:
- Cutting Compounds: These are coarse abrasives used to remove deep scratches, oxidation, and other significant imperfections from the surface.
- Finishing Compounds: Finishing compounds have finer abrasive particles and are used to refine the surface further after using cutting compounds. They help achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
- Color-Coded Compounds: Many polishing compounds are color-coded to indicate their level of abrasiveness. For example, black compounds are often coarse, while white or green compounds are finer.
Application: Polishing compounds are typically applied to a surface using a buffing or polishing wheel. The abrasive particles in the compound work in conjunction with the mechanical action of the wheel to remove imperfections and create a polished finish.
Materials: Polishing compounds are suitable for various materials, including metal, plastic, glass, and automotive paint. Different compounds are formulated to work effectively on specific materials.
Automotive Use: In the automotive industry, polishing compounds are widely used for detailing and restoring the appearance of vehicles. They can be used to remove swirl marks, light scratches, and other blemishes from car paint, leaving a high-gloss finish.
Safety Precautions: When working with polishing compounds, it's essential to wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves, to prevent contact with abrasive particles and chemicals in the compounds.
Storage and Handling: Polishing compounds should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent contamination and maintain their effectiveness. Follow manufacturer recommendations for proper handling and storage.
Environmental Considerations: Some polishing compounds may contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. It's important to dispose of used compounds and cleaning materials properly, following local regulations.
Quality Brands: There are several reputable brands that manufacture high-quality polishing compounds for automotive and industrial applications. Some well-known brands include 3M, Meguiar's, and Mothers.

In summary, polishing compounds are essential tools in automotive and various other industries for achieving smooth, polished surfaces. They come in different types and are chosen based on the specific application and material being worked on, helping to restore and enhance the appearance of surfaces.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best polishing compounds on the market

Drixet 6 Piece Buffing, Polishing & Cutting Compound 4 Oz. Kit - Set Includes: Black Emery, Brown Tripoli, White Diamond, Red Rouge, All Purpose Blue & General Green Compounds

Mix N More Inc.

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

About The Drixet 6 Piece Buffing/Polishing Compounds Kit

The Problem:

When finishing cutting you’re left with lots of scratches & bumpy surfaces.

How can we fix it?

Our Solution:

The Drixet 6 Piece Buffing & Polishing Compound Kit that applies easily on any polishing wheel to buff & polish with phenomenal results.

Kit Includes:

-Black Emery

-Brown Tripoli

-White Diamond

-Red Rouge

-All Purpose Blue

-General Green

Black Emery:

Black emery is a course compound used for cutting & preparing materials to be buffed on aluminum, stainless steel, horn & wood. not for plastics & softer metals like gold.

Brown Tripoli:

Brown Tripoli is used for cutting & removing scratches from aluminum & stainless steel, bringing out a high luster even on wood.

White Diamond:

White Diamond is courser than red rouge used for removing deep scratches from soft metals or as a polishing compound on aluminum, gold, silver, brass & copper.

General Green:

General Green is used to finish stainless steel to a high luster mirror like finish & for other hard metals but not for plastics & softer metals like silver.

Red Rouge:

Red Rouge used for buffing soft metals like gold/silver to a brilliant high lustrous finish & will not scratch the finest or softest metals. Polish gold, silver, brass, copper & nickel to a mirror finish.

All Purpose Blue:

All-Purpose Blue versatile compound is safe for use on all materials even plastic (can’t be used on low melting point plastic).

Used For:

Polishing Aluminum

Repairing Jewelry

Restore Cast-Iron

Auto Body Work

Revive Brass

Cutting Bumpy Stainless

Gloss Crystal

Sanitary Glass Cooktop

Tip:

Clean wheels between compounds with a flat screw driver by running it through while spinning!.

Polish Anything Like Brand New!

✓ The Drixet 6 Piece Buffing/Polishing Compounds Kit will help you get a smooth and burr-free mirror finish on a wide variety of surfaces helping you handle all kinds of projects.
✓ SPECS: All compounds (Black, Brown, White, Green, Red & Blue) are the same size - Length: 4-3/4” – Width: 1” - Height: 3/4”.
✓ QUALITY: These Compounds are color coded for easy identification in a scale from coarse to fine – The compounds will bring out the maximum luster and mirror like finish on jewelry and soft metals and can also be used to finish harder metals to a mirror like finish.
✓ DESIGN: The Compounds are designed to be applied on buffing wheels by simply spinning a buffing wheel on a motor/drill and gently pressing the compound against the wheel while the heat/friction will transfer the compound onto the polishing wheel.
✓ USES: Used for Polishing, Cutting, Waxing, Cleaning, Repairing, Restoring, Reviving etc. on any material like: Aluminum, Stainless, Steel, Brass, Cast-iron, Auto Body car work, Appliances & Jewelry.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this product supposed to be rock hard? Just received and they are very hard. Need them to polish titanium, stainless steel and silver rings
Answer:	The ThermoFloor mats are 1/8" thick.
Question:	Can you be used to make semi chrome finish on aluminum that was painted over
Answer:	120v only. GFCI is included.
Question:	how hard is this stuff supposed to be? It is solid and does not come off on buffing wheel for drill
Answer:	No, you can set it that high but is unlikly to ever get that high.
Question:	Can these be used on furniture finishes like polyurethane or polyester? To make a high gloss finish
Answer:	We had ours installed over concrete subfloor and it works perfectly fine.

MEGUIAR'S G18116 Clear Coat Safe Polishing Compound 16 oz.

Meguiar's

Based on 615 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Give your car a brilliant show car shine with Meguiar’s Clear Coat Safe Polishing Compound. Our mild abrasives and polishing oils remove light scratches and swirls, hazing and other light below-surface defects, while restoring a rich glossy shine to dull surfaces. Safe and effective on all glossy paints and clear coats (not for use on flat, matte or satin finishes). Clear Coat Safe Compound is formulated to be applied by hand only.

SWIRL AND SCRATCH REMOVER: Safely and quickly removes light swirls and scratches, hazing, and other light below-surface defects
POLISHING COMPOUND: Polishing oils restore brilliance and a rich, glossy shine to dull paint finishes
CLEAN BEFORE WAX: Produces a clean surface while boosting gloss and shine before applying wax
CLEAR COAT SAFE: Safe and effective on all glossy paints and clear coats (not for use on flat, matte or satin finishes)
NO MACHINE NEEDED: Formulated to be applied by hand only

User questions & answers

Question:	Has anyone tried this to polish epoxy resin
Answer:	Yes, it can be used on a painted Rv, but you may want to consider trying the mild clay (C2000) first unless you are planning on machine polishing the finish after claying.
Question:	Can you use with electric buffer?? If not why
Answer:	Yes, this is made in Japan.
Question:	I have a stain on the outside of my side view mirror caused by acetone (nail polis remover). Will this work to remove the stain
Answer:	it's good for Fallout small pieces of surface rust on your paint will not remove stuff on the underside of your truck
Question:	Can this be used on a vintage sewing machine...Singer
Answer:	The C2100 Aggressive clay (red) is very aggressive and will very likely haze the paint to some degree. It is generally intended for high volume shops, or for heavily contaminated vehicles, where machine polishing after use is already a given. Unless you fit into either of these categories you're better off staying with the C2000 Mild.

Product features

Light defect removal and polishing in one

Meguiar’s Clear Coat Safe Polishing Compound is specifically formulated to quickly and safely remove light defects in your paint while polishing to enhance both gloss and shine. Remove light swirling, hazing, light scratches, etchings, stains, and other light below surface defects. Specialized polishing oils restore brilliance and a rich, glossy appearance to dull paint finishes. Clear Coat Safe Polishing Compound is a cleaner polish formulated specifically for hand use only and is safe and effective on all glossy paints and clear coats (not for use on flat, matte, or satin finishes). If your car has light below surface defects, safely remove them while restoring a rich glossy appearance by hand in one easy step. Once done, your paint will be prepared and ready for protection with a good wax like Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Plus, or sealant like Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax.

Wash & evaluate the paint before polishing

Before applying the polishing compound, wash and dry the paint to remove loose dirt and debris. This is always an important step in detailing. Always use a pH balanced car wash soap like Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner, as this will gently clean and preserve your wax protection.
Next, run your clean, dry fingertips over the paint. If the paint feels rough to the touch this indicates that you have bonded contaminants on top of your paint. These are things like tree sap mist, industrial fallout, road tar, and paint overspray. Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay Kit comes with everything you need to safely remove contaminants bonded on the paint and leave it as smooth as glass.
Finally, evaluate the paint for below surface defects. If you have moderate swirls, scratches, oxidation, water spots, or etchings you would want to use a product like Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound or Meguiar’s Clear Coat Safe Rubbing Compound first before applying a polish and a wax.

Tips for applying Meguiar’s Polishing Compound

For best results, apply in the shade to a cool, clean surface.
Shake product well.
Test first for effectiveness in a small area.
For hand application only.
Using light to moderate pressure, apply a small amount of the paint polish to the surface in an overlapping, circular pattern using a Meguiar’s Soft Foam Applicator, Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel, or 100% cotton terry cloth towel.
Do not let the polishing compound dry. Work in small sections at a time, removing the product with a clean Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel or 100% cotton terry cloth towel.
Repeat this process on each section until the car is complete.
Keep polish off rubber, vinyl and non-painted surfaces.
For glossy paint finishes only (not for us on flat, matte, or satin finishes).
Follow with your favorite Meguiar’s wax for long-lasting protection when done.

Consumer

Meguiar’s has several lines of products designed for all aspects of at-home interior and exterior car care. With multiple product families, every customer is sure to find the right product for them, with options from the premium Ultimate line, Gold Class line, Classic Meguiar’s products, and more. From headlight care, to interior detailing, to all five steps of maintaining your paint (wash, clean, polish, protect, maintain), Meguiar’s has a premium product for every aspect of care.

Mirror Glaze

Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze products are ideal for the true car care professional. With products ranging from aggressive Detailing Clay, to Swirl Remover, various Compounds, Sealants, and more, detailing enthusiasts, professional detailers, and body shops professionals can find exactly what they need to get that show car shine. When walking around at some of your favorite car shows, such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, you’ll find that many trust the Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze line to get their cars ready for the big day.

Detailer

Meguiar’s Detailer products are the perfect solution for anyone running a garage, washing and detailing several cars a week, and commercial car washes. With quality concentrate product provided in large containers (1-gallon and 5-gallon for many products), customers won’t be running to the store every other day for more of their favorite cleaning and detailing products. Meguiar’s also offers labeled and color-coded spray bottles for users to dilute the Detailer product in and use with ease.

Marine / RV

Meguiar’s Marine & RV products are ideal for boat and RV owners of all kinds. All the basic care products, such as Gel Wash, Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner, and Quik Wax, are included in the Classic Marine and RV line. For the most extreme watercrafts, Meguiar’s formulated the Extreme Marine line, with Water Spot Detailer, Multi-Surface Cleaner, and Vinyl & Rubber Protectant, in a sleek, spherical bottle. For your premium vessel, you can also look to Meguiar’s Flagship line to beautify and protect your boat.

Meguiar's G17220 Ultimate Compound, Color & Clarity Restorer, Scratch & Swirl Remover, 20 Fl oz

Meguiar's

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This revolutionary product dramatically reduces the time and effort required to restore abused or neglected paint finishes. Unlike traditional compounds that can leave behind fine scratches and haze, Meguiar's Ultimate Compound cuts so fast and leaves the finish looking so good; it's hard to believe possible. The secret is Meguiar's exclusive micro-abrasive technology created for state-of-the-art products for body shops and detailers. Ultimate Compound works quickly to remove below surface defects and restore color and clarity without scratching or swirling.

REMOVE PAINT DEFECTS: The ultimate product for removing oxidation, scratches, water spots, and blemishes without scratching
BEST CAR SCRATCH REMOVER: Cuts as fast as harsh abrasives restoring surface clarity without scratching or swirling
SAVES TIME: The clear coat safe formula dramatically reduces the time and effort to restore abused or neglected paint finishes
STUNNING FINISH: Exclusive micro-abrasive technology leaves a "like new" finish and adds gloss in one easy step
SAFE FOR CLEAR COAT: Safe and effective on clear coat and single stage paints, and can be applied by hand or dual action polisher like Meguiar's MT300 Dual Action Polisher

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this stuff work for removing oxidation on my red, presumably plastic, car bumper
Answer:	They both offer equal UV protection.
Question:	Will this remove tree pollen that sat too long on a black stage two paint job
Answer:	For best results, use between 55-85 degrees F. Do not apply at or below 32 degrees F. Colder temperatures or extremely humid temperatures can increase your cure time.
Question:	I got some Poly+Stain droplets on the side of my car. Can this product be used to safely get those off without damaging my cars paint finish
Answer:	Yes, you can absolutely use the Ceramic Wash with Flex Wax! All of our Washes are compatible with Flex Wax.
Question:	Does this remove hard water spots on black paint
Answer:	Flex Wax can absolutely be used to maintain your HS Ceramic Coating! It is a great topper!

Product features

The best compound for the ultimate results

Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound is the ultimate paint cleaner for removing below surface defects such as light to moderate oxidation, scratches, water spots and stains. With Meguiar’s exclusive micro-abrasive technology it cuts quickly for permanently defect removal, restores color and clarity, and won’t haze or mar like a traditional compound. This clear coat safe compound also dramatically reduces the time and effort to restore paint while obtaining results that surpass the performance of both conventional rubbing and polishing compounds. Ultimate Compound quickly and easily removes paint defects while maximizing shine and gloss to get your paint ready for wax protection.

How to prepare the paint before applying Ultimate Compound

Wash and dry the vehicle first. Always use a pH balanced car wash soap, such as Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash and Wax, which gently cleans your car’s paint, adds gloss and shine, and leaves additional wax protection behind each time you wash.

Consumer

Mirror Glaze

Detailer

Marine / RV

CAR GUYS Hybrid Wax - Advanced Car Wax - Long Lasting and Easy to Use - Safe on All Surfaces - 18 Oz Kit

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

✅ Made with Advanced Science! – Are you tired of using products that look great, but don’t last? You won’t experience that here! This magic in a bottle produces a deep shine, slick surface, and gives long lasting protection! Stop using inferior products made with old science and technology! This will out last and out shine them all!
✅ Streak Free and Safe on ANY Surface! – This product is super quick and easy to use, but it's also safe to apply onto EVERY SURFACE on ANY vehicle. Whether you have a car, truck, motorcycle, rv, or boat -- Never again worry about white residue or streaks that traditional wax will give you! Use this on Paint, Plastic, Glass, and everything else that needs shine and UV protection!
✅ Brilliant Show Car Shine! – Most products nowadays will make your car look pretty good.. CAR GUYS Hybrid Wax brings the gloss and reflections up another level! This long lasting formula works at the molecular nano level for instant results, leaving you with a head turning shine that is sure to make all the neighbors jealous!
✅ Why choose CAR GUYS? – We Care About Quality! Our products are made with the latest advancements in science, using the best equipment available. This helps us make consistently high quality products that always work great! Every formula we make is mixed and bottled, in the USA, by hard working Americans!
✅ We Care About Customer Satisfaction! – We're Not Happy, If You're Not Happy! If you're not happy with our product, for ANY REASON at all, get in contact with CAR GUYS anytime after your purchase, and we’ll be happy to provide a full refund. So what are you waiting for?! -- Click 'Add to Cart' Now!

User questions & answers

Question:	May I use this right after I wash my car
Answer:	Their sister product, Meguiar's Ultimate Wax, has a 3 - 5 minute dry time. I think no more than 10-20 minutes is required or desirable, unless the label says otherwise.
Question:	Can I apply this after waxing my car or will it remove previous wax application
Answer:	There is an applicator inside the can's lid, but I didn't get a microfiber towel. I bought and really like these; http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8MZ7IA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01
Question:	Ok is this different from the liquid wax sealant? Does it go on after the sealer or is it the same thing
Answer:	Go around and apply it to the entire vehicle in one go. That will give the first panel enough time to cure and you can begin buffing off the now dry, hazy wax.
Question:	I was thinking about using this on myself right after I get out of the shower...is that ok and will it keep my skin moist
Answer:	I use both, the paste works good on all cars and easier to buff out. The liquid takes longer to dry and smears when use too much. If you have a black or dark color car the paste is your best choice.

Product features

CarGuys' Commitment to Safety

At CarGuys, we care about traffic safety. Through our sponsorship of We Save Lives, we have the opportunity to ensure the safety of others by increasing awareness of highway safety issues and to influence highway safety policy at the local, state and national levels. We are committed to helping We Save Lives change attitudes about drunk, drugged and distracted driving and promote responsible driving that saves lives.

1Pk - 3M - Perfect It Buffing & Polishing Compound 06085 06064 06068

Based on 451 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This kit includes 3M 6068 Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish - 1 Quart, 3M 6064 Perfect-It Machine Polish - 1 Quart, and 3M 6085 Perfect-It Rubbing Compound - 1 Quart. 3m 06068 High Performance Ultrafine Machine Polish is a unique formula that eliminates swirl marks and produces a high gloss finish, even on the most difficult dark colored vehicles. Good handling, easy cleanup. 3M 06085 Perfect-It Rubbing Compound is a fast cutting rubbing compound designed remove sand scratches and leaves a fine finish on automotive paints. 3M 6068 Perfect-It Machine Polish is a high performance machine polish that quickly and effectively removes compound swirl marks and produces an outstanding finish. Good handling, easy cleanup. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does 3m 06068 leave anything on the paint surface that would interfere with a ceramic sealer from properly bonding to the paint
Answer:	Please do not follow the instructions others have posted. I am a licensed esthetician. 1. There is no need for alcohol! 2. Before applying a peel, please be sure to wash your face thoroughly, then apply an occlusive product around your eyes, corner of nose and any other areas that might have telangiectasias or red veins. 3. Peels should only stay on for 3 minutes tops! They must be neutralized afterwards. Try to find a post peel neutralizer. Do NOT wash your face!! Water reactivates the peel, as does sweat. I would recommend applying the peel in the evening. You can wash your face in the morning. Use a calming face wash. Tea tree is the best. Do not use a cleanser with an acid in it. This too will reactivate the peel. Apply an oil, avocado, emu, calming (any of these are good) to keep your skin plenty hydrated. Also use moisturizer and lots of sunscreen! I hope this helps. And please be careful.
Question:	Can this be used for hand polishing
Answer:	Do a TCA CROSS. That is what worked on my ice pick scars from acne. You use a tooth pickand collagen fills it in. I have done it twice and the ice pick scars have almost completely filled in. You do each TCA CROSS 5 weeks apart.
Question:	Hi, is this product available? and is there any extra cost for shipping to chihuahua mexico postal code
Answer:	If I order through skin specialists all after care is included and full instructions (comes with moisturizer and SPF to use for a week and three post peel towelettes
Question:	What is the shelf life for these products
Answer:	The same stuff at the Dr's office. The peel, towelettes, anti itch,sunscreen, gauze, little cup, cleanser