How to Use a Rubbing Compound

Beginner 45 min 15 steps 32586 views Rating: 5.0/5 Published: 2026-06-19

Fill a bucket with water and 2–5 tablespoons (30–74 mL) of soap.. Dunk a clean rag into your bucket and wash your car.. Rinse your car with your hose to remove any soap or bubbles.

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Steps

1

Fill a bucket with water and 2–5 tablespoons (30–74 mL) of soap.

Step 1

Fill a bucket with water and 2–5 tablespoons (30–74 mL) of soap.

2

Dunk a clean rag into your bucket and wash your car.

Step 2

Dunk a clean rag into your bucket and wash your car.

3

Rinse your car with your hose to remove any soap or bubbles.

Step 3

Rinse your car with your hose to remove any soap or bubbles.

4

Apply shoe polish to your vehicle if you have any scratches in the paint.

Step 4

Apply shoe polish to your vehicle if you have any scratches in the paint.

5

Sprinkle soap and water on your scratch to make it easier to sand.

Step 5

Sprinkle soap and water on your scratch to make it easier to sand.

6

Use ultra-fine sandpaper and sand the scratch at a 60-degree angle.

Step 6

Use ultra-fine sandpaper and sand the scratch at a 60-degree angle.

7

Dip the sandpaper in soapy water as you sand down the scratches.

Step 7

Dip the sandpaper in soapy water as you sand down the scratches.

8

Wipe down your scratched areas with a damp cloth.

Step 8

Wipe down your scratched areas with a damp cloth.

9

Rent or buy an orbital polisher to apply the compound professionally.

Step 9

Rent or buy an orbital polisher to apply the compound professionally.

10

Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to apply your compound by hand.

Step 10

Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to apply your compound by hand.

11

Apply a thin line of rubbing compound directly over your scratches.

Step 11

Apply a thin line of rubbing compound directly over your scratches.

12

Hold your orbital polisher over your scratches for 10-20 seconds.

Step 12

Hold your orbital polisher over your scratches for 10-20 seconds.

13

Use rubbing compound over all of your car to polish every surface.

Step 13

Use rubbing compound over all of your car to polish every surface.

14

Rub the compound into the surface of your car until it is invisible.

Step 14

Rub the compound into the surface of your car until it is invisible.

15

Rinse the car with water to get rid of any remaining rubbing compound.

Step 15

Rinse the car with water to get rid of any remaining rubbing compound.

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