What is your go to compound that you consider to have the most cut/bite? Also, how would you rate that compound in terms of its ability to finish? (e.g. do you typically have to polish down or have you stopped after using your favorite cutting compound?)
Reason I ask: I did a massive F350 today that was COVERED in thousands and thousands of etched in water spots. It took over 8 hours just to correct the paint, with at least half that time to remove the water spots. FYI: I used McKee's 37 Fast Cut Compound this time around, and was wondering what you all use. I also have Griot's FCC and love it. It finishes down well but was wondering if you all know of something with more cut than these two.
Left side after compound. Right side untouched.
P.S. I will post more pics in the Show and Shine section.
My new favorite is now Sonax CutMax. I've been using Menz HCC 400 for years and will still keep a bottle of it but CutMax blew me away. They both finish down really nice too. I'd give the edge to Menz on the finish scale.
There are certainly more aggressive compounds out there but Menz 400 or now Sonax CutMax with a wool pad and my rotary are all I ever really need and even wool/rotary is rare for me. If I was looking at bad water etching on hard Ford paint I probably would test CutMax, rotary and wool.
I’ve recently used Griots FCC and CP clear cut. FCC is great and works well. If you looking for most aggressive though, clear cut is it. Way to aggressive for a rookie like me.
IMO the best combo is either a Flex 3401 or Rupes Mille with CarPro Clear Cut and some purple/blue wool pads. That's my go-to for super cut and great finish out thus minimizing the time for refining with a polish.
2019 Pearl White Accord 2.0T Touring (mine)
2023 Snowflake Pearl White CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus(wife) 2010 Urban Platinum Metallic CRV EX-L & 2014 Mica Black Metallic Toyota Corolla S (kids)
Thank you all for the recommendations. Is Sonax cut Maxx or CarPro Carpro clear cut worth twice the price of griots fast correcting cream in your opinions ? Are they low to no dust like FCC?
Great question, Scott, and I'm pretty frugal with my business expenses.
I have found I use less product with Sonax vs Menzerna. Not much but certainly less per job. I start with 3-4 small drops and then add only 2 dots to continue. That makes it last a long time and I consider that.
The other thing that impressed me is it dusts even less than Menz...not that Menz is a dusty product either.
I have heard, read and seen outstanding results from Griot's FCC and will give it a good test run this summer but for now I'm a Sonax cutter.
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