I've been reading a lot of threads lately and a question came to my mind that i was hoping someone could help me with. If compounds and polishes both have abrasives in them why is a compound called a compound and why is a polish called polish? What is technically the difference besides the level of abrasiveness?
Compound/Polish
- Thread starter Spaceman
- Start date
RaskyR1
Rasky's Auto Detailing
I'm just guessing but I would say it has to go with the level of aggressiveness. Most compounds are rated to remove 1200 grit or finer scratches. Not sure at what point it's considered a polish though.
I often just refer to compounds as a heavy cut polish, and the subsequent steps would labeled as a medium polish, fine polish, and ultra fine polish.
I often just refer to compounds as a heavy cut polish, and the subsequent steps would labeled as a medium polish, fine polish, and ultra fine polish.
I dont think there is a standard "if its this aggressive, it has to be called a compound".
Generally, here in the states, we understand a compound to be more aggressive than a polish.
Of course, we also call Megs 105 a polish and its pretty aggressive. Then Zaino labels its sealants as a polish, and the Brits call everything besides Autoglym SRP a compound...
Generally, here in the states, we understand a compound to be more aggressive than a polish.
Of course, we also call Megs 105 a polish and its pretty aggressive. Then Zaino labels its sealants as a polish, and the Brits call everything besides Autoglym SRP a compound...
Traditional compounds used to be extremely gritty. Sometimes you would see the grits and abrasives in the older compounds. Traditional polishes are much finer. Some manufacturers also label polishes as nothing more than filling oil, whereas others consider polishes to be gentle abrasive products.
Modern compounds feel and look more like polishes, because they are not gritty. Yet they also finish extremely nicely. Newer abrasive technologies blurs and reconciles the differences between compounds and polishes.
Nowadays, the term compound is reserved for the more aggressive products, such as those designed to remove sanding marks.
Modern compounds feel and look more like polishes, because they are not gritty. Yet they also finish extremely nicely. Newer abrasive technologies blurs and reconciles the differences between compounds and polishes.
Nowadays, the term compound is reserved for the more aggressive products, such as those designed to remove sanding marks.