Cartec Refinish Review: The Ultimate Guide to Car Polishing and Refinishing

If you’re serious about car detailing and want to achieve flawless paintwork, Cartec products should be on your radar. 

Known for their high-performance compounds and polishes, Cartec has earned a reputation as a top-tier brand in the automotive detailing industry. 

In this article, we review Cartec’s polishing and refinishing products, provide a concise guide on their use, compare them to leading brands, and address FAQs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Cartec
• Cartec Refinish Products Overview
• Cartec Polishes
• Cartec Diamond Cut 3000
• Cartec Compound 5000
• Cartec Ultra Finish 12000
• Cartec Final Cut 9000
• Polish and Refinish Process Using Cartec Products
• How Does Cartec Stack Up Against Menzerna, Koch Chemie, and Other Brands?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Introduction to Cartec 

Cartec, established in 1986 in the Netherlands, has grown to become a reputable brand in the car detailing industry, especially among DIY enthusiasts.

Known for its high-quality compounds and polishes, Cartec caters to both professional detailers and enthusiasts. Their products are formulated to tackle paint correction, refinishing, and finishing with effectiveness and ease of use.

The brand’s product range is designed for various detailing needs, offering solutions for everything from light imperfections to severe oxidation. Cartec Refinish products, such as the Diamond Cut 3000, Final Cut 9000, and Ultra Finish 12000, provide exceptional performance in cutting, finishing, and gloss enhancement. These products deliver a balance of cutting ability and high-quality finish, making them versatile tools for any detailing job.

Cartec Refinish Products Overview

Cartec polishes are particularly well-known for their cutting-edge formulas that minimize swirl marks while enhancing the depth of paint. Ideal for professionals, and hardcore DIY enthusiasts.

Cartec offers a robust range of products, each designed to tackle different stages of the paint correction process, from heavy cutting to achieving a mirror-like finish. 

Below are some of the most popular products in the Cartec lineup:

Cartec Diamond Cut 3000

The Cartec Diamond Cut 3000 is a cutting compound designed for extreme paint correction. It is highly effective for removing deep scratches, swirl marks, and heavy oxidation. This product provides powerful cutting action while still maintaining a smooth application and finish. 

It works best with a heavy cutting pad and is often used as the first stage in a multi-step polishing process.

Cartec Compound 5000

The Cartec Compound 5000 is a versatile compound designed to provide fast cutting power. While it's ideal for tackling heavy imperfections, it’s also gentle enough to be used on softer paints. 

The 5000 compound provides a balance of cutting ability and finish refinement, making it a great choice for those looking to remove defects while leaving behind a high-quality finish.

Cartec Final Cut 9000

The Cartec Final Cut 9000 is a one-step compound that provides both cutting and finishing capabilities. It’s designed for moderate imperfections and can be used to refine the paintwork after heavier compounds have been applied. 

The 9000 compound offers a balance of performance and ease of use, making it a go-to for professionals who need a high-performing product for both correction and finish.

Cartec Ultra Finish 12000

Once you've dealt with cutting and refining, the Cartec Ultra Finish 12000 is the perfect final polish. This product is designed to bring out a brilliant shine, removing any haze or light imperfections left by previous compounds. 

The Ultra Finish 12000 leaves a high-gloss, mirror-like finish that is ideal for showroom-quality results.

Cartec Rapid Cut 4000

The Cartec Rapid Cut 4000 is a new addition to Cartec’s range and provides fast cutting power with less dusting compared to its predecessors. It’s formulated to remove moderate imperfections like swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation, sanding marks (P1500 and upwards) and other imperfections.

This compound is versatile and works well with dual-action and rotary polishers. It’s perfect for professionals who need to achieve fast, effective results without compromising the quality of the finish. 

Polish and Refinish Process Using Cartec Products

Cartec’s lineup of compounds and polishes is designed to handle every aspect of automotive paint correction, from heavy cutting to finishing touches. Below is a detailed guide on how to use Cartec products for optimal results. This includes the Diamond Cut 3000, Final Cut 9000, and Ultra Finish 12000—each tailored to meet specific needs in the paint correction process. Always ensure that you mask off plastic and rubber parts to avoid damage during the polishing process.

Stage 1: Cartec Diamond Cut 3000 (Extreme Cutting Compound)

Cartec Diamond Cut 3000 is a powerful compound ideal for tackling heavy imperfections like deep scratches, swirl marks, sanding marks (P1200 and above) and oxidation. It is particularly effective on hard, scratch-resistant paints and newly painted surfaces. This product offers maximum cutting power while maintaining the integrity of the paint and delivering a remarkable gloss improvement.

How to Use:

• To make fixing serious imperfections or different clearcoat issues easier, start by fine-grade sanding, using P1200 (or upward) sandpaper.
  
• Determine the working surface within shoulder width and six times the area of the polishing pad.
• Apply 3-4 pea-sized dots of Cartec Diamond Cut 3000 to your polishing pad (for 150mm pads).
• Rotary Machine: Use the Cartec green pad (RF2110 for 150mm). Start at a low speed, then increase to 1200-1500 RPM.
• Dual-Action Machine: Use the Cartec green pad (RF2116 for 125mm). Start on the lowest setting, increasing the speed to 3500-4800 RPM.
• Work in small sections, applying even pressure. Continue polishing until the imperfections are removed.
• After use, thoroughly clean the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove any residue.

Tips:

• Avoid polishing in one spot for too long, especially with rotary machines, to prevent overheating.
• To make fixing serious imperfections or different clearcoat issues easier, start by using fine-grade abrasive discs (3000 grit.

Stage 2: Cartec Final Cut 9000 (One-Step Compound)

Cartec Final Cut 9000 is a versatile one-step compound that provides a deep gloss finish while removing small scratches, holograms, and haze left behind by the cutting stage. This product is ideal for professionals looking to work efficiently while achieving a high-quality finish.

How to Use:

• For a shoulder width area (or six times the area of the polishing pad), apply 3-4 pea-sized dots of Cartec Final Cut 9000 to your polishing pad (for 150mm pads), following the previously detailed general polishing procedure with a white compounding pad on both rotary and dual-action machines.

Tips:

• For heavier imperfections, pair with the coarser Cartec Yellow Pad (RF2120 for rotary, RF2126 for dual-action).

Stage 3: Cartec Ultra Finish 12000 (High Gloss Polish)

Cartec Ultra Finish 12000 is a high-gloss polish designed to remove fine micro-marring and holograms, leaving a pristine, mirror-like finish. This product is perfect for achieving a show-quality finish, especially for vehicles ready for delivery or client inspection.

How to Use:

• For a shoulder width area (or six times the area of the polishing pad), apply 3-4 pea-sized dots of Cartec Ultra Finish 12000 to your polishing pad (for 150mm pads), following the previously detailed general polishing procedure with an Anthracite finishing pad on a rotary machine.

Tips:

• For the best results, use a rotary machine for this stage.
• Allow the product to break down and build heat for a smoother finish.

The addition of wax or sealant will provide a protective layer, helping to maintain that pristine gloss and safeguard against contaminants. 

Here’s a YouTube video that explains this process:

Best Practices for Cartec Polishing System

Tape up plastics and trims: to prevent them from being damaged by the polishing machine.

Use the Correct Pads: To maximize the performance of each Cartec product, use the following pads:

• Cartec Green Polishing Pad with Diamond Cut 3000 for deep cutting.
• Cartec White Compunding Pad with Final Cut 9000 for efficient refinement.
• Cartec Anthracite Finishing Pad with Ultra Finish 12000 for achieving a high-gloss, hologram-free finish.

Machine Settings: Use a dual-action polisher for optimal results. Start at a lower speed to evenly spread the product, and then gradually increase the speed to break down the compounds. Maintain consistent, overlapping passes for uniform coverage.

Sectioning: Divide the vehicle into manageable sections to ensure you can work on each area thoroughly and avoid missing any spots.

Residual Product Removal: After each stage, always wipe down the vehicle with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any leftover product residue. This helps achieve the best final gloss and finish.

For more information on how to become a better DIY detailer, check out  "The All-in-One Guide to Leveling Up Your Detailing Skills": 

How Does Cartec Stack Up Against Menzerna, Koch Chemie, and Other Brands?

When comparing Cartec to other professional-grade detailing brands such as Menzerna and Koch Chemie, several factors stand out in terms of performance, ease of use, and results.

Cartec vs. Menzerna

Menzerna is a well-established brand, particularly known for its high-quality finishing products. While Menzerna’s Super Finish and Heavy Cut are prized for their smooth application and excellent cut, Cartec’s Diamond Cut 3000 is considered an aggressive compound with similar cutting power. 

The main difference is that Cartec's polishes tend to leave less residue and are often easier to wipe off, making them ideal for professionals who need efficiency.

Cartec vs. Koch Chemie

Koch Chemie is another major player in the detailing world. Their products, like Micro Cut and Polish, are known for being highly refined, leaving a smooth, glossy finish. In comparison, Cartec’s products, especially the Diamond Cut 3000 and Compound 5000, are often more aggressive, making them better suited for removing deeper imperfections. 

However, Koch Chemie may have the edge when it comes to ultra-fine finishing products, such as Polish, which yields a very smooth, high-gloss finish with minimal effort.

Cartec vs. Other Popular Brands

Compared to other popular brands such as 3D Car Care, Rupes, or Chemical Guys, Cartec stands out with its combination of cutting power and ease of use. While Rupes’ polishes are highly regarded for their versatility, Cartec products often have a more specialized approach, focusing on cutting ability in the early stages and refinement in the later stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products should I use for paint correction? 

Cartec offers several polishing compounds for different stages of paint correction. For deep scratches or weathered paint, Diamond Cut 3000 provides aggressive cutting action. For final polishing, Final Cut 9000 is ideal for removing small scratches and providing a deep shine. Ultra Finish 12000 is the last step to remove holograms and deliver a perfect, glossy finish​.

Can I use Cartec polish products for a one-step correction? 

The best recommendation for one-step correction depends on the current condition of the surface. While Cartec Final Cut 9000 is effective, Cartec Diamond Cut 3000 can also be used as a one-step solution, particularly if you need high cutting power. The choice between the two depends on whether you prioritize high gloss or need to address more significant imperfections. The specific condition of the paint and the desired outcome will guide which product works best for a one-step correction.

How do I remove deep scratches using Cartec products? 

Cartec provides a comprehensive method for removing deep scratches. Start with the Diamond Cut 3000 to address heavy defects, then follow up with Final Cut 9000 to refine the surface. The final polish with Ultra Finish 12000 will ensure a hologram-free, flawless finish​

What is the best way to achieve a hologram-free finish? 

The Ultra Finish 12000 is known for providing a hologram-free, deep gloss finish when used properly. Using a rotary polisher and working slowly to build heat ensures the best results. A clean microfiber cloth is essential for final residue removal​

Final Words

Cartec products have proven themselves as a reliable and high-performing brand in the detailing industry. From heavy-cut compounds like the Diamond Cut 3000 to refined finishing polishes like the Ultra Finish 12000, Cartec provides solutions for every stage of the paint correction process. 

Whether you’re a professional detailer or an enthusiast, Cartec might just be your go-to brand whenever you want to achieve perfect results.