More often than not, a rubbing compound comes to your rescue when your car gets scratched and the paint begins to peel off. But what is the best rubbing compound for cars? Well, it is not easy to get your hands on the best rubbing compound with so many options at your disposal. Hence, we have compiled the ‘best rubbing compound’ list for you based on product quality and price. Note: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Here is a comprehensive list of 10 best rubbing compounds for cars to make your search easier.
1 – Meguiar’s G17216 Compound
Topping the charts is Meguiar’s G17216 Compound that weighs 16 fl. oz. or 473 ml and has dimensions of 8.3 x 1 x 0.8 inches. Meguiar’s is an entrenched market leader in the automotive industry when it comes to producing leading car rubbing compounds with cutting edge performance. Meguiar’s G17216 is the best rubbing compound for oxidation removal as well as removing defects and blemishes in the car’s exterior with its fast-cut abrasion. Hence, it restores the original shine and color of your car.
The sophisticated technology and high-quality ingredients in the formula ensure that the whole seemingly tedious process of applying the formula to the car stays as easy as possible while reaping rich dividends simultaneously.
Pros
- Best remover for car scratches
- Removes oxidation on car paint
- Glossy finish
- Safe for use
- Can be applied with hands or with dual action polisher
- Affordable
Cons
- None to be honest!
2 – Meguiar’s M10532 car rubbing compound
The Meguiar’s M10532 rubbing compound weighs 32 fl. oz. or 946 ml and has dimensions of 3.5 x 9 x 2.5 inches. The formula is the best in its line owing to its effectiveness as it removes all stains, spots, blemishes, and defects immaculately while ensuring that the surface shines as new.
Equipped with advanced micro-abrasive technology, the Meguiar’s M10532 car rubbing compound is convenient to apply with a single touch. The formula is geared to removing 1200 grit sand scratches that can be very hard to get rid of with other compounds.
Pros
- Designed for hands, rotary buffer and DA polisher
- Gets rid of stains and scratches that may get there because of acid rain and swirls
- Removes even the deepest of scratches
Cons
- Not the cheapest around
3 – Turtle Wax T-415 car rubbing compound
Poised at the third spot is another product by Turtle Wax that has dimensions of 4 x 3 x 7 inches and weighs 18 fl. oz. or 532 ml. The rubbing compound gets rid of scratches, defects, and watermarks in a seamless manner. Even the grade 1500 grit sanding scratches can be removed with this supreme quality formula.
The Turtle Wax T-415 Rubbing Compound is free of silicone and comes without any filler contents that can have adverse effects on your car’s exterior. The formula has the enviable ability to restore the original attractiveness, shine, and luster of your car making it look as new as ever. What’s more, it can be applied either with your hands or with a machine.
Pros
- Can be applied with cotton, cloth or even microfiber
- Quite efficient to use
- Safe to use since it comes without silicone
Cons
- Leaves behind a grease residue that has to be cleaned instantly
4 – 3M 03900 Rubbing Compound
Slotted at the fourth spot on our list is 3M 03900 Rubbing Compound that weighs around 8 fl. oz. or 236 ml and has dimensions of 6.3 x 4.9 x 8.7 inches. The formula works like a charm and instantly gets rid of scratches, blemishes, and defects in your car’s body. In addition to removing scratches and defects, the formula also has the ability to restore the shine and luster in your car’s exterior that you have been longing for such a long time.
The formula is definitely for those who are not impressed by dull-looking vehicles. The compound is very convenient to use: it can either be applied with a machine or with your own hands. As a matter of fact, the 3M 03900 Rubbing Compound removes grade 1200 or even finer sand scratches and makes you forget about medium oxidation, coarse swirls, and even the watermarks.
Pros
- Produces a sublime finish
- Restores the original shine to the surface
- Being a mild abrasion formula, no excessive energy needs to be applied
Cons
- Not great when it comes to removing deeper scratches
5 – Turtle Wax T-241A Scratch Remover
Ranked at the fifth spot is yet another product by Turtle Wax that weighs 10.5 fl. oz. or 310 ml and boasts similar dimensions of 4 x 4 x inches: Turtle Wax T-241A Scratch Remover. As was the case with the other Turtle Wax merchandise, this formula has been designed for a top-quality finish.
If you have been getting annoyed with those low-quality compounds that make every limb in your body ache while endeavor to apply them to the car’s exterior, then the Turtle Wax T-241A Scratch Remover will come to your rescue. This scratch remover has the ability to remove scratches of all kinds within a few moments and restores shine to make your car look as new as ever.
All dull and oxidized surfaces are cleaned with this formula as it permeates them in a seamless manner and gives your car a look you have been dreaming of.
Pros
- Convenient to use
- Works like a charm
- Gets rid of scratches of all kinds
Cons
- Comes without an applicator which means that you will have to spend some extra bucks to get one of your own
6 – 3M 05954 Compound
3M is another market leader that has come up with this 32 fl. oz. 3M 05954 Compound for cars. The compound boasts dimensions of 9.7 x 3.3 x 3.2 inches which may not be the best in the market but it certainly is not worst either. It is recommended by experts for the heavy and ultra-belligerent compounding of all oxidized gel coats and marine paints. The formula has been developed with extreme precision to ensure that it is able to remove the deepest of scratches and restore shine in the dullest of surfaces.
The formula sticks to the car’s exterior and remains wet as you rub it over to get the required results. The 3M 05954 Compound gets the task accomplished with minimum possible fuss. In addition, the formula maintains high degree of cuts with constant pressure all along for a smooth finish. The formula is exceptionally easy to use and you won’t be requiring the services of any expert to get the job done.
Pros
- The can be applied with hands or with a machine
- No mess is created during its application
- Comes without silicone
Cons
- Unable to remove all kinds of scratches. As a matter of fact, none of the products can remove all scratches.
7 – Turtle Wax T-230A Rubbing Compound
Turtle Wax brings to you this 10.5 fl. oz. Turtle Wax T-230A Rubbing Compound boasting dimensions of 4 x 4 x 2 inches. You must have come across this manufacturer a million times if you own an automotive. This is one of the leading brands in the industry that has given a tough competition to its competitors such as Meguiar’s. The Turtle Wax T-230A Rubbing Compound is not the conventional rubbing compound that you have been using over the years.
The formula includes top-quality ingredients that have been selected with utmost precision. It is essentially a top-quality paste that cleans all dull and oxidized surfaces making them look as new as ever.
Moreover, the Turtle Wax T-230A Rubbing Compound has the ability to remove all kinds of scratches, defects, and dents. Moreover, the formula also restores shine in the car’s exterior with remarkable perfection.
Pros
- Works like a charm
- Simple application will get you the results
- Affordable
Cons
- It dries up swiftly and it becomes hard to remove it once it has dried up
8 – No7 Niteo 08610 Rubbing Compound
The 11.2 ounces No7 08610 Rubbing Compound has dimensions of 4.8 x 4.7 x 1.6 inches. In addition to removing scratches, water spots and defects on the exterior of your car, the No7 08610 Rubbing Compound also restores shine and ensures that your car stays as new as ever. The compound cleans and smoothens all the rough surfaces.
This rubbing compound is your best bet if your car has been at the receiving end of plenty of wear and tear, scratches and dents. Even the deepest of scratches will vanish with the help of this top-quality No7 08610 Rubbing Compound.
Pros
- Includes no hazardous substances
- Easy to use
- Gets rid of the deepest of spots
Cons
- Might not be suitable for all kinds of surfaces and finishes
9 – 3M 36060 Rubbing Compound
3M is a renowned name when it comes to the top quality rubbing compounds. The rubbing compound offers smooth handling which makes sure that your car stays in sublime shape. This 32 fl. oz. 3M 36060 Rubbing Compound has dimensions of 10.4 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches.
The 3M 36060 Rubbing Compound ensures that the car gets the required finish. The ease of use makes it convenient for you to apply it even at home without requiring the assistance of seasoned professionals.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to use
- Gets rid of majority of the scratches
Cons
- It is hard to get rid of the deep scratches with ease
10 – Griot’s Garage 10862 Compound
The Griot’s Garage 10862 Compound weighs 16 fl. oz. or 473 ml and boasts dimensions of 2.6 x 2.6 x 7.6 inches. It is one of the most popular and reliable products available on the market. It can be really efficient in getting rid of swirl marks, oxidation and water spots; thereby ensuring that your car stays as new as ever. Integrated with micro-abrasives, the Griot’s Garage 10862 Compound simply has to be rubbed over the car’s exterior to get the requisite results. The rubbing compound is convenient to use thanks to its single swipe application procedure.
The Griot’s Garage 10862 Compound is safe for all automotive finishes. This is your best bet to keep your car looking good.
Pros
- Boasts no fillers or half-baked ingredients
- Minimum amount of dust is produced
- It is easy to apply and works with a single swipe
Cons
- Slightly too gentle to get rid of the deeper scratches
We hope that you would be able to find the best rubbing compound for your vehicle from this list. Now, let’s have a look at some of the factors that you need to take into consideration while purchasing a formula that suits your car.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is one of the first parameters that needs to be considered when purchasing an ideal rubbing compound. This can be accomplished by going through the manufacturer’s information, customer reviews and ratings and the feedback of your fellow drivers in your vicinity. We have enlisted in this post the products that remove swirls, defects and blemishes of all kinds with ease.
However, there are other products in the market that are formulated to remove only one of these defects. So, you need to keep that in mind while purchasing a rubbing compound.
Ease of use
You also have to consider how easy it is to use a certain rubbing compound. Most of the products are easy to apply as you simply have to rub over the scratch or defect in a smooth motion with a piece of cloth to get the desired results. However, there are other products that might require you to put in extra effort to get the desired results.
Ingredients
The ingredient is another important criteria when looking to purchase a rubbing compound. Keep a lookout for any additional filler or toxic ingredients such as silicone since they can adversely affect the car’s exterior.
Price
Price is another important parameter that needs to be taken into account when purchasing a suitable rubbing compound. The price has to be reasonable and convenient.
The Wrap Up
To sum it all up, look for a rubbing compound that does not indulge you in strenuous scrubbing and scratching for the whole day without getting the desired results. Purchase a product that is backed up by a high reputation, good customer reviews, and decent ratings.
In our list, Meguiar’s was able to clinch the top spot with reckless ease. Having said that, the other products have features of their own and can be given a go as well.
