Compounding..the low down....

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ExplorerXLT95

New member
Ok, here's the deal... I previously thought that I understood what compounding was, but I have read through a few threads and become slightly/greatly confused. Here is what I thought compounding to be before I read those threads:



Compounding: To use a product (3M Perfect-It II Light Rubbing Compound for example) to take care of moderate scratches to be used EXCLUSIVELY on the affected area. Never to be used on the entire car (as a wax/polish/glaze/etc is used).



Could someone please explain exactly what compounding is?? Also, which of the following are compounds?



- 3M Swirl Mark Remover for Dark Colored Cars

- 3M Perfect-It II Light Rubbing Compound (obviously a compound but I'll still ask)

- 3M Perfect-It III

- 3M Finesse-It II

- 3M Imperial Hand Glaze



By the way, what's with all the Perfect-It/Finesse-It II and III stuff? Couldn't they make this easier to understand instead of having like 2 different products for one thing (II and III)??? Someone wanna explain the system??



Basically..... HELP!
 
Explorer -



"Compound" is a very generic term - pretty much ANYTHING you apply to your car could be called a "compound." "Compounding" as used here usually means applying something with abrasive characteristics to reduce/remove light or moderate scratches/swirls.



3M Swirl Mark Remover for Dark Colored Cars



A mild abrasive, with diminishing abrasive properties (search the board on this to understand it - it is very important to getting success with these products.)



- 3M Perfect-It II Light Rubbing Compound - The stuff on my shelf is called "Perfect-IT II Fine Cut Rubbing Compound" but I assume this is what you meant. The most aggressive product in this list, but still quite safe. Should only be used when less aggressive compounds won't do the trick. Has diminishing abrasive properties - will leave bad haze if not used properly.



- 3M Perfect-It III - I have no experience with this



- 3M Finesse-It II - I have Finesse-IT II Finishing Material - this is a commercial product with very similar performance to the fine Cut Rubbing Compound - probably a little bit milder. Has diminishing abrasive properties - will leave bad haze if not used properly.



- 3M Imperial Hand Glaze - has some chemical cleaners, non-abrasive, has filler oils that will temporarily bring out a deep gloss and hide minor swirls. You can apply carnauba type waxes over this, but not polymers like Klasse or Zaino.





Another really great product in this range is Meguiars' #9 Swirl Remover 2.0 - this product is seems LESS abrasive than the 3M SMR, and has more fillers. As a result it is more forgiving, less likely to haze. I recommend it over the 3m stuff, especially if you plan to apply by hand. I've had better luck with the 3M abrasives like FCRC anf FI-II than their meguiar's counterparts, but after them, I go to #9 next, and for glazes and waxes I like meguiar's better than 3M.



Oh - and it is time to compound when you look at your car and you can't stand the swirls any more!



Hope that helps.
 
carguy,



Just wanted to say 'Thanks' -- your posts are really helpful, well written, and timely!!



:wavey
 
- 3M Imperial Hand Glaze - has some chemical cleaners, non-abrasive, has filler oils that will temporarily bring out a deep gloss and hide minor swirls. You can apply carnauba type waxes over this, but not polymers like Klasse or Zaino.
Click to expand...



This has been discussed to a bitter end on some of my other posts and the general consensus (including that of DavidB) is that Klasse is ok to apply after 3M IHG. David actually suggests it in one of his articles. After the 3M IHG, I intend to apply Klasse AIO(2 coats), Klasse SG(3 coats) and Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax (not paste glaz; 2 coats) in that order.



Thank you very much for your descriptive explanation. I appreciate it.
 
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