Use a Rubbing Compound on Paint

Rubbing compounds are effective at restoring painted finishes.

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Rubbing compound is a loosely defined term referring to a growing group of polishes that are designed to remove minor damage, imperfections or oxidation, generally from automotive-type finishes. Rubbing compounds can also be used to remove layers of built-up wax from cars and boats, before recoating with new wax. For best results, use rubbing compound on paint when the temperature is at least 50 degrees, and out of direct sunlight if possible.

Difficulty:

 

Moderately Easy

By Guide Fisher

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Clean, soft cloths or towels
• Rubbing compound

Suggest Edits

1. • 1
     Select a rubbing compound approved for the surface, such as metal or fiberglass, and paint type, like acrylic enamel, lacquer or clear-coat finish.
   • 2
     Wash the painted surface with soap and water to remove dirt. Dry the washed surface with soft towels, or allow the surface to air-dry.
   • 3
     Apply 1 tsp. of rubbing compound to a clean cloth, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some compounds call for a damp cloth while other compounds can be applied with a dry towel.
   • 4
     Rub the compound into the paint in short, circular motions, approximately 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Allow the compound to set on the paint according to the manufacturer's instructions, as some types of compounds need to be allowed to dry before being wiped from the surface.
   • 5
     Remove the compound, with a clean section of the cloth, by rubbing in the same circular motion used to apply the compound.
   • 6
     Continue applying and removing the rubbing compound in 12-inch sections, until the entire surface has been covered. To be sure no sections are missed with the compound, overlap the already rubbed section with fresh compound by approximately 1 inch. Use a clean area of cloth each time you apply compound to the paint, changing out towels as needed.
   • 7
     Inspect the entire surface for any areas you may have missed with the compound. Touch up any missed spots as needed.

How to Compound & Buff

Most automobile owners want the exteriors of their vehicles to be clean with a buffed shine. Rain, snow, oxidation and ultraviolet light can all have detrimental effects on surface paint, producing a hazy or fogged appearance. By using cutting compounds and polishing wax, surface paint can be restored to look like new again. A vehicle owner who learns how to properly use an orbital buffer, compounds and waxes can perform a partial or full polish restoration with professional-looking results.

Instructions
1.Mix a solution of dish-washing soap in a bucket of warm water. Use a washing mitt. Remove all grime, oil and oxidation. Dry with clean towels. Use a crescent wrench to bolt a cutting pad onto an orbital buffer, or install a Velcro pad. Use a medium cutting pad to start with. Select a small area of the surface to perform a test run.

2.Apply a smear of medium-grit cutting compound to the cutting pad. Turn on the orbital buffer; if the buffer has a variable speed control, set the knob for 1000 to 1500 rpm. Run the buffer from side to side over the surface, keeping mild contact with the paint -- do not push the buffer pad into the paint with excessive pressure. Switch the movement to up-and-down buffing strokes, then pull the buffer away from the paint.

3.Wipe the compound residue off with a microfiber towel and examine the surface. You should be able to see your reflection in it, with no haze or oxidation. If the surface appears deeply fogged, switch to the heavy cutting pad and heavy-grit compound and buff over the same area. Depending upon your results, use the pad and compound that worked best and run the buffer over a larger section of about 2-by-3 feet.

4.Use side-to-side movements, then up-and-down strokes. Always keep the buffing pad spinning and moving -- do not let it sit in one area, where it can burn the paint. Lighten the touch of the buffer around sharp edges and seams. Wipe down each section with a microfiber towel and examine the surface. Re-buff any areas that seem heavily oxidized. Change to a clean cutting pad if the old one loads up. Take frequent breaks if you are buffing the entire vehicle. Use a dab of cutting compound on a microfiber towel to get any areas that the buffer could not reach.

5.Remove the cutting pad from the buffer and install a polishing pad on the sponge backing. Apply a liberal amount of polishing wax on the pad, and using the same procedure, buff the wax into the paint. Remember to use side-to-side, then up-and-down movements with the buffer. Wipe down each section you polish with a microfiber towel and inspect the results. You should be able to see a crystal clear reflection of your face in the paint, particularly with a darker color.

6.Change the polishing pad if the old one loads up. Use some polishing wax on a microfiber towel to reach any spots the polishing pad missed, such as the corners of the side panels, or in and around door handles. Use clean microfiber towels to wipe away all wax residue after you have finished the entire buffing procedure.


Things You'll Need
• Liquid-washing shampoo: Detailer's Pro Series Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo
• Washing mitt
• Bucket
• Towels
• Crescent wrench
• Porter Cable's buffer
(with cloth or sponge backing pad)
• Microfiber towels
• Cutting compound (fine, medium and heavy grit)
• Cutting pads (fine to heavy)
• Polishing pads
• Polishing wax
• 3M Swirlmark Remover

Recommended product of Car Wax & Sealant to use :

Top 3 Waxes

1. Meguiar's A-2216 Deep Crystal Carnuba Wax
2. Surf City Garage 150 Barrier Reef Carnauba Wax
3. Meguiar's M2611 #26 Yellow Wax Paste

Top 3 Sealants
1. Surf City Garage 701 Shine-On Sealer and Glaze System
2. Wizard's - Supreme Seal Paint Sealant (12oz) : 11500
3. MEGUIAR"S SYNTHETIC SEALANT 2.0

Top 3 Spray Wax

1. Surf City Garage 100 Speed Demon Wax Detailer Spray
2. FLITZ Speed Waxx
3. Meguiar's G14422 Ultimate Quick Detailer