Rubbing compound

[rebelde33]

What exactly is a rubbing compound used for? I've seen some Turtle Wax and 3M products but can't quite put my finger on how they're used.

[themightytimmah]

"Rubbing Compound" is an old single-stage name for a product that removed scratches when rubbed into the paint with a terry towel.

On clearcoated paints, rubbing compounds need to be followed with a finishing polish. I would highly recommend avoiding the use of a compound by hand, they're really only for rotary use by a skilled user.

I would avoid using Turtle Wax rubbing compound...ever.

[salty]

I would avoid using Turtle Wax rubbing compound...ever. or you get this

[mfewtrail]

The TW liquid rubbing compound that came out a year(or two?) ago might not be that bad, but definitely avoid the stuff in the little white cannisters. I seem to remember someone posting some decent results from the liquid version of the rubbing and/or polishing compound here on the board sometime within the past year or so. A quick search would probably find the post I'm thinking of. If I remember correctly, someone tried out the TW polish on a white car with good results.

EDIT: I went ahead and found that old post for you: New Turtle Wax Compunds (Nanotechnology)

[SVR]

Actually it's fine to use todays compounds by hand, Whether it be Menzerna PG, Prima Cut or anything else
it takes four to five minutes by hand to break each one down properly but it can be done and serious marks removed

[bill57]

The old product in the cannister is (can be) used to smooth out the finish of a spray paint touch up repair on 1-stage paint. The little color matching spray cans from your local auto store leave a surface that needs to be polished, and the TW rubbing compound is used prior to a finer polishing compound. This is in the case of small spot repairs, and can be applied (very carefully) by hand.

[Batmobl]

Not trying to hijack the thread here but if it is used to get out scratches in the clearcoat, as someone mention above, why does the color of the paint always show on the material being used with the compound?

[TH0001]

Originally Posted by Batmobl

Not trying to hijack the thread here but if it is used to get out scratches in the clearcoat, as someone mention above, why does the color of the paint always show on the material being used with the compound?

Because the car you are using it on doesn't have a clear coat...

[wannafbody]

Originally Posted by SVR

Actually it's fine to use todays compounds by hand, Whether it be Menzerna PG, Prima Cut or anything else
it takes four to five minutes by hand to break each one down properly but it can be done and serious marks removed

I think this depends on what abrasive is being used. The older quartz silica abrasives break down by hand. The newer aluminum oxide abrasives I doubt break down fully by hand. They may lose their sharp edge. Aluminum oxide has a 9 mohr rating and a diamond has a 10 mohr rating.

[Batmobl]

Originally Posted by TH0001

Because the car you are using it on doesn't have a clear coat...

Makes sense, or at least there is no clear coat in certain areas.

[SVR]

No problems at all with breaking them down
I have very strong arms and use very high speed hand movements mostly, it works with most but I don't think I could break down hi temp extreme by hand