Auto vs Boat Rubbing Compond

[rhythmsurfer]

Anyone used automotive rubbing compound on their boat instead of 3M marine rubbing compound? I had some turtle wax rubbing compound that I was going to use on the transom and finish up with some McGuires auto polish/ wax. the transom is slightly oxidized compered to the rest of the hull. I have used 3M Marine rubbing compound with fantastic results but didn't want to spend the money if I didn't have to.
Thanks,

Tony

 

[Maine Sail]

Some work well, most are junk on gelcoat.. Good quality compounds generally cost money. Cheap ones tend to give cheap results though there are also many expensive ones that rip you off and provide poor results..

 

[alexco38]

http://www.aqua-buff.com/site/478459/product/AB2000

This is what professionals use. Don't waste your time on junk. BTW, the pro-stuff actually cheaper.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Rubbing compounds for autos are usually designed for paint. Assuming you have a fiberglass/gelcoat boat, you want to use rubbing compounds for fiberglass which has a much different abrasion material and will be more effective. Some compounds, however, really have fillers in them to make the result look better, rather than really doing what they are designed to do. If your boat is painted, then you should use compounds designed for that. 3M makes professional level compounds (they come in black and purple bottles) that are the best, in my opinion. But, basically stay with fiberglass rubbing compound for fiberglass and paint compounds for paint. You would never use a fiberglass rubbing compound on a painted surface. Much too aggressive.