If you’re new to paint restoration, or to the car you’re working on, you may not know the level of correction you’ll need to cut and buff your paintwork properly. You may be tempted to reach for a heavy-duty compound first to quickly erase scratches and swirls, but this method can just as easily remove more of the clear coat than necessary. Instead of starting with the most aggressive compound first, professional detailers will often start with their least aggressive polish and a light finishing pad to see if they can get the results they want while removing the least amount of clear coat from their finish.

Before you begin cutting and buffing your paint, you’ll need to perform a few test spots on an inconspicuous area of your car, such as the lower rocker panel, to determine which compound and cutting pad you should use. Start by testing a light-duty polish with a foam finishing pad to see if you can use gentler products to restore your paintwork effectively. If you aren’t getting the level of correction you want, switch to a slightly more aggressive compound or cutting pad and perform another test spot to compare the results. Repeat this process until you get the level of correction you’re looking for.

You can also use an adjustable compound, like Hybrid Solutions PRO 1 & Done, with cutting pads of various intensities to perform anything from a heavy-duty cut to a light finishing polish! Again, just remember to start with a light cutting pad first and only switch to a more aggressive pad if required.

One of the best ways to finish a buffing and polishing session is to top it all off with a fresh layer of car wax! We recommend using our Hybrid Solutions PRO to the Max Wax to lay down the most powerful foundation of protection to preserve that incredible, showroom look. This durable liquid wax is infused with pure graphene to provide unparalleled heat and chemical resistance while giving your car a beautiful, eye-popping gloss.