REFINISH2
POLISHING COMPOUND
Application: Medium paint correction, refinement & polishing for automotive painted surfaces
Volume: 250 mL / 1,000 mL
Type: Water-Based Polishing Compound
Cutting Performance: Medium Cut / Refinement
Recommended Use: Rotary / Dual Action Polisher / Hand Application
FEATURES
Refine the Paint. Remove Defects. Restore Exceptional Gloss.
TACSYSTEM REFINISH2 is a high-performance water-based polishing compound designed for medium paint correction and refinement across a wide range of automotive paint systems, including water-based paint finishes.
Positioned between heavy correction and final finishing, REFINISH2 provides the cutting ability required to remove moderate paint defects while simultaneously refining the surface to an exceptionally high level of gloss and clarity.
It is particularly effective as the next polishing stage after REFINISH1, removing fine marring, holograms, swirl marks, and other secondary polishing defects that may remain after aggressive paint correction.
REFINISH2 is formulated with natural resin and highly durable silica-based abrasive particles, providing controlled cutting performance with excellent finishing characteristics.
Capable of correcting sanding marks as fine as approximately P1500, REFINISH2 can also address light localized scratches, water spots, swirl marks, holograms, and other light-to-medium paint defects while significantly improving surface gloss.
- Medium Cutting Performance – Provides an effective balance between paint correction and surface refinement.
- P1500 Sanding Mark Removal – Capable of correcting sanding marks as fine as approximately P1500 under appropriate working conditions.
- Ideal After REFINISH1 – Refines the surface after heavy correction and removes remaining secondary polishing defects.
- Hologram Removal – Helps eliminate holograms that may remain after aggressive machine polishing.
- Swirl Mark Correction – Removes light-to-moderate swirl marks and restores a cleaner, more uniform finish.
- Light Scratch Correction – Helps remove or significantly reduce correctable light and moderate surface scratches.
- Water Spot Removal – Helps correct water-spot defects affecting paint clarity and gloss.
- Fine Marring Removal – Refines minor surface marring left by previous correction stages.
- High-Gloss Finish – Enhances paint clarity, reflectivity, and gloss during the correction process.
- Water-Based Formula – Part of TACSYSTEM's advanced water-based REFINISH paint-correction system.
- Low Dust – Produces minimal polishing dust for a cleaner and more efficient working process.
- Silicone-Free – Suitable for professional paint-correction and refinishing workflows where silicone-free products are preferred.
- Rotary & DA Compatible – Suitable for rotary and dual-action polishers as well as hand application.
REFINISH TECHNOLOGY
The Evolution of Polishing Compounds
Automotive polishing compounds have evolved significantly in abrasive shape, particle size, carrier technology, cutting performance, and finishing quality.
TACSYSTEM developed the REFINISH series to move beyond conventional petroleum-based polishing compounds and create a more efficient water-based paint-correction system.
1ST GENERATION — TRADITIONAL ABRASIVES
First-generation polishing compounds used irregularly shaped abrasive particles ranging approximately from 70–20 μm.
During polishing, these particles could break down irregularly, potentially creating additional fine surface defects as the correction process progressed.
As a result, detailers traditionally needed to perform multiple polishing stages, gradually progressing from aggressive cutting compounds to increasingly finer polishing compounds.
Even after several correction stages, additional swirl marks or polishing defects could remain on the surface.
2ND GENERATION — REFINED ABRASIVE TECHNOLOGY
Second-generation compounds were developed to provide greater control over the abrasive breakdown process.
These compounds adopted more uniform abrasive particles, described as having an approximately octagonal structure, with particle sizes ranging from approximately 20–2 μm.
The more controlled abrasive geometry helped reduce unnecessary swirl marks and secondary defects compared with earlier compound technology.
However, both first- and second-generation polishing compounds were commonly based on petroleum-derived carrier systems.
3RD GENERATION — TACSYSTEM REFINISH
Advanced Water-Based Abrasive Technology
While conventional second-generation compounds remained widely used, TACSYSTEM developed its third-generation REFINISH R1, R2, and R3 water-based polishing system.
The REFINISH abrasive structure is designed around a multi-faceted geometry that can be represented as a triangular profile in two dimensions.
This engineered abrasive structure provides powerful and efficient cutting action compared with conventional polishing technologies.
As polishing progresses and moisture gradually evaporates, the cutting action of the REFINISH compound decreases in a controlled manner.
The resin system then helps surround the abrasive particles as the product reaches the end of its working cycle, reducing uncontrolled abrasive action and helping minimize unnecessary surface damage.
This progressive polishing behavior allows the REFINISH series to combine effective defect removal with increasingly refined finishing characteristics, helping reduce the number of correction stages required while achieving excellent clarity and gloss.
MEDIUM CUT + HIGH-GLOSS REFINEMENT
The Balance Between Correction and Finish
REFINISH2 is designed to bridge the gap between aggressive cutting and final finishing.
It provides enough cutting performance to address moderate defects while refining the surface to a significantly higher level of clarity and gloss.
REFINISH2 is particularly effective for correcting:
- P1500 sanding marks
- Light-to-moderate scratches
- Light localized defects
- Water spots
- Swirl marks
- Holograms
- Fine marring from previous polishing stages
When used after REFINISH1, it helps remove the secondary defects that may remain after heavy correction while dramatically improving surface clarity and reflectivity.
Depending on the paint condition and desired finish, REFINISH2 may also be used as a primary polishing step on vehicles that do not require aggressive heavy correction.
AFTER REFINISH1
Refine Heavy Correction into a High-Gloss Finish
Heavy cutting compounds are designed to remove severe defects quickly, but aggressive correction may leave behind fine marring, haze, holograms, or polishing marks depending on the paint system, pad, machine, and technique.
REFINISH2 is designed to refine these remaining defects.
After REFINISH1 has completed the primary correction stage, REFINISH2 further levels and refines the surface, improving clarity and reflectivity while removing secondary polishing marks.
The result is a cleaner, smoother, and significantly more reflective finish ready for final refinement where required.
WHY POLISH AUTOMOTIVE PAINT?
Restore Clarity by Correcting Defects in the Clear Coat
A typical automotive paint system consists of several layers, including primer, color coat, and clear coat.
The clear coat forms the outer protective layer and plays a major role in the gloss, depth, and reflectivity of automotive paint.
Over time, improper washing, environmental contamination, oxidation, water spots, scratches, and other surface defects can affect the condition of the clear coat.
These imperfections scatter reflected light rather than allowing it to reflect uniformly from the surface. As a result, the paint can appear dull, hazy, swirled, or scratched.
Professional paint correction removes or reduces a controlled amount of the affected clear-coat surface to level correctable defects and create a smoother, more uniform finish.
By refining these imperfections, REFINISH2 helps restore paint clarity, depth, reflectivity, and gloss.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
- Shake well before use.
- Make sure the paint surface is clean, cool, and free of loose contamination before polishing.
- Always begin with a new or thoroughly cleaned polishing pad. A contaminated or excessively loaded pad may introduce additional surface defects.
- Apply an appropriate amount of REFINISH2 evenly across the face of the polishing pad.
- Spread the compound over the working area before beginning the main polishing cycle.
- Work the product using a rotary or dual-action polisher with an appropriate polishing pad. REFINISH2 may also be used by hand where appropriate.
- Polish the section using controlled movements until the desired level of correction and refinement has been achieved.
- Remove remaining compound residue with a clean microfiber towel.
- Inspect the corrected surface under suitable lighting for remaining swirl marks, holograms, or other defects.
- Repeat where necessary or proceed to the final finishing stage if additional refinement is desired.
TIP: Clean the polishing pad frequently during use. Paint residue, spent abrasive, and contamination can accumulate in the pad, reducing polishing performance and potentially contributing to additional surface marring.
ROTARY + DUAL ACTION POLISHING
REFINISH2 is suitable for use with both rotary and dual-action (DA) polishers, allowing its correction and finishing characteristics to be adapted to different paint systems and polishing requirements.
Pad selection can significantly influence the result. A more aggressive pad can increase correction performance, while a softer finishing-oriented pad can emphasize gloss and refinement.
For best results, inspect and clean the pad frequently throughout the polishing process.
RECOMMENDED REFINISH WORKFLOW
Cut. Refine. Finish.
The TACSYSTEM REFINISH system provides a progressive paint-correction process designed to efficiently move from heavy defect removal to a high-quality final finish.
REFINISH1 — Heavy Correction
Designed for severe oxidation, heavy swirl marks, sanding marks, water spots, and deeper correctable paint defects.
REFINISH2 — Medium Correction & Refinement
Designed to remove P1500 sanding marks, moderate defects, holograms, swirl marks, fine marring, and secondary defects remaining after heavy correction while significantly increasing gloss.
REFINISH3 — Final Finish
Designed for final refinement, removing fine polishing marks and maximizing paint clarity, reflectivity, and gloss.
The exact number of polishing stages required will depend on the paint system, paint condition, defect severity, pad and machine selection, and desired final finish.
CAUTIONS
- Avoid working in direct sunlight or on hot painted surfaces.
- Make sure the paint surface is sufficiently cool before use.
- Do not allow the product to dry completely on the paint surface.
- Always wear a protective mask and suitable gloves during use.
- In case of skin contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
- If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately and show the product container or label to medical personnel.
REFINISH2
POLISHING COMPOUND
Application: Medium paint correction, refinement & polishing for automotive painted surfaces
Volume: 250 mL / 1,000 mL
Type: Water-Based Polishing Compound
Cutting Performance: Medium Cut / Refinement
Recommended Use: Rotary / Dual Action Polisher / Hand Application
FEATURES
Refine the Paint. Remove Defects. Restore Exceptional Gloss.
TACSYSTEM REFINISH2 is a high-performance water-based polishing compound designed for medium paint correction and refinement across a wide range of automotive paint systems, including water-based paint finishes.
Positioned between heavy correction and final finishing, REFINISH2 provides the cutting ability required to remove moderate paint defects while simultaneously refining the surface to an exceptionally high level of gloss and clarity.
It is particularly effective as the next polishing stage after REFINISH1, removing fine marring, holograms, swirl marks, and other secondary polishing defects that may remain after aggressive paint correction.
REFINISH2 is formulated with natural resin and highly durable silica-based abrasive particles, providing controlled cutting performance with excellent finishing characteristics.
Capable of correcting sanding marks as fine as approximately P1500, REFINISH2 can also address light localized scratches, water spots, swirl marks, holograms, and other light-to-medium paint defects while significantly improving surface gloss.
- Medium Cutting Performance – Provides an effective balance between paint correction and surface refinement.
- P1500 Sanding Mark Removal – Capable of correcting sanding marks as fine as approximately P1500 under appropriate working conditions.
- Ideal After REFINISH1 – Refines the surface after heavy correction and removes remaining secondary polishing defects.
- Hologram Removal – Helps eliminate holograms that may remain after aggressive machine polishing.
- Swirl Mark Correction – Removes light-to-moderate swirl marks and restores a cleaner, more uniform finish.
- Light Scratch Correction – Helps remove or significantly reduce correctable light and moderate surface scratches.
- Water Spot Removal – Helps correct water-spot defects affecting paint clarity and gloss.
- Fine Marring Removal – Refines minor surface marring left by previous correction stages.
- High-Gloss Finish – Enhances paint clarity, reflectivity, and gloss during the correction process.
- Water-Based Formula – Part of TACSYSTEM's advanced water-based REFINISH paint-correction system.
- Low Dust – Produces minimal polishing dust for a cleaner and more efficient working process.
- Silicone-Free – Suitable for professional paint-correction and refinishing workflows where silicone-free products are preferred.
- Rotary & DA Compatible – Suitable for rotary and dual-action polishers as well as hand application.
REFINISH TECHNOLOGY
The Evolution of Polishing Compounds
Automotive polishing compounds have evolved significantly in abrasive shape, particle size, carrier technology, cutting performance, and finishing quality.
TACSYSTEM developed the REFINISH series to move beyond conventional petroleum-based polishing compounds and create a more efficient water-based paint-correction system.
1ST GENERATION — TRADITIONAL ABRASIVES
First-generation polishing compounds used irregularly shaped abrasive particles ranging approximately from 70–20 μm.
During polishing, these particles could break down irregularly, potentially creating additional fine surface defects as the correction process progressed.
As a result, detailers traditionally needed to perform multiple polishing stages, gradually progressing from aggressive cutting compounds to increasingly finer polishing compounds.
Even after several correction stages, additional swirl marks or polishing defects could remain on the surface.
2ND GENERATION — REFINED ABRASIVE TECHNOLOGY
Second-generation compounds were developed to provide greater control over the abrasive breakdown process.
These compounds adopted more uniform abrasive particles, described as having an approximately octagonal structure, with particle sizes ranging from approximately 20–2 μm.
The more controlled abrasive geometry helped reduce unnecessary swirl marks and secondary defects compared with earlier compound technology.
However, both first- and second-generation polishing compounds were commonly based on petroleum-derived carrier systems.
3RD GENERATION — TACSYSTEM REFINISH
Advanced Water-Based Abrasive Technology
While conventional second-generation compounds remained widely used, TACSYSTEM developed its third-generation REFINISH R1, R2, and R3 water-based polishing system.
The REFINISH abrasive structure is designed around a multi-faceted geometry that can be represented as a triangular profile in two dimensions.
This engineered abrasive structure provides powerful and efficient cutting action compared with conventional polishing technologies.
As polishing progresses and moisture gradually evaporates, the cutting action of the REFINISH compound decreases in a controlled manner.
The resin system then helps surround the abrasive particles as the product reaches the end of its working cycle, reducing uncontrolled abrasive action and helping minimize unnecessary surface damage.
This progressive polishing behavior allows the REFINISH series to combine effective defect removal with increasingly refined finishing characteristics, helping reduce the number of correction stages required while achieving excellent clarity and gloss.
MEDIUM CUT + HIGH-GLOSS REFINEMENT
The Balance Between Correction and Finish
REFINISH2 is designed to bridge the gap between aggressive cutting and final finishing.
It provides enough cutting performance to address moderate defects while refining the surface to a significantly higher level of clarity and gloss.
REFINISH2 is particularly effective for correcting:
- P1500 sanding marks
- Light-to-moderate scratches
- Light localized defects
- Water spots
- Swirl marks
- Holograms
- Fine marring from previous polishing stages
When used after REFINISH1, it helps remove the secondary defects that may remain after heavy correction while dramatically improving surface clarity and reflectivity.
Depending on the paint condition and desired finish, REFINISH2 may also be used as a primary polishing step on vehicles that do not require aggressive heavy correction.
AFTER REFINISH1
Refine Heavy Correction into a High-Gloss Finish
Heavy cutting compounds are designed to remove severe defects quickly, but aggressive correction may leave behind fine marring, haze, holograms, or polishing marks depending on the paint system, pad, machine, and technique.
REFINISH2 is designed to refine these remaining defects.
After REFINISH1 has completed the primary correction stage, REFINISH2 further levels and refines the surface, improving clarity and reflectivity while removing secondary polishing marks.
The result is a cleaner, smoother, and significantly more reflective finish ready for final refinement where required.
WHY POLISH AUTOMOTIVE PAINT?
Restore Clarity by Correcting Defects in the Clear Coat
A typical automotive paint system consists of several layers, including primer, color coat, and clear coat.
The clear coat forms the outer protective layer and plays a major role in the gloss, depth, and reflectivity of automotive paint.
Over time, improper washing, environmental contamination, oxidation, water spots, scratches, and other surface defects can affect the condition of the clear coat.
These imperfections scatter reflected light rather than allowing it to reflect uniformly from the surface. As a result, the paint can appear dull, hazy, swirled, or scratched.
Professional paint correction removes or reduces a controlled amount of the affected clear-coat surface to level correctable defects and create a smoother, more uniform finish.
By refining these imperfections, REFINISH2 helps restore paint clarity, depth, reflectivity, and gloss.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
- Shake well before use.
- Make sure the paint surface is clean, cool, and free of loose contamination before polishing.
- Always begin with a new or thoroughly cleaned polishing pad. A contaminated or excessively loaded pad may introduce additional surface defects.
- Apply an appropriate amount of REFINISH2 evenly across the face of the polishing pad.
- Spread the compound over the working area before beginning the main polishing cycle.
- Work the product using a rotary or dual-action polisher with an appropriate polishing pad. REFINISH2 may also be used by hand where appropriate.
- Polish the section using controlled movements until the desired level of correction and refinement has been achieved.
- Remove remaining compound residue with a clean microfiber towel.
- Inspect the corrected surface under suitable lighting for remaining swirl marks, holograms, or other defects.
- Repeat where necessary or proceed to the final finishing stage if additional refinement is desired.
TIP: Clean the polishing pad frequently during use. Paint residue, spent abrasive, and contamination can accumulate in the pad, reducing polishing performance and potentially contributing to additional surface marring.
ROTARY + DUAL ACTION POLISHING
REFINISH2 is suitable for use with both rotary and dual-action (DA) polishers, allowing its correction and finishing characteristics to be adapted to different paint systems and polishing requirements.
Pad selection can significantly influence the result. A more aggressive pad can increase correction performance, while a softer finishing-oriented pad can emphasize gloss and refinement.
For best results, inspect and clean the pad frequently throughout the polishing process.
RECOMMENDED REFINISH WORKFLOW
Cut. Refine. Finish.
The TACSYSTEM REFINISH system provides a progressive paint-correction process designed to efficiently move from heavy defect removal to a high-quality final finish.
REFINISH1 — Heavy Correction
Designed for severe oxidation, heavy swirl marks, sanding marks, water spots, and deeper correctable paint defects.
REFINISH2 — Medium Correction & Refinement
Designed to remove P1500 sanding marks, moderate defects, holograms, swirl marks, fine marring, and secondary defects remaining after heavy correction while significantly increasing gloss.
REFINISH3 — Final Finish
Designed for final refinement, removing fine polishing marks and maximizing paint clarity, reflectivity, and gloss.
The exact number of polishing stages required will depend on the paint system, paint condition, defect severity, pad and machine selection, and desired final finish.
CAUTIONS
- Avoid working in direct sunlight or on hot painted surfaces.
- Make sure the paint surface is sufficiently cool before use.
- Do not allow the product to dry completely on the paint surface.
- Always wear a protective mask and suitable gloves during use.
- In case of skin contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
- If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately and show the product container or label to medical personnel.