Chemical Guys GAP VKIT 101 V36 Cutting Polish and V38 Final Polish

Our review of the Chemical Guys GAP VKIT 101 examines a two-bottle polishing kit aimed at detailers who want a real, swirl-free finish without relying on fillers. This kit pairs a 16-ounce V36 Optical Grade Cutting Polish with a 16-ounce V38 Optical Grade Final Polish and is best for experienced hobbyists and professional detailers who use a rotary or DA machine and need an ultra refined cutting polish that removes moderate to heavy paint defects. The single biggest reason to buy is its ability to deliver a permanent corrected surface rather than a temporary mask.

Key Features

• Optical grade cutting: V36 is formulated to remove moderate to heavy paint defects and restore clarity before finishing.
• Refined final polish: V38 refines the surface after cutting to produce a glossy, swirl-free finish.
• Permanent correction: These polishes correct defects by removing material instead of filling, so results are not merely temporary.
• Machine compatible: Both formulas work with a rotary or a dual action (DA) polisher for flexibility in shop or garage use.
• Two-step kit: Supplying both cutting and finishing products in 16-ounce bottles gives a complete workflow from defect removal to high gloss.

Who It's For

The kit is aimed at vehicle owners, detailing enthusiasts, and professional detailers who want to correct scratches, oxidation, and other moderate paint defects and then refine the surface to a showroom shine. It suits users comfortable with machine polishing who value a lasting polish that does not depend on fillers.

Less experienced users should be cautious: machine polishing requires some technique to avoid over-cutting or creating heat. If someone wants a wipe-on convenience product or only needs light surface gloss without paint correction, a single-step cleaner wax might be a simpler alternative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Produces a true swirl-free finish when used correctly, leaving a deep gloss that many compare favorably to other premium polishes.
• Removes moderate to heavy defects, giving real correction rather than relying on temporary fillers.
• Works with either a rotary or DA machine, so it fits a range of workshops and skill levels.

Cons

• Some users report that removal can be inconsistent; ease of removal depends on pad choice and machine technique.
• Requires a machine and some experience to get the best results, making it less suited to casual users who want a no-fuss application.

Specifications

Product name	Chemical Guys GAP VKIT 101
Included items	V36 Optical Grade Cutting Polish (16 oz), V38 Optical Grade Final Polish (16 oz)
Brand	Chemical Guys
Fit type	Universal Fit
Machine compatibility	Rotary or DA machine
Intended use	Remove moderate to heavy paint defects and refine finish

Our Verdict

The GAP VKIT 101 is a practical two-step polishing solution for anyone serious about paint correction and a long-lasting, swirl-free gloss. It represents good value for experienced users and professionals because it delivers permanent correction and a refined finish when used with proper technique and pads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both polishes with a DA polisher?
Yes, both V36 and V38 are formulated to work with either a rotary or a DA machine; pad choice and speed settings will affect results.

Does this kit fill scratches or permanently remove them?
The kit is designed to remove imperfections by refining the paint rather than masking them with fillers, so corrections are permanent when applied correctly.

Are these bottles large enough for multiple cars?
Each bottle is 16 oz, which is sufficient for several correction and finishing passes on a single vehicle or touch-up work across multiple cars depending on defect severity.