Polishing Compounds

Polishing compounds are a must-have for anyone who wants to clean, protect and restore their surfaces. They remove tarnish, rust and other stains from metals, wood, plastic and more without damaging the surface. Many types of polishers use different compounds to polish various materials; choose one that will work best with your cleaning goals and precautions.

Top Products

Best Overall

Why We Like

  • Hybrid Formula
  • All you need is one bottle
  • Removes scratches and swirls
  • Safe and effective

Minor Problems

  • It might take a while to buff the scratches.
Editor's Choice

Why We Like

  • Optical grade micro abrasive technology
  • Scratch-resistant and ceramic clear coat compatibility
  • Dual Action and rotary polisher compatible
  • Formulated without silicone or fillers

Minor Problems

  • It may contain harsh chemicals.
Best Value

Why We Like

  • Easy to use
  • Professional finish

Minor Problems

  • It might leave a residue on the surface.
1/19
3D One Car Scratch & Swirl Remover - Rubbing Compound & Finishing Polish - Buffing Compound Swirl Remover - True Car Paint Correction 16oz.
9.1
Based On 4828 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.5
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    8
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.3

Pros

  • Hybrid Formula
  • All you need is one bottle
  • Removes scratches and swirls
  • Safe and effective

Cons

  • It might take a while to buff the scratches.
2/19
Chemical Guys GAP_VKIT_16 V Line Polish and Compound Kit, 16 fl. oz, 4 Items , Black
9.6
Based On 4384 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.9
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.7

Pros

  • Optical grade micro abrasive technology
  • Scratch-resistant and ceramic clear coat compatibility
  • Dual Action and rotary polisher compatible
  • Formulated without silicone or fillers

Cons

  • It may contain harsh chemicals.
3/19
3M Auto Care Rubbing Compound, 03900, 8 oz
9.2
Based On 2555 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    10
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    8
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.1

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Professional finish

Cons

  • It might leave a residue on the surface.
4/19
3M Perfect-It EX AC Rubbing Compound, 36060, Quart

3M Perfect-It EX AC Rubbing Compound, 36060, Quart

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9.7
Based On 1595 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    10
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.9

Pros

  • Rubbing Compound
  • Formulated for a broad range of user conditions
  • Smooth-handling compound
  • Holds better on clear coats

Cons

  • It may take a while to dry.
5/19
3M 05954 Super Duty Rubbing Compound, 1 qt (32 fl oz/946 mL)

3M 05954 Super Duty Rubbing Compound, 1 qt (32 fl oz/946 mL)

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9.6
Based On 1600 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.9
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.7

Pros

  • Economical liquid compound
  • High rate of cut
  • Removes oxidation
  • Formula remains wet for a long time

Cons

  • It's too thick.
6/19
Meguiar's M11001 Mirror Glaze Ultra Pro Speed Compound, 1 Gallon

Meguiar's M11001 Mirror Glaze Ultra Pro Speed Compound, 1 Gallon

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9.6
Based On 887 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.9
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.7

Pros

  • Fast, even cut
  • High gloss finish
  • Pro-grade compound
  • Incredible results with short & long-throw DA, or Rotary tools
  • Easy wipe-off

Cons

  • It leaves a residue.
7/19
Meguiar's M11032 Mirror Glaze Ultra Pro Speed Compound

Meguiar's M11032 Mirror Glaze Ultra Pro Speed Compound

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9.6
Based On 887 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.9
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.7

Pros

  • Fast, even cut
  • High gloss finish
  • Pro-grade compound
  • Quick removal of sanding marks
  • Easy wipe-off

Cons

  • It may not be very effective.
8/19
Meguiar's M10001 Mirror Glaze Pro Speed Compound - Removes Deep Scratches & Severe Swirl, 1 gallon
9.6
Based On 880 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.9
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.7

Pros

  • Fast cutting compound
  • Easier polishing
  • Defect removal

Cons

  • It might take a while to remove the scratches.
9/19
Malco Tru Grit - Heavy Duty Buffing and Polishing Compound for Cars/Automotive Paint Correction and Detailing/Removes 1000-1500 Grit Sand Scratches /
9.1
Based On 592 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.5
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    8
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.3

Pros

  • Buffing & Polishing for Cars
  • Deep sand scratches removal
  • Environmental paint damage removal

Cons

  • It's a bit messy.
10/19
Malco Super Duty Heavy Cut Compound - Professional Cutting, Polishing and Finishing Compound / For Auto Paint Correction, Detailing and Buffing / 32 o
9.5
Based On 388 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.7
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.5

Pros

  • Heavy Cut Compound
  • Ultra-Fast Compounding
  • High Gloss Finish
  • Removes P1500 grit and finer sand scratches
  • Fits many models

Cons

  • It might not be very good for cutting.
11/19
GP14018 Plastic and Acrylic Polishing Compound - Application B 3.4oz
8.6
Based On 184 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    8.6
  • Value for money
    9.4
  • Customer support
    8
  • Overall satisfaction
    8.4

Pros

  • Remove haziness, scratches and abrasions
  • Restore faded or discolored surfaces
  • Very easy to use

Cons

  • It might be difficult to spread.
12/19
STAR BRITE Liquid Rubbing Compound 16 oz. Oxidation & Scratch Remover
8.8
Based On 171 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    8.8
  • Value for money
    9.6
  • Customer support
    8
  • Overall satisfaction
    8.7

Pros

  • Liquid formula
  • Convenient
  • Removes stains, medium oxidation and scratches
  • For fiberglass, metal and painted surfaces
  • Does not set up

Cons

  • It may cause skin irritation.
13/19
RUPES New D-A Coarse Compound - HIGH-Performance POLISHING Compound - 250ML (8.5oz)
9.5
Based On 152 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.7
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.5

Pros

  • Polishing compound
  • Durable lubrication system
  • Low-dusting formula
  • One-step moderate-to-severe defect removal and finishing on most paints
  • Offers one step cutting and polishing ability

Cons

  • The smell is bad.
14/19
RUPES DA Fine Compound 1250ml/8.5oz, Single Bottle

RUPES DA Fine Compound 1250ml/8.5oz, Single Bottle

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9.6
Based On 141 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.9
  • Value for money
    9.8
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.7

Pros

  • Excellent cutting performance
  • New micro-abrasive technology
  • Proprietary blend enhances finishing ability
  • One step light defect removal and finishing on most paints
  • Easy wipe-off

Cons

  • It takes a lot of product to get the desired results.
15/19
Eastwood White Rouge Buffing Sharpening Polishing Compounds 12 Oz Brick to Remove Scratches Rust Corrosion Burrs All Types of Martial
9.5
Based On 94 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.7
  • Value for money
    9.7
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.5

Pros

  • White Rouge
  • Brings out the true color
  • Removes scratches

Cons

  • It might leave scratches.
16/19
KOCHCHEMIE Koch-Chemie - Fine Cut Polishing Compound - Silicone-Oil-Free; Designed for All Paint Types; for Removing Medium to Heavy Defects, Scratche
9.7
Based On 76 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    10
  • Value for money
    9.9
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.9

Pros

  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Fine polishing compound, silicone-oil-free
  • Intelligent machine polish of the latest generation with unique oxide quality
  • Intelligent grain size ensures very quick, complete removal of wash system scratches and similar traces of use and gives the paintwork a long-lasting deep sheen
  • Sanding marks left behind by 2500 grade sanding media

Cons

  • It may cause skin irritation.
17/19
RUPES D-A Coarse High Performance Cut - Polishing Compound (1000 ML)
9.7
Based On 36 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    10
  • Value for money
    9.8
  • Customer support
    9
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.9

Pros

  • Polishing compound
  • Durable lubrication system
  • Low-dusting formula
  • One step defect removal and finishing on most paints
  • Offers one-step cutting and polishing ability

Cons

  • It might take a while to dry.
18/19
Menzerna HCC1000G Heavy Cut Compound (Old PG1000 & POS34AG) Gallon Bottle
8.9
Based On 18 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.0
  • Value for money
    9.6
  • Customer support
    8
  • Overall satisfaction
    8.9

Pros

  • Removes heavy scratches and swirl marks
  • Body shops have come to rely on Menzerna Power Gloss
  • Speed up the buffing process while improving paint quality

Cons

  • The bottle is too big.
19/19
menzerna GW16 Universal Polishing Solid Finish Paste for Coatings and Plastic 1,2kg
9.2
Based On 12 Reviews
  • Easy to use
    9.5
  • Value for money
    10
  • Customer support
    8
  • Overall satisfaction
    9.3

Pros

  • Grease Content: Greasy
  • Color: Beige
  • Polishing tool: Cotton
  • Coatingings & plastic/composites

Cons

  • It is a bit expensive.

Authors

Allen Stevens
Allen Stevens— Author

Allen Stevens is a writer on our Website. He is experienced in Car Care section.

What to Look to have the Best Polishing Compounds?

What is the difference in polishing compounds?

There is a difference in polishing compounds that removes different layers of clear coat. Polishing increases shine and can correct scratches and minor defects in paint.

Compounding will remove more scratches than polishing alone, but it also has different strengths that can vary depending on the type of compound used

What is the finest polishing compound?

Jewelers Rouge is the finest polishing compound that can be used to polish precious metals and provide maximum luster and gleam. It was originally developed for polishing, but it can also be used on other materials such as wood or glass.

It provides a high gloss finish with no sign of wear or tear.

Is polishing compound the same as polish?

Polishing compound is a liquid that acts like sandpaper to remove surface layers and scratches. After polishing, polish is used to remove any remaining defects.

Polishing compound comes in many different varieties, so be sure to find the right one for your needs.

What are polishing compounds made of?

Polishing compound bars are made of abrasive grains and stearic acid (binder). The type of abrasive grain used will determine the scratch-removing or mirror-like finish.

Bars come in a variety of colors to suit your needs.

Should I compound or just polish?

If your car's finish is in need of a little TLC, using a compound will take care of the job quickly and easily. For an even more polished look, you can opt for polishing instead.

Remember to use caution when working with compounds and polishes - too much pressure could damage the paint surface

Will polishing compound damage clear coat?

Polishing compound can be safely used as long as there is enough clear coat left on the car. If your car needs polishing, do it occasionally or vigorously if necessary to avoid damaging the paintwork.

Don't overpolish – you could damage the clearcoat if you're not careful.

What is the difference between red and green polishing compound?

Red polishing compound has a cutting action, while green polishing compound does not have any action. Green is used for stainless steel only, but red can be used on many different types of metals.

Red costs more than green

What polishing compound is most abrasive?

Black polishing compound is the most aggressive when it comes to polishing scratches and deep scratches on surfaces. It also includes emery as its abrasive, which makes it great for smoothing tough scratches.

The final step in the process is using a buffer or foam pad to smooth out any remaining bumps or irregularities

What is red polishing compound used for?

Red polishing compound is used to bring out the highest shine on precious metals, such as silver, gold and copper. It is a semi-wet bar that won't cut the metal surface so it's perfect for delicate items like jewelry.

It is a premium bar designed specifically for soft non-ferrous metals and precious metals, making it a standard item in professional jewelry shops.

Does polishing compound remove scratches?

Polishing compound can remove wax and help to restore the shine to a surface. However, polishing compound may also cause damage if not used properly and should only be applied with proper safety equipment.

After polishing or rubbing compound is applied, it's important to clean the area completely before finishing up.

Conclusion

There are a number of polishing compounds available on the market, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It's important to choose the right one for your needs and to use it in the correct way, as overuse or incorrect application can damage your vehicle.