The Ultimate One Step Polish Guide

Cut and finish like a pro in one step. This guide covers everything you need to know about one step polishes—including top products, best pads, and real-world comparisons.

What Is a One Step Polish?

A one step polish (also known as an all-in-one polish) is a product that combines cutting power and finishing ability in a single formula. Instead of using a compound followed by a polish, one step products do it all at once—saving time and reducing risk, especially for beginners or mobile detailers.

Why Use a One Step Polish?

Save time — No need for multi-stage correction
Less risk — Fewer passes mean less heat and lower chance of over-polishing
Excellent results — Modern one steps finish nearly as well as dedicated finishing polishes
Pad-dependent — Adjust the cut or finish by changing your pad, not your polish

Best One Step Polish for All Paint Types

Picture Perfect Polish

This isn’t a rebrand. Picture Perfect Polish was developed from scratch with a real chemist to deliver high cut and excellent clarity—without dusting. It works incredibly well on DA and rotary machines, and finishes clean on soft, dark, or tricky paint types.

Get the full Picture Perfect Paint Bundle to pair it with the right pads and microfiber towels.

How to Use a One Step Polish

Choose your pad based on the level of defects (orange for medium cut, yellow for softer paint, microfiber for heavier cut)
Prime your pad fully before starting
Use a dual action polisher for safest and most consistent results
Work in 2x2 ft. sections with slow, overlapping passes
Remove residue with a clean, high-quality microfiber towel

Best Pads to Use

Burgandy foam: Balanced cut and finish for most situations
Black foam: Softer pad for dark, delicate, or newer paint
Microfiber cutting pad: Use when heavy defects need more bite

Best Microfiber Towels for Removal

Everyday Microfiber Towels — Ideal for leveling polish cleanly
Softer Than Soft Towels — Perfect for dark paint and final buffing

Top One Step Polish Comparisons

Pro Tips for Better Results

Use a separate towel to level and a second towel to buff off residue
Clean pads between sections to prevent clogging and marring
Apply protection after polishing — try Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray

The Ultimate One Step Polish Guide: Cut and Finish Like a Pro in One Step