Breaking Down The Differences Between Compounds, Polishes, And Glazes

In The World Of Paint Correction, It’s Easy To Get Lost Between Terms Like Compounds, Polishes, Glazes, Or Even More Specific Labels Like Ultrafine Or Heavy-Cut. While These Products May Look Similar On The Shelf, Their Purpose, Performance, And Abrasive Content Are Very Different. Knowing What Each One Does Can Make All The Difference In Your Results—Whether You’re Polishing A Tractor Or Perfecting A Car’s Finish.

What Sets Abrasives Apart?

At The Core Of Every Compound Or Polish Are Abrasives—Tiny Particles That Physically Level The Surface By Shaving Down Minor Imperfections In The Clear Coat. The Type Of Abrasive, Along With How It Behaves During Polishing, Determines How Aggressive Or Gentle A Product Is.

• Non-Diminishing Abrasives Stay Consistent In Size And Cut Throughout The Process, Making Them Easier To Control But Potentially Harsher.

• Diminishing Abrasives Start Out Coarse And Gradually Break Down Into Finer Particles As You Work, Allowing The Product To Begin As A Cutter And Finish As A Polisher.

Compounds: Heavy Cut Powerhouses

Compounds Are The Most Aggressive Tools In Paint Correction. These Products Are Formulated With Large Or Sharp Abrasives That Can Quickly Remove Deep Scratches, Severe Oxidation, Or Sanding Marks. They’re Ideal For Restoring Faded Equipment, Boats, Or Vehicles That Have Been Neglected.

• Heavy-Cut Or Aggressive Compounds Are Designed For Fast Defect Removal

• Used To Cut Through 1000–1500 Grit Sanding Marks Or Deep Surface Damage

• Often Leave Behind Haze Or Micro-Marring That Needs Follow-Up Polishing

Polishes: The Refinement Stage

Once The Major Defects Are Removed, Polishes Come Into Play. These Contain Smaller Abrasives And Focus On Improving Surface Clarity, Removing Swirls, Or Eliminating The Fine Marks Left Behind By Compounds.

• Medium Or Fine Polishes Are Great For Removing 2000–3000 Grit Marks Or Light Swirl Defects

• Ultrafine Polishes Are Tailored For Soft, Dark Paints Or Show Finishes Where Maximum Gloss Is Needed

• Often Use Diminishing Abrasives For A Two-In-One Cut And Finish

Glazes: Shine Without Correction

Unlike Compounds And Polishes, Glazes Don’t Contain Abrasives. Instead, They Rely On Fillers And Gloss Enhancers To Mask Light Defects And Add Wet-Look Depth To Paint. This Is Temporary, But Effective If You Want A Vehicle To Look Good Without Cutting Clear Coat.

• No Physical Correction Takes Place

• Glazes Fill Swirls And Light Defects With Oils Or Polymers

• Great For Prepping Show Vehicles Or As A Quick Gloss Booster

Choosing The Right Tool For The Job

• Use A Compound When You’re Tackling Heavy Defects, Oxidation, Or Sanding Marks

• Follow With A Polish To Restore Clarity, Gloss, And Remove Haze Or Micro-Scratches

• Finish With An Ultrafine Polish For Dark Or Soft Paints That Need A Flawless Look

• Use A Glaze When You Want A Quick Boost In Shine Or To Mask Minor Issues Without Cutting

Regardless Of What You Choose, Always Protect The Finished Surface With A Ceramic Coating Or Sealant To Lock In The Results.

Final Thoughts

Paint Correction Isn’t Just About Making A Surface Shiny—It’s About Choosing The Right Level Of Abrasive Action For The Surface You’re Working On. With The Right Product And Technique, You Can Restore Depth, Remove Damage, And Prep For Long-Term Protection.

At AgriGloss Coatings, We Specialize In Professional Paint Correction Services For Farm Equipment, Trucks, And Automobiles Alike—Bringing Gloss Back To Your Investment And Preserving It For Years To Come.