3M 30344 Perfect-It Gelcoat Compound with Polish 32 oz | Single-Step Compound & Polish or Second-Step Finish | Removes P1000 Scratches, High Gloss on Marine, RV & Industrial Gel Coat

3M 30344 Perfect-It Gelcoat Compound with Polish 32 oz — Single-Step Compound & Polish or Second-Step Refining Finish | Removes P1000 and Finer Scratches & Blemishes | High Gloss on Marine, RV & Industrial Gel Coat Including Darker Colors

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Compound with Polish is a professional-grade dual-action formula designed to be used as a single-step compound and polish for P1000 and finer scratches, or as a second-step refining finish after a heavier cutting compound. Eliminates P1000 and finer scratches, scuff marks, and surface blemishes from gel coat surfaces — including darker colored gel coat — while delivering a high gloss and fine finish. Longer wet time for extended product life and easier cleanup. Suitable for all gel coat surfaces: marine, RV, and industrial. 32 oz.

Part Specifications

• Part Number: 3M-30344
• Product Line: 3M Perfect-It Gelcoat Finishing System
• Size: 32 oz
• Use: Single-step compound and polish, or second-step refining finish after heavier cutting compound
• Scratch Removal: P1000 and finer
• Finish: High gloss, fine finish
• Gel Coat Compatibility: All gel coat colors including darker colors
• Surface Applications: Marine, RV, industrial gel coat
• Wet Time: Longer formula for extended product life and easier cleanup
• Related Pads: 3M 05725 Perfect-It Foam Polishing Pad 8 in. | 3M 05719 Perfect-It Wool Compounding Pad 9 in. | 3M 33279 Perfect-It Low Lint Wool Compounding Pad 9 in.

Perfect-It Gelcoat Finishing System — Step Sequence and Product Selection

3M Perfect-It Gelcoat products are designed to work as a system — each product is optimized for a specific level of surface defect and finish refinement. Selecting the correct starting product depends on the severity of oxidation, scratching, or surface damage on the gel coat:

• Step 1 (Heavy oxidation, deep scratches, P800 sanding marks): 3M 36102 Perfect-It Gelcoat Heavy Cutting Compound — fastest cut for removing heavy oxidation and P800 sanding scratches. Leaves a haze that requires a follow-up refining step.
• Step 1 or 2 (Moderate oxidation, P1000 scratches, all-in-one with wax): 3M 36106 Perfect-It Gelcoat Medium Cutting Compound + Wax (1 qt) | 3M 36107 (1 gal) — medium cut with built-in wax finish for one-step oxidation removal and protection on moderately weathered gel coat.
• Step 2 (Refining compound and polish after heavy cutting, or single-step for P1000 scratches): 3M 30344 Perfect-It Gelcoat Compound with Polish (this product) — removes P1000 and finer scratches and blemishes, including on darker gel coat colors, with a high gloss fine finish. Use after 36102 Heavy Cutting Compound to refine the surface, or as a standalone single-step for surfaces with P1000-level defects.
• Step 2 or 3 (Light scratches, swirl marks, light oxidation, with wax): 3M 36110 Perfect-It Gelcoat Light Cutting Polish + Wax — P1500 scratch and swirl mark removal with built-in wax protection for lightly weathered or previously compounded gel coat.
• Final step (Wax and protection): 3M 36113 Perfect-It Boat Wax — Brazilian carnauba liquid wax for gel coat, fiberglass, and paint. Apply after compounding and polishing steps for durable wax protection.

Recommended pads for this product: Use with a foam polishing pad (3M 05725) for machine application of compound and polish. For heavier cut before refining with 30344, use a wool compounding pad (3M 05719) or low lint wool pad (3M 33279) with the cutting compound step.

Application Notes

• Wash and dry the gel coat surface thoroughly before compounding — remove all salt, dirt, and surface contamination before applying any abrasive product
• For machine application: apply a small amount of compound to a foam polishing pad and work in overlapping passes at medium speed; keep the pad moving to avoid heat buildup on the gel coat surface
• For hand application: apply to a foam applicator pad and work in straight overlapping strokes; machine application produces better and faster results on large surface areas
• Work in manageable sections (approximately 2–4 sq ft at a time) to prevent the product from drying on the surface before it can be buffed off
• The longer wet time formula extends working time per section and reduces product waste
• Wipe off residue with a clean microfiber towel after working each section; inspect the surface in raking light to check for remaining scratches or haze before moving on
• If significant oxidation or deep scratches remain after 30344, step back to 3M 36102 Heavy Cutting Compound or 3M 36106 Medium Cutting Compound + Wax
• Follow with 3M 36110 Light Cutting Polish + Wax or 3M 36113 Perfect-It Boat Wax for maximum gloss and protection after compounding
• Do not apply in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces — work in shade or during cooler parts of the day for best results

Additional Information

• Vendor: 3M
• SKU: 3M-30344
• Product Type: Boat & Engine Maintenance / Buffing Compounds
• Size: 32 oz
• Country of Origin: USA
• HS Code: 3405.90 (polishes, creams, and similar preparations for coachwork — verify for your import classification)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can 3M 30344 be used as a single-step product, or does it require additional steps?
A: It can be used as a single step for surfaces with P1000 and finer scratches, scuff marks, and light surface blemishes — the compound and polish formula removes the defects and delivers a high gloss finish in one pass. For heavier oxidation, deep scratches, or P800 sanding marks, start with 3M 36102 Heavy Cutting Compound or 3M 36106 Medium Cutting Compound + Wax first, then use 30344 as the refining second step.

Q: Does this product work on darker colored gel coat?
A: Yes — the formula is specifically noted to deliver high gloss and fine finish results even on darker colored gel coat, where swirl marks and haze from compounding are more visible. Work carefully with a clean foam pad and inspect in raking light after each section.

Q: What is the difference between 3M 30344 and 3M 36106 Medium Cutting Compound + Wax?
A: 36106 is a medium-cut compound with a built-in wax finish — one product for moderate oxidation removal and wax protection in a single step. 30344 is a compound and polish without built-in wax — it removes P1000 scratches and delivers a high gloss finish but requires a separate wax step (such as 3M 36113 Perfect-It Boat Wax) for maximum protection. 30344 also works as a second-step refiner after a heavier cutting compound where 36106 does not.

Q: What pads should I use with 3M 30344?
A: A foam polishing pad (3M 05725 8 in.) is recommended for compound and polish application with a rotary or DA polisher. Wool pads (3M 05719 or 3M 33279) are better suited for the heavier cutting compound steps before 30344.

Q: Does 30344 leave a wax protection layer, or do I need to apply wax separately?
A: 30344 does not include a built-in wax. It delivers a high gloss compounded and polished finish but does not leave a wax protective layer. Follow with 3M 36110 Light Cutting Polish + Wax for a light finishing pass with built-in wax, or apply 3M 36113 Perfect-It Boat Wax separately for full wax protection after compounding.