n00b rubbing compound/polish question

So I've read the FAQ thoroughly but I'm a little mixed up on the terminology. In one walk through it says sand with a 2000 grit, then polish with a polish, and then wax.

In another walk through, it says nothing about sanding, and just tells me to start scrubbing with a "rubbing compound" and once that's been done, wax it.

Are rubbing compound, cutting compound and polish the same thing? And should I be sanding before I rub/polish?

sanding is a good idea if the surface of your paint is very uneven and has orange peel, and may be a good idea if you want a really good surface finish. Rubbing compound is the same thing as cutting compound, and basically does the same thing as sand paper, except that it is in paste form and is of much finer grit than the sand paper. Afterwards you can wax if you want.

Ah! Okay.... So rubbing compound does the same thing as sanding+polish basically? Cuz after both you want to wax (if you choose to wax) right?

think of rubbing compound as extremely fine grit sandpaper. After sanding with 2000 grit sandpaper, you're trying to reduce the size of the scratches and replace them with finer scratches.

Comparing rubbing compound with sandpaper seems a little harsh.
You know the polishing products for 1:1 cars. They remove excess paint and smooth the surface without scratching like sandpaper. That is what compound does.

So:

1. Sandpaper only for an uneven surface (or to remove dust in the paint)
2. Compound in every case just to make the paint more shiny. (When using sandpaper use compound after it)
3. Wax if you like to. Makes the model even more shiny and makes it easier to remove dust from the model.

I think compound should be treated as finer grade sandpaper - I'm interested to know how it removes paint without scratching!!!

Basically treat finset grade sandpaper as one below your coarsest garde sandpaper and make a decsion on the level of finishing required.

I started sanding everything but now tend to just polish!

But see, there we go again, you said you tend to just polish! :P .... So is there ever a situation where you use rubbing compound THEN polish? Because when *I* think polish I think of something that does take the paint off a little bit... argh :)

If you dont have to sand dont do it.
Use the compound to to give the car a good rub. This helps make it nice and smooth and will take a very small amount of the paint off the surface on to the rag you are using.
The wax is followed which gives the car a nice clean polish look and in same cases will bring more shine out in the paint

Okay, so perhaps it's safe to say "rubbing compound + wax is really the best solution for a nice shine?" :)

But see, there we go again, you said you tend to just polish! :P .... So is there ever a situation where you use rubbing compound THEN polish? Because when *I* think polish I think of something that does take the paint off a little bit... argh :)

Sorry, by polish I mean use rubbing compound!
I don't differentiate between the two!

Okay, so perhaps it's safe to say "rubbing compound + wax is really the best solution for a nice shine?" :)

yep - that´s right.

Sandpaper just to repair minor issues.

Hot dog! We have a weiner!

Thx all.