Koch Chemie Micro Cut M2.02 vs. M3.02 – a detailed comparison for ambitious home users

Koch Chemie Micro Cut M2.02 vs. M3.02 – a detailed comparison for ambitious home users

Choosing the right polish determines whether a paint job just "looks good" or whether it achieves maximum depth, clarity, and mirror shine . Koch Chemie offers two products, Micro Cut M2.02 and M3.02 , that appear very similar at first glance: both are so-called "micro polishes" developed for fine defects and high-quality finishes. However, a closer look reveals significant differences in abrasive performance, gloss level, application area, and handling .

For semi-professional home users who regularly maintain their vehicles and value professional results, it is important to know: When should I use the M2.02 – and when should I use the M3.02?

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Koch Chemie Micro Cut M2.02 – the finishing specialist

The M2.02 is a product designed without compromise for fineness and brilliance . It has a comparatively low sanding performance, but delivers a finish that is almost perfect, even on critical, dark paints.

• Sanding grade: approx. 2.5 (very fine, only minor defects are removed)
• Gloss level: extremely high (9–10 out of 10)
• Application: Removal of holograms, micro-scratches, very light washing scratches
• Pads: soft to medium finishing pads (e.g. black, red or orange, depending on the manufacturer)
• Machine: ideal for eccentric polishers, but can also be used with rotary machines
• Special feature: creates an absolutely hologram-free finish, even on sensitive, dark paints

Typical application:
The M2.02 is typically used as the final polishing step after a stronger polish (e.g., Koch Chemie F6.01 or H9.01) has been used. It removes the fine marks left by coarser polishes or pads and ensures a finish that appears flawless even under direct sunlight or LED lighting. Anyone aiming for a show car finish can't go past the M2.02.

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Koch Chemie Micro Cut M3.02 – the all-rounder

Unlike the M2.02, the M3.02 is not just designed for the final polish, but combines light to medium defect correction with a high shine . This makes it ideal for users who want to achieve visible improvements with just one product.

• Sanding grade: approx. 3.2 (slightly stronger, even medium defects can be removed)
• Gloss level: high (approx. 9 out of 10)
• Area of ​​application: light to medium swirls, wash scratches, beginning oxidation
• Pads: medium-hard to soft (e.g. orange or yellow, depending on the manufacturer)
• Machine: also very good on eccentric, but also rotary processing
• Special feature: enables 1-step polishing – defect correction and finishing in one step

Typical application:
The M3.02 is perfect for paintwork that is visibly worn but not heavily scratched. For example, if you want to restore an everyday vehicle that has light scratches and a dull shine from car washes and weathering, the M3.02 can remove the defects and create a rich shine in a single step. This saves time and product usage.

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Differences in application

Both polishes are very user-friendly, but differ in details:

• Processing time:
  • M2.02 requires a little more patience, as it should be extended as long as possible to achieve the high-gloss finish.
  • M3.02 brings visible results faster because it has a stronger “grip”.
• Pad selection:
  • M2.02 unfolds its potential with soft to medium-hard pads to achieve a streak-free finish.
  • M3.02 benefits from medium-hard pads that support its correction performance.
• Finish quality:
  • M2.02 delivers the highest brilliance and absolute hologram freedom.
  • M3.02 produces a strong gloss image, but the final fineness is slightly lower than that of M2.02.

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Conclusion – which polish for whom?

The decision between M2.02 and M3.02 depends on the user's goals:

• Choose the M2.02 if…
  • you want to achieve a perfect, show-worthy finish.
  • the paint is already largely free of defects and only the last holograms need to be removed.
  • you want to treat particularly sensitive, dark varnishes.
• Choose the M3.02 if…
  • you want to correct light to medium defects and create shine in one step.
  • you maintain an everyday vehicle where perfection is not the top priority, but a visibly improved result should be achieved quickly.
  • you want to save time without sacrificing a good finish.

Many ambitious detailers combine both products: First, they correct defects with the M3.02 , then perfect the finish with the M2.02 . This provides both solid correction performance and the ultimate high-gloss result.