Whether to polish or compound a car depends on the condition of the vehicle’s paint and the desired results.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

When to Use a Polishing Compound:

1. Heavy Scratches and Oxidation:

If your car has deep scratches, heavy oxidation, or significant swirl marks, a cutting compound is appropriate. Cutting compounds are more abrasive and designed to remove these imperfections.

1. Restoring Dull Paint:

If the paint looks dull or has lost its luster, using a cutting compound followed by a polishing compound can help restore the shine.

1. Paint Correction:

For serious paint correction needs, such as when the paint has been neglected or exposed to harsh conditions, starting with a cutting compound is often necessary.

When to Use a Polishing Compound:

1. Light Scratches and Swirl Marks:

If your car has minor scratches or swirl marks, a polishing compound is usually sufficient. Polishing compounds are less abrasive and designed to refine the surface after using a cutting compound.

1. Enhancing Gloss:

After using a cutting compound, a polishing compound can enhance the gloss and clarity of the paint, making it look more vibrant.

1. Final Touches:

If the paint is in relatively good condition but needs a little enhancement, using a polishing compound alone can provide a nice finish without the need for more aggressive cutting.

Conclusion:

• Use a Cutting Compound when dealing with significant imperfections, heavy oxidation, or when you need to restore a dull finish.
• Use a Polishing Compound for light imperfections, to enhance gloss, or as a final step after using a cutting compound.

In many cases, a combination of both is the best approach: start with a cutting compound for correction and follow up with a polishing compound for refinement and shine. Always assess the condition of your vehicle’s paint before deciding which product to use.