Do You Need Both Compound and Polish?

Jimbo Balaam on

Do you always need to compound and polish? Not necessarily. Here's how to tell if a one-step polish is enough, and when a two-step correction actually makes sense.

Do You Need Both Compound and Polish?

Do You Really Need Both Compound and Polish?

If you’re correcting paint, do you need to use a compound first and then a polish? Or can you get away with just one product? This is one of the most common questions in paint correction—and one of the most misunderstood.

In this post (and the video below), I’ll explain when you actually need both steps, when you can skip one, and why the right abrasive blend—like what’s in Picture Perfect Polish—can make both steps optional.

When You Actually Need Both

Traditionally, detailers would start with a heavy-cut compound to remove defects, then follow up with a finishing polish to restore clarity and gloss.

You still need both steps when:

  • The paint is extremely scratched or oxidized
  • You’re using a rotary buffer or wool pad
  • Your compound leaves marring or haze

When One Step Is Enough

Thanks to modern abrasives and hybrid formulas, one-step polishes like Picture Perfect Polish can handle both cutting and finishing in a single pass—especially when paired with the right pad.

You can often skip the two-step process when:

  • The paint is in decent shape with minor defects
  • You’re using a dual-action polisher with a cutting pad
  • You’re working on medium to soft clear coats

What Matters More Than Product Labels

Whether a product is called a "compound" or a "polish" isn’t as important as:

  • The abrasive quality and size
  • The pad and tool you pair it with
  • Your process and technique

I called Picture Perfect Polish a "polish" on purpose—even though it cuts like a compound—because it finishes flawlessly and can stand on its own as a one-step correction tool.

Cut and Finish in One Step

  • Engineered with high-end American abrasives
  • Pad-dependent for more or less correction
  • Finishes clean with no dust or haze

Save time and get pro-level results without switching products mid-job.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need both compound and polish for every job. With a high-quality one-step product and the right pad selection, you can simplify your workflow and still get exceptional results.

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