Getting The Most From One Step Compound

See How To Get The Most From This Next-Generation Polishing Compound...

Our One Step Compound is a single-stage machine polishing compound that's a real game changer among the world's best detailing products.

This advanced blend of diminishing abrasives has been specifically designed to start as a coarse compound, but it breaks down to a fine refining compound as you work it through with your machine polisher. This means that you can cut through harsh swirling and finish down to flawless without changing your compound and pad. All in a single stage - or put simply in 'one step'.

This advanced polishing product saves you time and money along the way but it does require you to adapt to a polishing technique that's unique to this type of formula. So, with that in mind here are a few handy tips on how to get maximum results from our next-generation compound and take your paintwork from this...

To this, and all in one step...

How Does One Step Work?

The way One Step single stage polish works is by utilising abrasives that cover a wider range of cut. This means that they start off as a cutting stage compound particle and, as they are worked, they fracture into smaller and smaller particle sizes, working down through the compounding stages at the same time. This is why our advice is to work slightly longer sets with a compound of this nature, to ensure that you not only attain the maximum available cut level, but that the polish is worked all the way through its refining cycle, too. To learn more about the science of how all polishes and compounds work on a molecular level, see our article: Car Polishes And Compounds Explained.

The fact that it takes a lot of energy to break the compound down all the way, although technically possible, it makes One Step unsuitable for hand polishing. For this reason we use a polishing machine for the best and most consistent results. One Step is unlike products like our Tripple All-in-One Polish which is specifically designed to break down easily when hand polishing. Although this product can refine paintwork and remove light swirling, it doesn't have the range of cut that One Step Can achieve for removing the harshest scratches and swirl marks. See more about choosing Tripple or One Step in our full guide: Differences Between Tripple And One Step.

Choose Your Polishing Pad Wisely

Machine Polishing Pad choice is critical when trying to maximise results from One Step - too hard, and you won't be able to finish down, leaving behind "hazing' or "scouring' that will require further refining. Too soft and you'll struggle to fully break down the diminishing abrasive particles, leading to the same kind of results.

So, where do you go? Right in the middle. We recommend using a medium polishing pad, like our Revitalise No:2 Pad, Revitalise No:2 Spot Pad or Pro Series Medium Polishing Pad No.23. These prove the perfect partner for One Step as the exact foam the compounds have been engineered to work in conjunction with an all-in-one compound of this type.

One Step itself was designed and extensively developed for use with all DA (Dual Action) machine polishers, while you can achieve great results using One Step with a rotary polisher, the compound really comes into its own with a DA.

Lubricate Your Pad

Start, as always, by priming your pad. 2 spritzes of a dedicated pad lubricant like Pad Prime is enough. This will prevent any scrubbing, especially with a brand new pad.

Machine Speed And Passes

Then, for the first set, apply 4 small pea-size drops of One Step directly to the pad. Only 2 pea-size drops of polish are required for subsequent sets around the car.

Working an area approximately 40cm x 40cm, place the polisher down on the surface before starting at speed 1-2. Immediately move the pad across the work area in one quick pass to spread the polish out over the area to be treated.

After this initial "spread pass' step up the speed to 4-5 and work in slow overlapping passes with light/medium downward pressure on the head of the machine (it's difficult at this point to explain how much pressure you should apply, not a lot - just enough to keep the pad in flat contact with the surface).

Now proceed for approx 5 min per section, working the One Step compound through until it turns clear, at this point bring the speed down to approx 2-3 and perform a further 2-3 passes with slow overlapping passes to finish down.

Work The Compound All The Way Through Before Buffing

This prolonged exaggerated pass with a slower speed method, will ensure that you not only harness all of the available "bite' from One Step but that you also achieve the clearest refinement possible.

Once you're sure you've worked the product all the way through to clear the abrasives will be fully broken down, meaning they are no longer cutting and refining. At this point you can buff away the hazed residue with a clean microfibre Work Cloth. When machine polishing to a flawless finish we always recommend buffing with brand new cloths, just to be as safe as possible with regards to causing damage to the unprotected surfaces.

Always Add Protection

Once you've completed all your paintwork you'll need to add protection to lock in your work, add even more gloss, and safegaurd surfaces from the elements for prolonged periods.

The good news is that with One Step you can add any type of protection your prefer. Because this product contains no waxes, fillers or shining agents it won't block the chemical bonding required for ceramic coatings. It's also creates the optimal surface for car waxes and paintwork sealants. Put simply, the choice of the type of protection you like best is yours.

Master Your Machine Polishing

And that's our top tips on how you can get the best results using One Step Compound. If you'd like to learn more about the art of machine polishing, be sure to check out our full article: The Basic Guide To Machine Polishing.

For even more top guides, how-tos and product spotlights see the Guides Section Of Our Blog.