While you can use rubbing compound on the whole car, it's generally not recommended for large areas due to its abrasive nature. It's best to target specific imperfections like scratches or oxidation. If you decide to use it on larger sections, be cautious, and make sure to follow up with a polish and wax to restore shine and protection.

We recommend testing your chosen product on a small area on the vehicle prior to applying it to the rest of the vehicle. Some compounds are more aggressive than others, therefore it's best to test, especially when working with a new product.

Should you compound an entire car?

In most situations, the answer is YES! You can fill in scratches without having to repaint the entire area. However, this all depends on the type of scratch that is present on your vehicle. If scratches are really deep, then scratching the filling compound probably won't serve you well after all.

Is rubbing compound safe for cars?

Meguiar's® Clear Coat Safe Rubbing Compound is the ideal way to safely remove oxidation, stains and scratches from neglected surfaces by hand. Safe on all glossy paints and clear coats for safely rejuvenating your car's appearance while producing a clean surface without scratching like traditional tub products.

Can I use rubbing compound on a whole car?

No. New car finishes should not be subjected to a rubbing compound first. Use a rubbing compound only after less aggressive products have been tested first, like Scratch Repair and Renew.

Will rubbing compound remove car paint?

Rubbing compound will take off your paint even if done by hand. Chemically, both your car's paint and the foreign paint are the same so a solvent like goo-gone, acetone, etc. will affect and damage both or neither.