What to choose between Rubbing compound and polishing compound - have you made your choice yet? Whether you own a car or a motorbike and like to maintain it in excellent condition, this would be the most concerning question. Though similar in use, rubbing compound and polishing compound are not interchangeable. Each is used to correct different car finish problems.

Come let’s clear your confusion in this Detailing 101 - The Difference Between Rubbing Compound and Polishing Compound. Keep on reading to know what is Rubbing Compound and Polishing Compound, their advantages and disadvantages, and when and how to use them. 

What Is Rubbing Compound and Polishing Compound?

The rubbing compound will remove more paint and is used for smoothing out larger scratches and other significant damage to the vehicle's painted surface. Polish acts like finer grit sandpaper than compound. Polishing a vehicle can reduce the appearance of scratches and get rid of remaining contaminants, oxidation, and other minor imperfections that compounding did not remove. 

Most car/bike owners think there is no difference between automotive rubbing compound vs polish but are you really sure? It is often confusing to choose between rubbing compound vs polishing compound, thus the following advantages and disadvantages of both the processes will help in getting a clear picture. 

Advantages Of Rubbing Compound:

• Easy to use
• Quickly fixes the unevenness from the scratches
• Requires minimal cleaning work
• Restores old paintwork
• Vanishes or conceals the car’s scratches
• It is an abrasive material and thus can be found in variant grits
• Breathes new life to the old paintwork of the car

Disadvantage Of Rubbing Compound:

• Requires the use of the proper technique for better results

Advantages Of Polishing Compound:

• Provides a natural appearance to the car’s paint
• Delivers the needed shine and gloss to the paint
• Provides durable finishing
• Do not require stripping
• Can be applied using a low-speed machine
• Not a daily affair. Used periodically

Disadvantages Of Polishing Compound:

• Requires additional cleaning work
• Can only be done by using the required types of equipment

When And How to Use A Rubbing Compound?

If you’ve scratched the clear coat on your car, use the best rubbing compound for car - UE Elite Rubbing Compound to remove the scratch. Apply enough compound to work a two-foot by two-foot area. For the best result, use enough compound to leave a thin wet film on the surface for one to two passes to white the buffer before it begins to dry. Start the machine and buff using light to medium pressure. Reduce pressure as the compound begins to dry. Spur pad is necessary.

When And How to Use A Polishing Compound?

After using a rubbing compound for cars, polish the surface to a shiny sheen using the best car polishing compound or UE Elite Liquid Wax. To fix a deep scratch, you’ll need this liquid wax. Then apply to touch up paint, followed by a clear coat. Once the paint and clear coat have dried and cured, use a rubbing compound to level and blend the touch-up into the surrounding paint. Then use a polishing compound to bring out the shine. It’ll help you remove oxidation, and help you polish and protect all painted surfaces.

Finally, What to Buy - Rubbing Compound Or Polishing Compound?

The difference between a rubbing compound and a polishing comes down to the abrasion levels of each. So, the next time you are in any dilemma about using rubbing compound vs polish, make sure you read this blog again! Both the processes are necessary in their own place and should be used without any confusion. The results from the rubbing compounds can be backed by the polishing compound for getting a smooth and shinier finishing.

If you want to consider a few other items for automotive, industrial, defense and marine equipment maintenance make sure you check all our auto detailing products online!