What is a Rubbing Compound?

Sometimes also referred to as a cut compound, a rubbing chemical compound is a production that is used to restore the stop and appearance of a vehicle'southward paintwork; but you volition simply become the results you desire if you know how to properly use a rubbing chemical compound.

The product unremarkably takes the grade of a thick liquid or paste and comprises of an abrasive compound suspended in the paste which is used to rub or shine the paint surface in order to go rid of balmy abrasions, slight scratches and scuffs and to improve the general ho-hum appearance that vehicle paint tin can larn in daily apply and with exposure to the elements.

In essence, the rubbing compound removes a microscopically thin layer of the paint's surface, revealing fresh brilliant pigment from underneath. Rubbing compounds are also used for "rubbing in" new areas of paintwork – blending in the old paint with the new – and for removing "overspray."

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Man with orbital polisher

How to Choose the Best Rubbing Compound for Your Needs

Your choice of which rubbing compound to use on your vehicle will depend to a large extent on the level of damage to the paint surface.

If the paint surface is gratuitous from scratches and scuffs but the terminate has gone dull and lifeless and so yous probably only need a relatively light rubbing compound to restore the paintwork to exhibit condition. On the other mitt, if you need to get rid of pocket-size scratches and scuff marks then you may need to use a more abrasive compound, perhaps finishing off with a lighter variety. Heavier marks and scratches may likewise need a machine to apply the compound with whereas less serious jobs tin can be washed by hand if no car is available.

It's best to be realistic about the apply of rubbing compounds, they are not a substitute for the somewhat more expensive selection of retouching or repainting the damaged surface – or the whole vehicle if necessary. We are talking about rubbing compounds equally a solution to the problem of small-scale surface blemishes and dullness of appearance due to normal clothing and tear. Annihilation more than this volition probably need retouching, in the case of a minor slice of damage, upward to a complete respray if the damage is more widespread but this ca exist a much more expensive alternative and non one to undertake lightly.

What Else do I Need to Buy to Properly Use a Rubbing Compound?

Once yous take chosen your rubbing compound, having taken communication from the supplier as to whether it is suitable for your vehicle's paintwork, there are a few things yous volition need, including:

  • A means of applying the compound – this tin can be a cloth, which must be absolutely make clean, soft and totally free of foreign matter such equally grit or grease. Diverse proprietary applicators are available specifically for this purpose and you are well advised to spend a little actress in getting the right tool for the job.
  • A good quality car shampoo with which to clean the paint prior to starting the work
  • If the Damage is more than superficial, or if the area to be treated is big, for instance if y'all are treating the whole vehicle, then a machine applicator really is a must.
  • A respiratory mask to remove any fine particles released by the process and for removing fumes that might be given off by the compound itself.
  • Eye protection, in the form of a pair of goggles or protective glasses, is strongly advised, particularly if using a buffing machine or machine applicator.

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Hand with a wipe the car polishing

Here's Our Checklist for How To Properly Use A Rubbing Compound

Pace One: Grooming

  • Make sure that you lot take all required items to paw and that yous are preferably under cover – if that isn't possible choose a dry day, but not also sunny, every bit the paint surface may get hot in very brilliant sunlight making application more difficult.
  • Make clean the car, or at to the lowest degree the area to be treated, and let it dry thoroughly. Some manufacturers supply especially impregnated cleaning wipes to do this and these are highly recommended, especially for smaller areas.
  • If washing by hand you are advised to fit a grit guard to your h2o bucket – these devices foreclose dust and dirt from existence picked up past your sponge and re-practical to the paint, possible causing more scratches.
  • It is essential to ensure that in that location is no dust or dirt on the area to be treated. If there is a problem, you may demand to utilize a "clay bar" to remove any contaminants.

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Step Two: Application

  • If applying the rubbing compound by hand, and so put a pocket-size amount onto your cloth or applicator and begin to rub the affected expanse with a gentle circular motion.
  • If the area to be treated is large y'all are advised to start at the top and work down.
  • If using a buffing machine, then be certain to familiarise yourself with its use and whatsoever safety precautions that are brash. Practice on a small hidden-away area first or on a piece of scrap material if you lot have one, to get the hang of the way that the machine works before unleashing it onto your precious paintwork.
  • Merely utilise a little at a time because if there is whatever excess chemical compound and it dries it is more difficult to shift and the job will take you longer.
  • Vitrify away with a microfiber towel, or similar, as you lot go, applying more chemical compound if the desired issue is non accomplished.
  • Once the expanse to be treated is finished and then apply a coat of good quality vehicle polish and vitrify to a showroom smoothen, preferably with a motorcar buffer.

These steps should be repeated until you lot have the stop you lot crave. One time that is achieved information technology is strongly brash that you apply further coats of polish at regular intervals in order to protect the newly exposed paintwork. If you accept the time to properly apply a rubbing compound the results can be truly impressive and give a new lease of life to your vehicle's paintwork.

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Source:

  1. How to Sand and Polish a Car and then the Paint Looks Proficient as New – Axle Addict
  2. How to Use a Rubbing Compound on a Car – Wheel Zine