What is the best polish compound to use?
Quick answer: There isn’t one “best” compound. In the UK, pros often use 3M, Farecla and Autosmart Evo; Menzerna and Meguiar’s are also popular. The smart move is to pick one brand’s system (cut-to-finish polishes with matching pads), learn it, ideally via a course, then mix and match once you’re consistent.
There are many good brands out there. In the UK, professionals tend to use 3M, Farecla and Autosmart Evo, but there are very many others out there, such as Menzerna and Meguiars
Our best advice, if you are starting out, is to pick one brand and stick to it. This is because each range of products will combine into a system, from coarse cutting products to finishing products, complete with pads. You will then be working with a system which is tried and tested.
It is even better if you can go on a course, and use the products they suggest, because they will show you how to best work with that system, which will include the pads and other ancillary products.
When you have become competent with that system, you can try other products and begin to mix-and-match.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 25/09/2025 15:02