What does "cutting" mean in regard to Ultimate Compound?

**Beeg Boy** · 05-21-2012, 02:55 PM

Hello All,

I am a noob when it comes to detailing and have some questions.
I searched the forum, but was not able to find an answer.
I just need clarification on what "cutting" means when it comes to compounds.
I read Mike's review on Meguiars Ultimate Compound and I dont understand what it means to "cut"?
Are we talking about "cutting" through the clear coat?

Also, I have a 2011 Toyota Camry, would I use Ultimate Compound on it to get out spider web scratches in the clear coat?
Or just use Scratch X 2.0

Thank you for your help

**TimmyG** · 05-21-2012, 02:57 PM

It is referring to paint correction. You're "cutting" the clear coat to level out the paint and remove the defects. You'll see pads and compounds use this terminology all the time. It's going to be difficult to suggest either product over the other. You simply won't know exactly how aggressive you'll need to be until you can perform your test spot.

Might want to research what kind of clear coat is on that camry. My wife has a 2012 and it's a PITA to work on. Maybe just REALLY hard clear?!?

**truckbutt** · 05-21-2012, 04:30 PM

I believe that Let's talk about "Total Cut." will answer your question about "cut".

**FUNX650** · 05-21-2012, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by truckbutt

I believe that Let's talk about "Total Cut." will answer your question about "cut".

^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thanks truckbutt.
Good find...Thanks for posting this info...Very helpful for the novice (as well as other) detailers!!

Bob

Mike Phillips · 05-21-2012, 04:47 PM

You could use the word abrade instead of cut.

When you abrade or cut the paint you're removing small particles of it a little at a time in an effort to level the surface and that's how your remove defects.

You don't actually remove swirls and scratches which are voids in the paint, you remove the paint surrounding these voids till the surface is flat or level. Then you polish to a high gloss and then you seal the surface with a wax, paint sealant or coating.

Swirls and Scratches Don't Exist

"Use the least aggressive product to get the job done"

The difference between Rotary Buffer Swirls, Cobweb Swirls and Micro-Marring

Tracers Tracers - RIDS - Pigtails - Cobweb Swirls - Rotary Buffer Swirls - Holograms - Water Spots - Bird Drooping Etchings - Micro-Marring

**Beeg Boy** · 05-21-2012, 08:27 PM

Sweet!!!
Thanks guys for responding to my posts, I do appreciate it.
I will do some reading from the suggested links and go from there.

Thank you,

Mike Phillips · 05-23-2012, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by Beeg Boy

Sweet!!!
Thanks guys for responding to my posts, I do appreciate it.
I will do some reading from the suggested links and go from there.

Thank you,

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**Beeg Boy** · 05-31-2012, 08:38 PM

Hello,

So, would you use UC on a newer car?
Or is it only for older cars that have some paint damage.
The label on the bottle says something to the effect of "restores color/clarity to abused and neglected finishes"
My paint does not have those symptoms.
The finish is still very nice, I just wanted to try to get out some scratches in the clear coat.
I am thinking UC might be too potent for what I need it for.

**cleanmycorolla** · 05-31-2012, 09:29 PM

Originally Posted by Beeg Boy

Hello,

So, would you use UC on a newer car?
Or is it only for older cars that have some paint damage.
The label on the bottle says something to the effect of "restores color/clarity to abused and neglected finishes"
My paint does not have those symptoms.
The finish is still very nice, I just wanted to try to get out some scratches in the clear coat.
I am thinking UC might be too potent for what I need it for.

Why not just try a nice polish or AIO....

**truckbutt** · 06-01-2012, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Beeg Boy

Hello,

So, would you use UC on a newer car?
Or is it only for older cars that have some paint damage.
The label on the bottle says something to the effect of "restores color/clarity to abused and neglected finishes"
My paint does not have those symptoms.
The finish is still very nice, I just wanted to try to get out some scratches in the clear coat.
I am thinking UC might be too potent for what I need it for.

Always use the least aggressive product needed to get the job done. Select a test area and start from the least aggressive product. If it doesn't work, try a more aggressive pad, and then a more aggresssive product.
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