We choose between Koch-Chemie's polishes by the correction needed and what will go on the paint afterwards. Heavy Cut H9.02 is the heavy-cut option, Micro Cut M2.02 refines light defects and polishing haze, and Micro Cut & Finish P3.01 combines fine correction with protection. Start with a small test section and the least aggressive suitable combination. A higher cut rating is not a reason to remove more paint than the job requires.
How does Koch-Chemie grade its polishes?
Koch-Chemie gives each polish a relative cut and gloss rating. We use these to compare products within the range, not as a measurement of paint removed or a guaranteed result. The machine, pad, paint and technique also matter. The figures below come from the manufacturer's datasheets.
| Polish | Cut level | Gloss level | Job | Silicone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Cut H9.02 | 9.0 | 6.0 | Weathered paint, deep scratches, sanding marks to 1,200 grain | Silicone-oil-free |
| Micro Cut M2.02 | 2.5 | 9.0 | Haze, holograms, fine scratches, sanding from 4,000 grit | Silicone-oil-free |
| Micro Cut & Finish P3.01 | 3.2 | 9.5 | Streaks, holograms, fine scratches, sanding marks to P3000, plus a seal | Contains carnauba wax and non-fugitive silicones |
What is Koch-Chemie Heavy Cut H9.02 used for?
H9.02 is the strongest-cutting option here for suitable correction work on weathered paint and heavier defects. We would assess the paint and test a gentler combination first; deep scratches are not always safe to remove.
Koch-Chemie's coarse, silicone-oil-free compound for fast work on heavily weathered paint. Its datasheet specifies heavy correction, including sanding traces down to 1,200 grain under the recommended conditions. That is a product capability, not advice to sand or fully remove every deep defect. Its intended applications include soft and scratch-resistant paints; scratch-resistant does not mean scratch-proof.
Koch-Chemie's method is a rotary polisher at medium speed and medium pressure, worked in a crosswise pattern, with a lambskin pad for sanding traces of 1,200 to 2,500 or its Heavy Cut Pad for 1,500 to 3,000. It then recommends finishing with Micro Cut M3.02 or Micro Cut & Finish P3.01.
Is Koch-Chemie Micro Cut M2.02 a polish or a compound?
It is a fine machine polish, made to remove haze and holograms and leave a high gloss rather than to cut deep defects.
A fine machine polish for refining haze, holograms and light correctable defects. Koch-Chemie's datasheet also specifies sanding marks from 4,000 grit; we would confirm the finish on a test section, particularly on dark paint. It is silicone-oil-free. Remove polishing residue carefully and follow any subsequent protection system's preparation requirements.
Koch-Chemie recommends its Micro Cut Pad on a high-performance dual action polisher with at least a 15 mm stroke, or a forced rotation machine. Spread the polish at the lowest speed, then work crosswise with medium pressure until a transparent film forms, which Koch-Chemie explains is the point at which the aluminium oxide abrasive has fully broken down. Keep it off painted plastics and rubber.
What does Micro Cut & Finish P3.01 add?
Protection. It corrects fine defects and leaves a carnauba wax seal on the paint in the same step.
Koch-Chemie Micro Cut & Finish P3.01
Corrects and protects in one product. The datasheet specifies fine correction, including suitable P3000 sanding marks, while carnauba wax and non-fugitive silicones provide the finishing protection. We would choose it when an all-in-one result suits the job, rather than as the final preparation for a coating.
Koch-Chemie's method uses its Micro Cut Pad with a suitable forced-rotation machine or rotary. The datasheet's highest-speed example refers to a specified machine; do not transfer that setting blindly to every polisher. Moisten a new or dried pad completely with polish, spread it with the machine switched off, polish crosswise with medium pressure and finish with low pressure.
Which Koch-Chemie polish do you need?
We choose by the test result and the planned finish: M2.02 for fine refinement, P3.01 for suitable correction with built-in protection, and H9.02 only when heavier correction is justified and the paint can tolerate it.
- Heavier correctable defects: consider H9.02 after assessing the paint and testing a gentler option, then refine with a suitable finishing process.
- Haze or holograms after compounding, or a dark car showing fine marks: Micro Cut M2.02.
- Light defects on a car you want finished and protected in one go: Micro Cut & Finish P3.01.
Always test the least aggressive suitable option first. Remaining defects need assessment before increasing cut; preserving the paint matters more than removing every mark. Our compound vs polish guide explains the difference, and the best car polish guide compares finishing polishes across brands.
Which one should you use before a ceramic coating?
P3.01 leaves carnauba wax and silicones on the paint, so it suits a car you will not coat. If a coating is going on next, finish with a silicone-oil-free polish such as M2.02, then strip any residue with a panel wipe.
A multi-solvent panel wipe that AutoBead says removes existing silicones, waxes and sealants so the new protection bonds to bare paint. Spray it onto clean, dry, cool paint and wipe off with a clean, dry microfibre cloth.
How do you get the best results from Koch-Chemie polishes?
We focus on consistent preparation and clean tools: follow the exact datasheet, keep products on separate pads, work on cool panels and remove residue gently with a clean, soft towel.
- One pad per product. For M2.02 and P3.01, Koch-Chemie says not to use the same pads with other products.
- Cool panels only. Koch-Chemie warns against polishing hot surfaces, and to shake each bottle before use.
- Store it properly. Protect all three from frost and excessive heat.
- Wipe off with a soft, edgeless towel. Koch-Chemie recommends ultrasonically cut microfibre cloths without stitched edges for scratch-free removal.
FibreKing Duplex Edgeless Cloth
A 400 GSM, two-sided edgeless cloth for careful residue removal. Keep it clean and turn to a fresh face as polish builds up.
For the machine itself, see our guide to the best DA polisher, and once the paint is corrected, wax vs sealant vs ceramic coating will help you choose the protection.
Common questions
Can you use Koch-Chemie polishes by hand?
Koch-Chemie's methods for all three use a machine: a rotary for H9.02, a high-performance dual action or forced rotation machine for M2.02, and a forced rotation or rotary machine for P3.01.
Do Koch-Chemie polishes contain silicone?
H9.02 and M2.02 are silicone-oil-free, according to Koch-Chemie, while P3.01 contains carnauba wax and non-fugitive silicones for its protective seal.
Can you use Koch-Chemie polishes on scratch-resistant paint?
The manufacturer includes scratch-resistant paint among the intended applications. We would still test the pad and polish combination: scratch-resistant does not mean scratch-proof, and the appropriate process depends on the actual paint.
Need help?
Tell the TDHQ team what machine you use and what the paint looks like, and we will tell you which Koch-Chemie polish to start with. You can also browse the full Koch-Chemie range and every compound and polish we stock.
Last updated 16 October 2026.
