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The 8 Best polishing rubbing compounds of 2024

Are you trying to find polishing rubbing compounds among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling polishing rubbing compounds on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 18 hours of research and did 16 polishing rubbing compounds tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best polishing rubbing compounds you can buy today

No. 1
Meguiar's Clear Coat Safe Rubbing Compound - Clear Coat Safe Paint Correction - Swirl Removal & Scratch Removal in One Easy to Use Product - 16 Oz
  • Rubbing compound safely and quickly removes oxidation, scratches, stains and other below-surface defects
  • This scratch remover and paint cleaner also revives dull and neglected surfaces
  • Unique abrasives produce a clean surface and clear finish without scouring, hazing or scratching like traditional compounds
  • Clear coat safe compound can be used effectively and safely on all glossy paints and clear coats (not for use on flat, matte or satin finishes)
  • Apply by hand only
No. 2
Turtle Wax T-241A Polishing Compound & Scratch Remover - 10.5 oz. , White
  • Heavy duty paste that cleans dull, oxidized finishes
  • Quickly and easily penetrates through the oxidized surface to remove scratches, blemishes and stubborn stains
  • Restores faded finishes
  • Recommended for rubbing down between coats of newly sprayed lacquer and acrylic car finishes
  • Easy to use formula
No. 3
No.7 Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound - 10 Fl Oz - Cleans and Restores - Removes Deep Scratches and Stains - Restores Shine to Dull Finishes, Plastic
  • Package Dimensions: 14.94 L x 4.31 H x 10.06 W (inches)
  • Package Weight : 10 pounds
  • Country of Origin : United States
  • Part Number: 08610-EACH
SaleNo. 4
Perfect-It Perfect-It EX AC Rubbing Compound, 36060, Fast Cutting, High Performing, 1 qt (32 fl oz)
  • HIGH PERFORMING: Efficiently remove P1200 grade or finer scratches with this high-performing compound
  • PREVENTS STICKING: Specially formulated to prevent sticking and residual films
  • MULTI-PURPOSE: Ideal for newer, more challenging clearcoats
  • SMOOTH HANDLING: Reduces dusting and leaves a refined finish on a variety of paint surfaces
  • For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use. Packaging may Vary.
SaleNo. 5
Meguiar's Mirror Glaze M10508 Ultra-Cut Compound - Professional Grade Formula with Fast Cutting Action that Removes Scratches, Heavy Swirls and More - 8 Oz
  • DEFECT REMOVAL: Great for removing scratches, defects, acid rain and severe swirls/holograms
  • ULTRA-FAST COMPOUNDING: Ultra-fast cutting removes 1200 grit or finer sanding marks
  • SUPERIOR FINISH: Exclusive super micro-abrasive technology leaves best-in-class finish
  • CLEAR COAT SAFE: Safe and effective on all glossy paint finishes including clear coats
  • VERSATILE USE: Formulated for use by hand, dual action polisher or rotary buffer, and is body shop safe. Also available in 32 oz and 1 gallon sizes
SaleNo. 6
3M Rubbing Compound, 05973, Liquid Formula,1 qt (32 fl oz/946 mL)
  • EFFECTIVE FORMULA: Helps remove sand scratches, stains and surface blemishes
  • EFFICIENT: High cut rate formulation helps reduce compounding time
  • VERSATILE: Safe for a variety of automotive and industrial paints, including clearcoats, lacquer, and enamel paint finishes
  • ECONOMICAL: A high-performance compound for value-focused shops
  • For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use
No. 7
Turtle Wax T-230A Rubbing Compound & Heavy Duty Cleaner - 10.5 oz.
  • Heavy duty paste that cleans dull, oxidized finishes
  • Quickly and easily penetrates through the oxidized surface to remove scratches, blemishes and stubborn stains
  • Restores faded finishes
  • Recommended for rubbing down between coats of newly sprayed lacquer and acrylic car finishes
  • Easy to use formula
No. 8
3D One Car Scratch & Swirl Remover - Rubbing Compound & Finishing Polish - Buffing Compound Swirl Remover - True Car Paint Correction 16oz.
  • HYBRID FORMULA … 3D One is a hybrid high grade rubbing compound and finishing polish all in one bottle!
  • ALL YOU NEED IS ONE … 3D One is a one step scratch & swirl remover with sealant protection that will deliver a true paint correction and bring your paint job back to life!
  • SAFE & EFFECTIVE … Our premium professional grade formula removes many moderate to heavy surface imperfections on all paint colors!
  • EASY APPLICATION … You can easily apply 3D One by hand for smaller surface areas or with a polisher or buffer for larger areas with more imperfections.
  • PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA ... We've been researching and creating exterior and interior car care products for over 25 years now. A quarter of a century of giving our customers uncompromising quality. Go ahead, experience a car scratch remover rubbing compound that's tried and trusted.
No. 9
Turtle Wax T241A 10.5 Oz White Polishing Compound
  • Product Type: Auto Part
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Package Dimensions: 4.9 cms (L) x 10.8 cms (W) x 11.5 cms (H)
  • Pre-softened formula
SaleNo. 10
Meguiar's M6732 Marine/RV One Step Compound - Marine and RV Restorer That Removes Heavy Oxidation and Scratches While Restoring Gloss - 32 Oz
4,361 Consomer Reviews
Meguiar's M6732 Marine/RV One Step Compound - Marine and RV Restorer That Removes Heavy Oxidation and Scratches While Restoring Gloss - 32 Oz
  • CLEAN AND GLOSS: Formula is specifically designed to both clean fiberglass and gel coat surfaces and leave behind a high-gloss finish in one step
  • RESTORE SURFACES: Removes heavy oxidation, scratches, stains and tough water spots on all fiberglass gel coat marine and RV surfaces
  • AMAZING SHINE: Produces amazing shine and luster while restoring neglected surfaces
  • GORGEOUS COLOR: Restores color and leaves behind a rich gloss
  • VERSATILE FORMULA: Incredible results by hand or by machine
  • English (Publication Language)
SaleNo. 11
Turtle Wax T-415 Premium Grade Rubbing Compound - 18 oz. , Green
  • Removes scratches, heavy swirl marks, surface blemishes and 1500 grit sanding scratches
  • Silicone free formula is safe for use in professional detail, paint and body shops
  • Can be applied by hand or with an orbital or rotary polisher
  • Safe for all finishes
  • Restores gloss and prepares the finish for waxing
  • Can be used with cotton, microfiber or foam pads
No. 12
Chemical Guys Gap_VKIT_04 V Line Polish and Compound Sample Kit for Light to Heavy Swirls & Scratches (Safe for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs, Motorcycles & More ) 4 - 4 fl oz Items
  • ALL-INCLUSIVE SAMPLER KIT - From heavy-duty compounds to light polishes, this kit provides a sample of everything you need for a flawless finish.
  • REMOVE DEFECTS - Effectively tackle heavy scratches, swirl marks, and wet-sanding scratches with the V32 and V34 compounds.
  • ENHANCE SHINE - Use V36 and V38 polishes to refine gloss, shine, and clarity, perfect for newer cars or after compounding.
  • OPTICAL GRADE TECHNOLOGY - Features micro abrasive technology for precision and clarity in restoration.
  • NO FILLERS - What you see is what you get; the kit is formulated without fillers ensuring genuine, lasting results.
No. 13
the Wax Shop 50954 32 Ounces Tune-Up Fine Cut Polishing Compound-32oz
  • A fine-cut polish that uses sub-micron abrasive technology to quickly remove swirls, holograms and fine scratches
  • Removes up to 3000 grit paint imperfections
  • For best results, apply with a DA polisher using a fine-polishing foam pad and follow up with Deep Reflections Carnauba Liquid Wax
  • The Wax Shop compounds are silicone free and safe to use on all glossy paints
  • The Wax Shop compounds can be applied as a three-step system or used individually
No. 14
1Pk - 3M - Perfect It Buffing & Polishing Compound 06085 06064 06068
  • 3M 06085 is a fast cutting rubbing compound designed remove sand scratches and leaves a fine finish on automotive paints
  • 3M 06064 is a high Performance Machine Polish; Quickly and effectively removes compound swirl marks and produces an outstanding finish; Good handling, easy cleanup
  • 3M 06068 produces a swirl free finish even on black vehicles; Quickly and effectively removes fine machine polish swirls. Outstanding finish; The unique formula eliminates swirl marks and produces a high gloss finish, even on the most difficult dark colored vehicles
  • Formulated for a broad range of user conditions without sticking or leaving residual film
No. 15
Malco Super Duty Heavy Cut Compound - Professional Cutting, Polishing and Finishing Compound/For Auto Paint Correction, Detailing and Buffing / 32 oz. (127632)
  • HEAVY CUT COMPOUND: Super-Duty is a versatile cutting compound designed to remove heavy sand scratches and oxidation from both clear coat painted and gel coat surfaces.
  • ULTRA-FAST COMPOUNDING: Easily remove P1500 grit and finer sand scratches from any car, truck, or boat.
  • HIGH GLOSS FINISH: Super-Duty Compound works fast and leaves a high-gloss finish on any automotive, marine or industrial coating.
  • CONVENIENT & EASY TO USE: For best results use with a Malco 100% twisted white wool cutting pad.
  • CLEAR COAT SAFE: Our Heavy-Duty Compound is safe and effective on all glossy paint finishes including clear coats. Body shop safe & VOC compliant.
SaleNo. 16
Chemical Guys C4 & P4 Correction Compound and Paint Polish Combo Pack (2-16 oz. Paint Correction Bottles)
  • ULTIMATE PAINT RESTORER! - C4 Clear Cut Correction Compound cuts deep into paint to remove scratches, swirls, acid rain marks, etching, hologram, and removes 1200 grit and finer sanding marks! Follow up with Chemical Guys P4 Polish for perfect results!
  • FAST ACTING COMPOUND! - C4 achieves amazing results in half the time of other products! C4 was developed to deliver fast cutting paint correction without long work times and is designed for tremendous results in the shortest time possible!
  • CONSISTENT CUT TECHNOLOGY! - Chemical Guys C4 maintains a consistent cut from start to finish for ultimate control and predictability! The superior heavy-cut compound and paint correction scratch remover delivers consistent results every time!
  • EASY-TO-USE ONE STEP POLISH! - P4 Precision Paint Perfection Polish is the easy-to-use one step polish that removes fine swirls, scratches, towel marks, and corrects 2000 grit and finer sanding marks while leaving virtually no dusting or residue behind!
  • SAFE FOR ALL PAINTS! - Ultra-fine abrasives used in P4 are specially developed for all paints including ceramic coated vehicles to remove microscopic amounts of clear coat quickly and leave paint incredibly glossy, shiny, and haze-free!
  • WORKS GREAT ON CERAMIC COATINGS! - P4 works great on ceramic coated cars to remove minor imperfections while maintaining the integrity of your coating to produce deep, rich reflections without damaging your protection!
No. 17
3M Perfect It Buffing and Polishing Kit | 36060 06094 3M Rubbing Compound and Machine Polish (Quart) | Buffing Compound, Car Polishing Kit | Bundled with Kangaroobands Microfiber Cloth
  • 3M PERFECT-IT EX COMPLETE REPAIR and PAINT FINISHING SYSTEM: The 3m Perfect-it Ex Complete system for optimal performance to create showroom-grade finishes. This system uses a progressive series of specially formulated compounds and polishes across three stages of repair for showroom grade finishes with deep color and rich gloss. Our paint correction kit for busy shops to achieve perfect defect-free finishes, every time, quickly. Combined with KangarooBands microfiber cloth for easy cleanup.
  • 36060 3M RUBBING COMPOUND 1 QUART: This fast-cutting, fine-finishing compound removes fine grade (P1200 or finer) sand scratches and small surface defects on automotive painted surfaces. The compound works especially well on newer, harder-to-buff clear coat systems. Works in extreme conditions. Holds on the compounding pad, reducing the mess, waste and cleanup time associated with sling.
  • 06094 3M MACHINE POLISHING COMPOUND 1 QT: The highest-performing machine polish for removing compound swirl marks in collision repair. It stays wet longer, using less polish for the same refined finish. Holds better on the pad for reduced sling and easier cleanup. You get smooth, polished surfaces without compound swirl marks – faster, and at less cost.
  • KANGAROOBANDS MICROFIBER CLOTH: Thick enough to pick up and absorb all the spills, residue and excess but soft enough not to damage your car, boat or any other vehicle. Strong enough not to shed or leave lint behind. The perfect accompaniment to the car buffing kit.
No. 18
TotalBoat TotalBuff Marine Rubbing Compound (Quart) | Removes Heavy Oxidation and Scratches | Aggressive Fast Cut Liquid Formula for Fiberglass Gelcoat & Paint Restoration on Boats and Cars
  • POWERFUL MARINE RUBBING COMPOUND: Removes heavy oxidation & 600/800 grit wet sanding scratches from chalky, faded, tired fiberglass gelcoat and painted surfaces
  • EASY APPLICATION: Easy to apply by hand and buff using a variable speed buffer with wool compounding pad. Long open time stays wet long enough for the grit to work, and leaves no film afterwards
  • NOT JUST FOR BOATS: Use on fiberglass gelcoat and painted surfaces on boats, RVs, cars, trucks, trailers and more. More effective at restoring badly weathered finishes than one-step compounds
  • STEP 1 OF A 3 STEP GELCOAT RESTORATION SYSTEM: Follow with TotalBoat TotalShine finishing material to polish and restore gloss, then protect and shine with TotalBoat Wax (or your favorite boat wax)
  • FOR DIY & PROFESSIONAL USE: Boat owners and marine professionals alike choose this multi-step process to restore gelcoat on older boats. Sold in Quarts.
No. 19
Malco Tru Grit - Heavy Duty Buffing and Polishing Compound for Cars/Automotive Paint Correction and Detailing/Removes 1000-1500 Grit Sand Scratches / 32 Oz. (120032)
  • REMOVE DEEP SCRATCHES: Use Tru-Grit to easily remove deep sand scratches & heavy oxidation and environmental paint damage on your car or vehicle.
  • BUFFING & POLISHING FOR CARS: Advanced formula with special diminishing abrasives aggressively buffs and polishes most vehicles painted surfaces. Removes the TOUGHEST STAINS!
  • EASY CLEAN-UP: Contains no waxes, silicones or fillers. Water-based formula cleans up easily.
  • HEAVY DUTY FORMULA: Malco Tru-Grit is formulated for removing 1000-grit and finer sand scratches from both fully-cured and 24-hour-old high solids and standard clears, making it the best choice for you!
  • VERSATILE COMPOUND: Can be used to remove scratches, oxidation, and paint defects on all automotive and marine finishes as well as on industrial coatings.
No. 20
3M Perfect It Buffing and Polishing Kit | 36060 06094 06068 Rubbing Compound, Machine Polish, Ultrafine | Buffing, Car Polishing Kit Bundled with Kangaroobands Microfiber Cloth
  • 3M PERFECT-IT EX COMPLETE REPAIR and PAINT FINISHING SYSTEM: The 3m Perfect-it Ex Complete system for optimal performance to create showroom-grade finishes. This system uses a progressive series of specially formulated compounds and polishes across three stages of repair for showroom grade finishes with deep color and rich gloss. Our paint correction kit for busy shops to achieve perfect defect-free finishes, every time, quickly. Combined with KangarooBands microfiber cloth for easy cleanup.
  • 36060 3M RUBBING COMPOUND 1 QUART: This fast-cutting, fine-finishing compound removes fine grade (P1200 or finer) sand scratches and small surface defects on automotive painted surfaces. The compound works especially well on newer, harder-to-buff clear coat systems. Works in extreme conditions. Holds on the compounding pad, reducing the mess, waste and cleanup time associated with sling.
  • 06094 3M MACHINE POLISHING COMPOUND 1 QT: The highest-performing machine polish for removing compound swirl marks in collision repair. It stays wet longer, using less polish for the same refined finish. Holds better on the pad for reduced sling and easier cleanup. You get smooth, polished surfaces without compound swirl marks – faster, and at less cost.
  • 06068 3M ULTRAFINE MACHINE POLISH 1 QT: As the final step of a truly professional vehicle paint finish, Perfect-It EX Ultrafine Machine Polish quickly and completely removes ultrafine machine polish swirls even on the most difficult black or dark-colored vehicles. Stays wet longer, using less material for a refined finish. Holds better on the pad for reduced sling and faster cleanup. You get polished surfaces without machine polish swirl marks – all at lower material costs and process times.
  • KANGAROOBANDS MICROFIBER CLOTH: Thick enough to pick up and absorb all the spills, residue and excess but soft enough not to damage your car, boat or any other vehicle. Strong enough not to shed or leave lint behind. The perfect accompaniment to the car buffing kit.

How to choose a good polishing rubbing compounds

Does the idea of finding a fantastic polishing rubbing compounds make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in polishing rubbing compounds. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top polishing rubbing compounds products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top polishing rubbing compounds on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top polishing rubbing compounds brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top polishing rubbing compounds based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the polishing rubbing compounds were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good polishing rubbing compounds, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your polishing rubbing compounds.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting polishing rubbing compounds for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our polishing rubbing compounds. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what polishing rubbing compounds should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on polishing rubbing compounds.