How does rubbing compound get rid of scratches?

[JEDI]

From this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2083974

and how deep of a scratch will it get rid of?

 

[jlee]

As I understand it, it removes scratches by actually removing clear coat from the paint. If you repeatedly use rubbing compound, eventually you'll have no more clear left.

 

[c3p0]

As I understand it, it removes scratches by actually removing clear coat from the paint. If you repeatedly use rubbing compound, eventually you'll have no more clear left.

That's pretty much how I understand it too.

c3p0
:hmm:

 

[exdeath]

Right, it doesn't fill in the scratch, it does the reverse; removes clear coat surrounding the scratch and brings it all down to the same level. You wear down the the clear around the scratch to the same depth as the deepest part of the scratch, and viola, no more scratch. The change in thickness will show up on a paint thickness meter, but because it will be a much larger area with a much smoother and gradual transition from the original depth to the lesser depth, you can't see it like you can a scratch.

If the scratch goes completely through the clear coat into the base or metal, polishing won't work.

 

[IcePickFreak]

Yep, rubbing compound is a polish - ie. an abrasive. Think of it as ultra fine grit sand paper. That's why when you wetsand, you work your way up in grits and then move to a polish. Keep in mine that there are different amounts of abrasives in different polishes that work the same way as different grit sandpapers. Rubbing compound is generally on the more abrasive side and glazes are less abrasives.

Depending on bad the scratch is will determine how abrasive you need to start with.

 

[JEDI]

instructions say use Terry cloth. I dont have any cheap ones.

But i do have microfiber (for cleaning my eye glasses. I have plenty since i've ordered a few glasses from zenni).
Will that work?

heck, can i use paper tower?

 

[Howard]

Microfiber, yes. Paper towel, no. Terry towel, no.

 

[JEDI]

Microfiber, yes. Paper towel, no. Terry towel, no.

but the instructions say use terry cloth.

why do you recommend against it?