All-in-One Polishes

An all-in-one polish cleans the paint, takes out light defects and leaves a layer of protection in a single step. It suits a car that needs brightening up rather than a full correction, such as before a sale or a show. The five here come from Autobead, Menzerna, Sam's Detailing, Stjarnagloss and VP-UK.

How to choose

• Cut: VP-UK All In One Compound and Menzerna One Step 3-in-1 are compound-based and have the most cut here; Sam's 3 in 1 and Stjarnagloss Skara are the gentlest, for dullness, light oxidation and light swirls.
• Hand or machine: Menzerna, Stjarnagloss Skara and VP-UK can be worked by hand or machine; the Autobead is made for machine polishing.
• Deep swirls or sanding marks need more cut than an all-in-one gives: work through Medium Cut Compounds and Finishing Polishes instead.

Good to know

• The protection an all-in-one leaves is short-term. For protection that lasts, top it with a wax or a product from Paint Sealants.
• If the car is going to be ceramic coated, remove the polish residue with a product from Panel Wipe & IPA first, or the coating may not bond properly.

Can all in one polish remove scratches?

Light swirls and fine marks, yes, and the compound-based ones such as the VP-UK and Menzerna cut the most. Deeper swirls and sanding marks need a compound followed by a finishing polish.

Related: Compounds & Polishes, One Step Polishes, Polishing Pads. Popular brands here: Autobead, Sam's Detailing, VP-UK Detailing, Stjarnagloss.