What kind of 3M compound is best for removing heavy oxidation?

[d9103365]

I wanted to get some rubbing compound for my car to remove the heavy oxidation and bring it back to life (its the original paint)....I plan to use compound, then a polish, topped off with a glaze or wax. A three step process.

I've always heard that 3M products are the best...especially the compounds. But when i went to Pep boys this weekend they had 4 different kinds of 3M compound and I didn't know which to get. There was the 3M "Advanced" compound in the small black bottle for about 10 bucks. Then in the 16oz bottle there was the 3M "perfect it" compound in a 16oz bottle. Then there was the 3M compound in the large 32oz tan bottle. There was also a 3M "ultra" compound.

What's the diff, and which should I use?

Please don't say turtle wax or meguires. Just want to decide between the options above. Of course the pep boys clerks were clueless.

 

[snakeyes]

there are several brands on the market to use its a matter of choice ,I will send you a pm if you haven't really done this type of job before try going on the net and look at some of the videos on using these products and watch how they do it and plus what all is needed to do this type of repair , you don't want to do more damage to your finish, a single stage paint you damage easy and a clear you can go through quick on the edges ,just have some patience .

 

[RGAZ]

I don't know 3M, but I always decided based upon the number on the bottle. The smaller the number the more aggressive the buff effect.

I had an old beater I practiced with and usually did fine going down to "medium cut cleaner" which was 4 (I think), then I moved to fine cut (6) and up to swirl remover (12), to glaze (25), to polish (30), to Wax. Awesome workout for one arm since I never used a buffer.

I believe 3M has similiar names, but has a 3 step process. If not, go to Advanced Auto or Amazon.com.

Just keep in mind that they are removing material, so depending on your paint, you may make it look worse.

Randy

 

[eric383]

Look out for the edges too, it's easy to cut through the paint.

 

[Gpuller]

I use Malco Rejuvenator on my car, it's one step, no fuss. Works great on old oxidized paint.

http://www.amazon.com/Malco-Rejuvenator-Step-Paint-Restoration/dp/B001UOMDZU

 

[khryslerkid]

Best product on the market.
They have a product to do anything you need. The swirl remover can be used by hand or machine (buffer), and should do what you need.
Very easy to use and easy cleanup too. If using a buffer I prefer the foam pads that they sell. Won't leave swirls like a wool one does.
Also don't buy their product from Wall- mart. It's not quite the same. NAPA has the professional. (Tan bottles). Good luck!

 

[d9103365]

So i guess no one has any info on the three types of 3m compound. Nothing is better than 3m. Nothing else must be considered. Nothing else exists. 3m. 3m. 3m. There are 3 kinds of 3m and i need to know the diff. But i care nothing about the others. Why? Because 3m makes the best products. If 3m made kidneys they would be the best kidneys. If 3m made mopars it would be a 1971 426 hemicuda, and even roadrunners would not be available in it.

 

[sleepar]

Best product on the market.
They have a product to do anything you need. The swirl remover can be used by hand or machine (buffer), and should do what you need.
Very easy to use and easy cleanup too. If using a buffer I prefer the foam pads that they sell. Won't leave swirls like a wool one does.
Also don't buy their product from Wall- mart. It's not quite the same. NAPA has the professional. (Tan bottles). Good luck!

X2... 3M is shite... 20 years ago yes.

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So i guess no one has any info on the three types of 3m compound. Nothing is better than 3m. Nothing else must be considered. Nothing else exists. 3m. 3m. 3m. There are 3 kinds of 3m and i need to know the diff. But i care nothing about the others. Why? Because 3m makes the best products. If 3m made kidneys they would be the best kidneys. If 3m made mopars it would be a 1971 426 hemicuda, and even roadrunners would not be available in it.

THAT'S WHY NOBODY BUT YOU PRAISES IT... LOL its you're paint i...f 3M made a mopar it would be a dodge colt ..

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Finesse it 2... is arguably the best...

 

[318 Six Pack]

Since you are not (or at least should not be) in a hurry, go with something between a swirl remover grit size and a glaze grit size and take your time until the finish is ready for a polishing compound. The 3M bottles should say someplace on them, if they are buffing compounds, how fine the grit is. Look them up on the 3M site if you are not sure. Also, unless the person at the counter of Pep Boys used to work in a paint shop, go to a real paint jobber and ask them what they have along the lines of what you are trying to do.

If your grit is too small, it takes longer but it also more forgiving and takes longer to mess up your job too. It is not like you need to deliver this car to a customer in the morning or anything.