Meguiar's Rubbing and Polishing Compound review!

[Wolf-Strong]

So while I was in PepBoys, I couldn't help but pick up a tub of these new compounds. While the rocks in a can version from another manufacturer has suited me well in various applications, I wanted to see how well these suited up.

So here ya go!



The first thing I noticed was these were actually wrapped unlike the competition where I could just open it right up in the store (which surprised me to begin with). The next thing I discovered was that unlike the other red gritty stuff, Meguiar's Rubbing Compound was creamy and smooth, and I mean VERY creamy. I opened it up expected it to be solid and gritty but instead I almost spilled some out! Think vanilla pudding, and the same went with the Polishing Compound; same consistency. Another thing to note is that they have the old fashion polish smell; to some this may be good, to others it may not matter (I happen to not really care either way).

A little history of my car first; it is a 1993 BMW 535i with what appears to be original paint (Jet Black; base/clear-coat), and have not got around to do anything to it yet after running out of supplies and having our entire dealership close down leaving me jobless. Needless to see from what you can see from the pictures the car is in dire need of a detail, and the paint is beginning to fail with some oxidation. So being machineless, I went ahead, washed, and clayed my entire trunk, so when you see the side by side, that is actually a clean trunk. Next, I started out by hand applying the rubbing compound and did 2 applications of it. Then, 2 applications of the polishing compound, followed by one layer of NXT2.

Here is the untreated side:


Here is the treated:


And side by side:


So far from perfect, but considering this was done by hand with a foam applicator and 2 applications, I have to admit I am VERY impressed! These products get an A in my book! Great job Meguiar's!

[Shawn T.]

Wow! I didn't think these products had so much cleaning power. I may have to pick up these two items and give them a try. Treated side looks very good!

[Michael Stoops]

That's just fantastic!!! Thanks for the great write up!

[79elcamino]

how strong are these products compared to lets say Ultimate Compound?

[Wolf-Strong]

how strong are these products compared to lets say Ultimate Compound?

Unfortunately I haven't tried Ultimate Compound so I can not say. What I can tell you is that these were made specifically for hand application only, whereas Ultimate compound is for hand/machine. When it comes down to how aggressive they are, you are always better off with a machine, so I would bet Ultimate Compound would win, but for hand application, someone else has to chime in for that info.

But hey for hand application I really like the open tub, and the lower price point makes me give these products a thumbs up!

[Michael Stoops]

how strong are these products compared to lets say Ultimate Compound?

In a way it's a hard comparison to make since these two products are designed for hand use ONLY. They are, obviously, quite effective though!

And this is one of those times that, when we tell you HAND APPLICATION ONLY, we aren't kidding. And it's not because the products are overly aggressive with machine use, they just don't get along with it at all. You won't damage anything, but you won't enjoy the experience either.

By hand though, they work beautifully.

[cnfowler]

Stunning results by hand. What a great finish from a cheap product. Awesome. Thanks for doing the write-up. I think you may have just sold some people on this new product.

Colin

[Mister B]

Nice Job! That is quite an improvement.

[J. A. Michaels]

Great write up and results. What a transformation after only 2 applications and by hand. It looks like another must have product.

[CieraSL]

Impressive results!