The secret to a show-car shine lies in pairing the right cutting compound with the perfect polishing pad. Modern paint correction products are engineered to remove swirls, scratches and oxidation without unnecessarily thinning the clear coat. When matched with a high-quality foam or microfibre pad and a dual-action polisher, they can restore depth and gloss to even tired paint.
Compounds are available in different levels of aggressiveness—from heavy cutting formulas that quickly level deeper defects to ultra-fine polishes that refine the finish to a mirror-like gloss. Likewise, pads vary from dense cutting foams and wool pads to softer finishing pads that distribute polish evenly. Selecting the correct combination ensures efficient correction with minimal marring.
Here are some tips for getting professional results with compounds and pads:
- Always start with the least aggressive compound and pad combination and perform a small test spot before tackling the entire vehicle.
- Clean your pads frequently using a brush or pad washer to maintain cutting power and prevent spent polish from marring the finish.
- Work in slow, overlapping passes and let the polish do the work—too much pressure can create haze and heat.