Best 3M Polishing Compounds in 2026

Daisy
Last Updated: Feb 7, 2026

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 3M Polishing Compounds

3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish, 06068, 32 Fl.Oz, Paint Polish, Automotive Professional-Grade Polish
#TOP1
3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish, 06068, 32 Fl.oz,
9.9
PM SCORE
3M Perfect-It EX AC Rubbing Compound, 36060, Fast Cutting, High Performing, 1 qt (32 fl oz)
#TOP2
3M Perfect-It Ex Ac Rubbing Compound, 36060, Fast
9.9
PM SCORE
3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax, 36106, 1 Quart, One-Step Process, P1500 and Finer Scratches, Fiberglass Oxidation Remover for Boats and RVs
#TOP3
3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax,
9.8
PM SCORE

* PickSmartly editors independently research, review, and endorse the top products through comprehensive data analysis. We may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through our product links.

Summary of the Best 3M Polishing Compounds of 2026

#TOP1

3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish, 06068, 32 Fl.oz, Paint Polish, Automotive Professional-Grade Polish

3M
06068
7.13 X 7.13 X 10.00 Inches
2.00 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

USE WHAT THE PROS USE– Scientifically formulated for the final step of professional-grade automotive and marine paint finishing, primarily on difficult dark colors

ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE POLISH – Removes tiny swirl marks and scratches on boats, cars, RVs and more

EASY TO USE – Ultrafine polish is formulated to hold on the pad, limiting sling and mess

BUFFS TO FINE FINISH – Leaves surface polished, shiny and ready for wax

PART OF A COMPLETE SYSTEM – Use as the final step as part of the 3M Perfect-It Paint Finishing System for professional finishes on boats, cars, trucks, RVs and more

For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.

#TOP2
Best For 3M

3M Perfect-It Ex Ac Rubbing Compound, 36060, Fast Cutting, High Performing, 1 Qt (32 Fl Oz)

PERFECT-IT
36060-6PK
10.44 X 7.13 X 7.13 Inches
2.00 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

HIGH PERFORMING: Efficiently remove P1200 grade or finer scratches with this high-performing compound

PREVENTS STICKING: Specially formulated to prevent sticking and residual films

MULTI-PURPOSE: Ideal for newer, more challenging clearcoats

SMOOTH HANDLING: Reduces dusting and leaves a refined finish on a variety of paint surfaces

For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use. Packaging may Vary.

#TOP3

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax, 36106, 1 Quart, One-Step Process, P1500 And Finer Scratches, Fiberglass Oxidation Remover For Boats And Rvs

3M
36106
11.20 X 9.20 X 8.50 Inches
2.30 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

USE WHAT THE PROS USE - Refine, polish and wax gelcoat in one step, so you can get back on the water or the road.Fit Type: Universal Fit

SAFE FOR GELCOATS AND FIBERGLASS – Marine compound and wax is scientifically formulated for boats and RVs

BALANCED FORMULA – Removes moderate oxidation and scratches, ideal for compounding gelcoats

EASY TO USE – Apply using a rotary buffer with a yellow 3M wool polishing pad; can also be applied by hand for small areas

PART OF A FAMILY OF BOAT CARE PRODUCTS – Choose 3M Perfect-It Heavy Cutting Compound for heavier oxidation, Light Cutting Polish for light polishing and Boat Wax for high-gloss shine

Fit type: Universal Fit

3M Super Duty Rubbing Compound 05954, Liquid Formula, High Cut Rate, 1 Qt (32 Fl Oz/946 Ml)

3M
05954
9.70 X 3.30 X 3.20 Inches
0.49 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
National Tool Warehouse 9.84

Features

HIGH CUT RATE: This economical compound delivers a high cut rate

REFINES: Helps remove P1000 grade and finer scratches on automotive and marine paint and gelcoat surfaces

REMOVES OXIDATION: Cuts through oxidation on weathered paints and gelcoats to help restore finish

MINIMUM EFFORT: Effortlessly removes imperfections with long wet time and high cut rate

For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use

#TOP5

3M Rubbing Compound, 05973, Liquid Formula,1 Qt (32 Fl Oz/946 Ml)

3M
05973
9.41 X 2.99 X 2.93 Inches
2.60 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
APS Online Store 9.83

Features

EFFECTIVE FORMULA: Helps remove sand scratches, stains and surface blemishes

EFFICIENT: High cut rate formulation helps reduce compounding time

VERSATILE: Safe for a variety of automotive and industrial paints, including clearcoats, lacquer, and enamel paint finishes

ECONOMICAL: A high-performance compound for value-focused shops

For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use

#TOP6
Best For 3M

Perfect-It 3M Ex Ultrafine Machine Polish, 39062, 1 Pt(16 Fl Oz/473 Ml

PERFECT-IT
39062
2.50 X 2.50 X 8.00 Inches
0.90 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

3M’s highest-performing machine polish for removing ultrafine swirl marks

Quickly and completely removes machine polish swirls, even on black vehicles

Longer wet time – technicians use less material, saving money

Holds better on polishing pads for reduced sling, mess and cleanup time

Part of the 3M Perfect-It Paint Finishing System for showroom grade finishes

For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.

#TOP7

3M Marine Compound And Finishing Material, 06045, 1 Gal

3M
06045
14.88 X 9.88 X 12.75 Inches
6.50 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
MarinersWarehouse 4.72

Features

Removes light to heavy oxidation

Eliminates sand scratches and swirl marks

Unique formula combines compound and polish

Fast cutting action saves time

Delivers a high gloss finish

For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.

3M Perfect It 1 Step Finishing Material, 33040, Rubbing Compound, Machine Polish, Surface Buffing, 1 Gallon, 4/Case​, Purple

3M
33040
10.50 X 7.50 X 5.00 Inches
8.78 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

LOSE THE COMPOUND: Eliminates the need for time consuming compound when used with the 3M Perfect-It 1-Step Paint Finishing System​

ENGINEERED TO WORK TOGETHER: Maximizing results when used with 3M Perfect-It 1-Step Foam Finishing Pads

CLEANER JOBS: No compounding step means no sling, wool fibers, lint or dried compound to clean up​

SYSTEMATIC DESIGN: Flawlessly removes scratch left by 3M Trizact 8000-grade paint finishing abrasives​

MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS: Use for cured, fresh, medium and hardest paint finishes, detailing, sand scratch and swirl mark removal​

For industrial/occupational use only. Not for consumer sale or use.

Top 10 polishing compounds Brands on Amazon

Here is the list of top-rated brands that were evaluated by PM.

Brand Count
3M 6
Perfect-It 2

Top 10 polishing compounds Brands Pie Chart


We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 7,610 reviews on polishing compounds, using our selection criteria to identify the best options in the car care. Our findings reveal that most customers typically select polishing compounds priced around $93.29, with top brands including malco, menzerna, meguiar's, turtle wax, drixet, techdiamondtools, scottchen, enkay and chemical guys and pr purui

Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the top 8 polishing compounds for your consideration. We've also done extensive research on numerous sellers, identifying the best ones in the car care category. These include malco products, inc, menzerna usa, amazon.com, r&f supplies, techdiamondtools, impressart, pr purui, endaydirect and national tool warehouse and world brands 305 .

We are dedicated to assisting our users in finding the right compounds Products based on their needs, saving them considerable time when choosing which polishing compounds to buy. We take pride in the number of satisfied users we've helped through our thorough and insightful reviews.