Difference between a 2000Grit Sandpaper, Rubbing Compound and something like ScratchX

[sheltem]

Hi, does anyone know the difference between these 3? A rubbing compound to me is very similar to wetsanding using a 2000Grit sandpaper.. ...





When will we know when to use a rubbing compound and when to wet sand?



Wetsanding is used to flatten the paint surface if its buldging out .... and ScratchX I use to "gloss" the otherwise matt surface after touch up.



HOw about the rubbing compound then?



Kindly advice

 

[sheltem]

Anyone?

 

[Nagchampa]

A rubbing compound is more like scratch-X than it is like wet sandpaper. Even though they may be the same grit, the sandpaper will remove more material. Put a handfull of wet sand on the back of one hand and rub it in with the palm of your other hand. Now try the same thing with the same pressure but use sandpaper this time. What removes more material?



Wet sanding is used to remove surface imperfections that are in the paint as well as to reduce orange peel, runs, and fine scratches that cannot be removed with scratch-x or rubbing compound.



For the most part, rubbing compound is used to remove fine scratches on the paints surface as well as to "level" the paint surface. This should be followed by a polish or swirl mark remover.



I would regard wetsanding as a last resort. Inexperience could result in breaking through the clearcoat.



Hope this helps some.