Compounds are aggressive products designed to cut painted surfaces. These products offer a much faster cut than polishes when removing most types of surface imperfections in the paint. Both macro and micro abrasives are the most popular materials used for scratches. They usually produce swirls which are buffed out with polishes or filled in with most glazes.
Polishes/Glazes are designed to remove only minor imperfections in the painted surfaces, (oxidation, spots and scratches, etc.). By using abrasives and chemical cleaners, they will level or smooth out the surface. Light reflects scratches at it’s “edges.” A polish will flatten out these edges and reduce the amount of light that it reflects. A glaze will fill these scratches and allow the clear coat to more easily reflect the light.
Waxes/Sealants are designed to protect and enhance a previously polished/glazed surface only! Protection is imperative in order to resist road films, pollutants, and other contaminants from adhering to the vehicle surface. “One-Step” products combine the shine of a polish and the protection of a wax, or polymer, P.T.F.E., or Teflon sealant.