Polish Compound vs Rubbing Compound

So, what is the difference? I need to remove some scratches, deep scratches and over spray. What should I use? Thanks in advance

 

For overspray, you're better off using clay. A mild clay is typically enough, however, for more severe stuff, a heavy cut clay might be needed.

If the scratches are real deep, you can forget polishing them out. Fingernail test.... if you can feel the scratch w/ your nail, you're not gonna simply polish it out.

I really like meguiars 105 ultra cut compound. You can use it by hand to do spot correction, or by machine for overall defect removal. It finishes sooo nicely and is not as temperamental as some other boutique compound/polishes. It may still be required that you follow up w/ a lighter finishing polish though.

Give some more info on what you're exactly looking to do. A small section? Whole panel? Entire truck?

 

The one you have clear-coat left, the other you don't...

 

Well said.

Rubbing compound (aka 'rocks in a bottle') should be banned.

 

Cool, thanks guys

 

To answer your first question.....

Rubbing compound has abrasives in it. Most polishing compounds do not contain abrasives.

 

^That is not true. Virtually all polishes have abrasives in it...that's what makes it 'polish'.

However, the abrasive particles (like aluminum oxide) are usually near microscopic, so even when you rub it with your fingers, you can't feel the abrasives. Rubbing compound has particles that are huge, which is why you can feel them so easily and why it's called 'rocks in a bottle'.

Its all about particle size.

Some companies call their products 'polishes' when they are more like waxes or sealants. Duragloss sells a 'clearcoat polish' but it is non-abrasive (even the Geek states that on their product page).