DESCRIPTION:
3D ACA 500 X-TRA Cut Compound is the wool pad version of 3D ACA 510 for shops that prefer and use wool pads when cutting with a rotary polisher.
When it comes to polishing paint, THE most important factor is the abrasive technology. Think about it? It is the abrasives that TOUCH the paint first, then the buffing pad. Behind the pad is the tool and behind the tool is the person.
3D Products is unique in ALL the world because our abrasive technology is unique to 3D. We make all our own powders, (powders mean abrasive technology), we go as far to make our own raw materials to make our own powders! There’s no other company that can make this claim.
Tunch Goren, the head chemist, founder and owner of 3D Products came up with this technology completely on his own after studying abrasive technology and formulations for over 25 years. Tunch’s passion is to continually create abrasive technology that is unlike no other abrasive technology in the world.
The process that Tunch Goren invented and manufactures in-house in Santa Clarita, California is unique – there are no other manufacturing plants on Earth with this capability.
3D on the outside of the bottle means you can trust the product on the inside of the bottle.
What is it? - A body shop safe, silicone-free, water based premium quality fast cutting compound for use with wool pads and rotary polishers to remove sanding marks in body shop environments.
What does it do? - 3D ACA 500 X-TRA Cut Compound is formulated and intended for use in body shops to remove sanding marks after wetsanding. It can also be used by detailers for paint correction including removing deep scratches, water spots, swirls, and oxidation. 3D ACA 500 X-TRA Cut Compound levels automotive paint surfaces to create a more perfect finish
When do you use it? - After wetsanding paint to remove the sanding marks or anytime you need to perform paint correction to remove serious and/or deep swirls, scratches, water spots or oxidation and prep the paint for the polishing step.
Why use 3D ACA 500 over other options? - Fast cutting, long buffing cycle, zero dusting and easy wipe-off – what’s not to like? Plus, 3D’s exclusive and even exotic Alpha Ceramic Alumina abrasive technology does not retain heat like conventional abrasive technology. This helps to keep surface temperatures low.
Low buffing temperatures are important because unlike the misinformation that floats around the internet, heat is not good for clearcoats. You’re NOT supposed to heat-up clearcoat paint as a part of any buffing process although some people teach this as an approved practice.
Besides top-notch product performance, 3D keeps your safety as a top priority when formulating any product including all of our compounds, polishes, and all-in-ones.
There is ZERO crystalline silica in 3D ACA 500 X-TRA Cut Compound just like there is zero crystalline silica in any of our products. Crystalline silica is a fine, glass particulate that floats in the air. It’s cheap and this is why it was commonly used in other brands of compounds, polishes, and all-in-one type products.
Here at 3D, we have NEVER used crystalline silica in any of our products and we never will. We make products that are safe for you and the environment – this is how we roll at 3DProducts.com
- FAST cutting compound for removing sanding marks and other serious paint defects like swirls, scratches, water spots and oxidation.
- 3D ACA 500 X-TRA Cut Compound is specifically formulated for use with WOOL cutting pads with rotary polishers.
- Precision engineered (proprietary) Alpha Ceramic Alumina, (ACA) sub-micron abrasive technology.
- Removes down to P1000 grit sanding marks.
- Body shop safe – Fresh paint safe – Silicone free!
- Does NOT contain OSHA regulated Crystalline Silica! - HUMAN SAFE
- Water-based – No harsh solvents or foul odors!
- Wipes off easy! – Won’t clog buffing pads –– Competitive pricing.
- 3D’s Green Earth Technology – Biodegradable, Prop 65 and V.O.C. compliant.
APPLICATION:
IMPORTANT: 3D ACA 500 cuts fast. Be sure to understand the paint you are working on before starting. This compound was originally developed for working on fresh, custom paint work in body shop situations where the technician knows how much paint is being sprayed onto the panels or entire car body. If you’re a detailer working on customer cars, remember factory paint is thin. Always do a Test Spot and use the least aggressive process to get the job done. Always work on a cool clean surface in the shade.
Body Shops – Using a rotary polisher
Step 1: Prepare the surface by sanding the paint with the sanding paper of your choice.
Step 2: Attach preferred foam or wool cutting pad to backing plate on rotary polisher and set speed setting to low or medium.
Step 3: Apply 4-5 dime sized drops of product onto center of face of buffing pad. Press face of pad against body panel, turn polisher on and spread product over area to be worked, about 2’ by 2’.
Step 4: Move polisher over paint using a slow to medium arm speed. Monitor defect removal as you buff. Once sanding marks or paint defects are removed, stop buffing and remove any excess product using a clean, soft microfiber towel.
Detail Shops/Enthusiasts – Using an orbital polisher
NOTE: 3D ACA 500 X-TRA CUT COMPOUND is formulated for and intended to be used with wool pads on rotary polishers. Best results are obtained using this type of tool and pad. Results may vary when used with orbital polishers and microfiber and foam pads.
Step 1: Prepare the surface by first washing, drying, and removing any above surface bonded contaminants using detailing clay or a clay substitute.
Step 2: Attach preferred foam, microfiber or wool cutting pad to backing plate on orbital polisher and set speed setting to low or medium.
Step 3: Apply 4-5 dime sized drops of product onto center of face of buffing pad. Press face of pad against body panel, turn polisher on and spread product over area to be worked, about 2’ by 2’.
Step 4: Turn polisher to a medium to high speed and begin making overlapping passes. Move polisher over paint using a slow to medium arm speed. Monitor defect removal as you buff. Once paint defects are removed to your satisfaction, stop buffing and remove any excess product using a clean, soft microfiber towel.
Professional Technique Tips
Rotary Polishers - Rotary polishers can generate a lot of heat to a small area quickly – so always keep polisher moving when using a rotary polisher.
How to check surface temperature? - Feel the paint surface with the palm of your clean hand. The temperature should not be so hot that you can’t hold a normal conversation while touching the paint. If upon touching the paint surface, you instinctively feel the urge to move your hand away quickly – this is a sign the paint is too hot – stop buffing and let the paint cool down.
Clean your pad often - Rotary polishers remove paint fast. The paint being removed will build up on the surface of the panel being buffed and also on the face of your buffing pads. When using a wool buffing pad – use a pad cleaning spur often to clean pad. When using a foam pad – clean the face of the pad often using a nylon pad cleaning brush.
Orbital Polishers - 3D ACA 510 is a fast-cutting compound removes defects quickly. As defects are removed, you there will be removed paint and spent product building-up on the face of your buffing pad. With orbital polishers you want to clean your pad often using a nylon pad cleaning brush. Also – if buffing with foam pads, switch to a fresh pad often.