What is a compound and when do I use it?

Compound is used to correct heavy imperfections in clear coat or gel coat. This could be heavier scratches, water spots or bird dropping stains that have been on the vehicle for several months, heavy oxidation, etc. Compound is the most aggressive liquid used for paint correction and just slightly less aggressive and safer than sanding.

How often should I compound and do I need to compound an entire vehicle?

If a vehicle is maintained regularly, compounding won’t be a regular occurrence. Initially, if a vehicle is in pretty rough shape and needs some extensive paint correction you could compound the entire vehicle, but after that compounding would not be done regularly, especially on the entire vehicle. After a full paint correction has been done, compounding can be done every so often for heavy scratch removal, or to remove other imperfections where polishing isn’t aggressive enough but that would be on an as-needed basis in those specific areas, and not just regular maintenance. Anytime compounding is done, it should be followed up by Polishing and protection steps.

What can compound fix and what can’t it fix?

There is a limitation to what can be fixed when it comes to paint correction. The general rule of thumb is that if you can feel the scratch with your fingernail when you drag your fingernail across the scratch, you will definitely need to compound or possibly need to wet sand, but there is a chance that you might not get the scratch out all the way (safely). If you cannot feel the scratch with your fingernail there is a good chance it can be removed and a compound would be the first thing to try. Acid Rain, Bird Dropping Stains, and other stains that have been in the paint for a year or longer will most likely not come out completely even with compounding. Compounding could remove part of the stain or make the stain less visible but once it has etched too far into the paint the only way to fix it would be to have the panel re-painted.

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3D ACA 500 X-Tra Cut Compound

Name: 3D ACA 500 X-Tra Cut Compound
Brand: 3D Products
SKU: EXT-3D-ACA-500-G
Price: 16.10 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Part Number: EXT-3D-ACA-500-G

$201.42 $228.89

Size^*

8oz

Gallon

Description
3D ACA 500 X-Tra Cut Compound is the wool pad version of 3d ACA 510 for shops that prefer and use wool pads when cutting with a rotary polisher.
- Step 1 extra cutting body shop compound with foam or wool pads
- Cuts P1000 grit sandpaper or finer
- Removes sanding marks, deep scratches, oxidation, and water spots
- Levels car paint surface to create a more perfect finish
What is it?

A body shop safe, silicone-free, water based premium quality fast cutting compound for use with wool pads and rotary polishers to remove sanding marks in body shop environments.
What does it do?

3D ACA 500 X-TRA Cut Compound is formulated and intended for use in body shops to remove sanding marks after wet sanding. It can also be used by detailers for paint correction including removing deep scratches, water spots, swirls, and oxidation. 3D ACA 500 X-TRA Cut Compound levels automotive paint surfaces to create a more perfect finish
When do you use it?
After wet sanding paint to remove the sanding marks or anytime you need to perform paint correction to remove serious and/or deep swirls, scratches, water spots or oxidation and prep the paint for the polishing step.
Free/Flat Rate Shipping

We offer Free or Flat Rate Shipping on MOST items on our website with a few exclusions. Free Shipping kicks in at a minimum order of $115 (for qualifying items), and for orders under $115, a flat rate of $11.95 will apply. Items that are classified as “oversized” by the shipping company do not qualify for free shipping, and anything that must ship via Freight Truck will also not qualify for free shipping. These items include but are not limited to: Carpet Extractors, Water Containment Mats & Reclamation Systems, Pressure Washers, Water Tanks, and The Claw LED Light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a compound and when do I use it?

Compound is used to correct heavy imperfections in clear coat or gel coat. This could be heavier scratches, water spots or bird dropping stains that have been on the vehicle for several months, heavy oxidation, etc. Compound is the most aggressive liquid used for paint correction and just slightly less aggressive and safer than sanding.
How often should I compound and do I need to compound an entire vehicle?

If a vehicle is maintained regularly, compounding won’t be a regular occurrence. Initially, if a vehicle is in pretty rough shape and needs some extensive paint correction you could compound the entire vehicle, but after that compounding would not be done regularly, especially on the entire vehicle. After a full paint correction has been done, compounding can be done every so often for heavy scratch removal, or to remove other imperfections where polishing isn’t aggressive enough but that would be on an as-needed basis in those specific areas, and not just regular maintenance. Anytime compounding is done, it should be followed up by Polishing and protection steps.
What can compound fix and what can’t it fix?

There is a limitation to what can be fixed when it comes to paint correction. The general rule of thumb is that if you can feel the scratch with your fingernail when you drag your fingernail across the scratch, you will definitely need to compound or possibly need to wet sand, but there is a chance that you might not get the scratch out all the way (safely). If you cannot feel the scratch with your fingernail there is a good chance it can be removed and a compound would be the first thing to try. Acid Rain, Bird Dropping Stains, and other stains that have been in the paint for a year or longer will most likely not come out completely even with compounding. Compounding could remove part of the stain or make the stain less visible but once it has etched too far into the paint the only way to fix it would be to have the panel re-painted.

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Devin A Verified Buyer I definitely recommend this machine polisher. Definitely the Cadillac for machines. I did a Porsche Boxster S in a speedy time with amazing results.

Brain C Verified Buyer Great product, I hate I didn't know about it sooner.

Jason G Verified Buyer Great extractor and great company to buy from!

Jeff S Verified Buyer Highly recommend this product for someone who is knowledgeable about auto detailing.

Henry M Verified Buyer Blue diamond is so easy to use. Leave a bright shine which is smooth to the touch. Recommend to every detailer.

Linda B Verified Buyer Finished with Pearl Gloss. Love it ...the shine last . It’s not to thick or watery nice blend and it has a decent smell. Will definitely order more.

Nick V Verified Buyer The STS3000 is the best sealant that we have ever used. It goes on easily and also comes off nicely. It is long lasting protection that also really makes our customer's paint shine and bead up

Darren M Verified Buyer I Love Citrus Clean. This is my go to for all rims. Great product I love it!

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Detail King Auto Detailing
Training Institute, LLC
947G Old Frankstown Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15239

(724) 325-0008
support@detailking.com
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3D ACA 500 X-Tra Cut Compound

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