3D/HD Compounds/Polishes clarification

[hdez]

I'm looking for a compound/polish combo to do my headlights restorations and I'm planning to get the 3D/HD products since I've been using HD Adapt and HD Speed with great results on paint, but I don't want them to use them in the headlights since HD Speed has sealant (HD Poxy) and I want to use a different LSP on the headlight (DLux).

After researching 3D/HD products I found these:

Combo 1:

HD Cut or HD Cut+ ($32 for 32oz)
HD Polish or HD Polish+ ($32 for 32oz)
Notes: Their most commercial combo


Combo 2:

3D Ultra Compound ($25 for 32oz)
3D Ultra Polish ($25 for 32oz)
Notes: Not sure what is the difference between this and the combo 1, just that they are cheaper.


Combo 3:

AAT Rubbing Compound ($50 for 32oz)
AAT Finishing Polish ($50 for 32oz)
Notes: Adaptive Abrasive Technology that allows perform faster. I've read that this is mostly for body shops that do paint leveling correction on fresh paint. That could be the reasong for the high price.


I'm looking for the best combo that gives me the best result on the headlights, since the plastic material is different from the clear coat, maybe something more abrasive will work best.

Also, has anyone has experience using MF on the headlights? Or is it better the foam pads.

Thanks :buffing:

[TTQ B4U]

I used DP's All In One Headlight Restoring Polish with excellent results.

Depending on the condition, just wet sand with 1500-2000-3000 then polish with DP and an orange pad. Never used MF. From there I've sealed mine up with Blue Magic Headlight Lens Sealer. I usually seal them with various LSP's when I do my cars. Never had issues and results have been great.

Here are some after:

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah133/PDQS4/20160207_161208_zpsbwo1ekcq.jpg (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/PDQS4/media/20160207_161208_zpsbwo1ekcq.jpg.html)

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah133/PDQS4/20160207_160057_zpsgk2wbujx.jpg (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/PDQS4/media/20160207_160057_zpsgk2wbujx.jpg.html)

Here's a before of the Honda after a quick clay bar and wipe down to remove gunk.

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah133/PDQS4/imagejpeg_01_zpsiws8x3ri.jpg (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/PDQS4/media/imagejpeg_01_zpsiws8x3ri.jpg.html)

[hdez]

I used DP's All In One Headlight Restoring Polish with excellent results.

Depending on the condition, just wet sand with 1500-2000-3000 then polish with DP and an orange pad. Never used MF. From there I've sealed mine up with Blue Magic Headlight Lens Sealer. I usually seal them with various LSP's when I do my cars. Never had issues and results have been great.

Here are some after:

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah133/PDQS4/20160207_161208_zpsbwo1ekcq.jpg (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/PDQS4/media/20160207_161208_zpsbwo1ekcq.jpg.html)

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah133/PDQS4/20160207_160057_zpsgk2wbujx.jpg (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/PDQS4/media/20160207_160057_zpsgk2wbujx.jpg.html)

Here's a before of the Honda after a quick clay bar and wipe down to remove gunk.

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah133/PDQS4/imagejpeg_01_zpsiws8x3ri.jpg (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/PDQS4/media/imagejpeg_01_zpsiws8x3ri.jpg.html)

I see that DP is now the McKee's 37 AIO, that would be something like HD Adapt right?

[rwright]

I use HD Cut and Polish after sanding, follow with pure (91%) IPA wipes, then apply Optimum Opti-Lens. Now that I have Cut+ and Polish+ I will use those.

[hdez]

I use HD Cut and Polish after sanding, follow with pure (91%) IPA wipes, then apply Optimum Opti-Lens. Now that I have Cut+ and Polish+ I will use those.

After digging in the 3D site, I found out that HD Cut can correct from 1200 grit while 3D UltraCompound does it from 1500 grit, so I think Cut+ is the way to go :).

[choijw2]

+ 1 DP (or McKee now) AIO headlight but I found it work very well with purple short wool foam pad + rotary.

if you want compound + polish combo, I think M105+205 is great.

thats what I use and love fast cutting from non-diminishing abrasive.

btw I believe AAT is made for rotary polisher.

[Zubair]

What is HD Cut+ and Polish+?

[fly07sti]

What is HD Cut+ and Polish+?

The newest version of Cut & Polish. Been out for many months already though. If you've ever tried the original versions and liked them, you'll love these.

[Zubair]

The newest version of Cut & Polish. Been out for many months already though. If you've ever tried the original versions and liked them, you'll love these.

Thanks,don't see any info on these on AG? I assume Cut+ and Polish+ has more cut and gloss?

[hdez]

Thanks,don't see any info on these on AG? I assume Cut+ and Polish+ has more cut and gloss?

AFAIK, their new formula just prevent dusting on some scenarios where people were getting it, their cut/gloss abilities remains the same.

[The Guz]

AFAIK, their new formula just prevent dusting on some scenarios where people were getting it, their cut/gloss abilities remains the same.

This is true.

[roguegeek]

I don't think anyone answered this guy's original question, which I'm also interested in hearing. What's the difference between HD Cut+/Polish+, 3D Ultra Compound/Polish, and AAT Rubbing Compound/Finishing Polish and why would you use one over the other?

[JustJesus]

different formulas, perhaps. This is certainly the case with the AAT stuff, as it's their newest offerings.

Check out their (3d/HD) channel on YouTube. I'm pretty sure I've seen them cover those different combos

[The Guz]

I don't think anyone answered this guy's original question, which I'm also interested in hearing. What's the difference between HD Cut+/Polish+, 3D Ultra Compound/Polish, and AAT Rubbing Compound/Finishing Polish and why would you use one over the other?

I used to have a catalog but tossed it in the garbage and from what I recall from a banner on the catalog was seeing this in reference to the correction of their polishes.

HD Cut+/Polish+ = Fast

3D Comp./Polish = Faster

AAT Comp./Polish = Fastest

AAT is also aimed at the body shop and HD is aimed at the detailer.

[mwoywod]

I used to have a catalog but tossed it in the garbage and from what I recall from a banner on the catalog was seeing this in reference to the correction of their polishes.

HD Cut+/Polish+ = Fast

3D Comp./Polish = Faster

AAT Comp./Polish = Fastest

AAT is also aimed at the body shop and HD is aimed at the detailer.

Guz answered everything accurately and is right about AAT being FASTEST and is aimed at body shop/fresh paint, where HD has longer work times, easier to use, and is more geared towards detailers. All 3 lines of abrasives are body shop safe as well as fresh paint safe.

While the information above is correct, 3D ultra compound and ultra polish are flip-flopped with HD Cut+ and Polish+. 3d ultra compound/polish is FAST and is the lowest priced abrasives 3D international produces and is meant to compete as a competitively priced abrasive geared toward production body shops. The 3D ultra abrasives have a longer work time, less abrasive load, and are heavily lubricated so they tend to preform best on gel coat due to the extra lubricants in the polishes.

HD cut+ and Polish+ are what 3D says is FASTER. I have used every polish and compound 3D international has developed and have gone through AT LEAST 32 ounces of each, including 3D ultra(Fast) and AAT(Fastest). But I can honestly say that the HD line is the best of both worlds and provides both the ease of use and long work times of the 3D ultra line AS WELL as the correction power of the AAT line. I truly believe that if you need a compound heavier than HD Cut+ you would be better off using a compound from a different brand entirely. For me, every polish 3D international makes is incredible. But they just do not have a compound with the cutting ability of compounds like M100, M101, or Menzerna SHC 300.

Hope the helped!!!

3D Ultra=Fast
HD=Faster
AAT=Fastest