Can Car Polishing Remove Scratches?

[MacJuniper]

Car polishing can remove scratches. For issues such as oxidized paint, dullness, or scratches on the car body, polishing can effectively address these problems, making the paint surface smoother and shinier. Additionally, car polishing can clean the body, effectively removing dirt and corrosive substances, thereby restoring the cleanliness of the paint surface. Polishing the car body before waxing or applying glaze can enhance the results and prolong their duration. Below is more information about car polishing: 1. Polishing refers to the process of reducing the surface roughness of a workpiece through mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical means to achieve a bright and smooth surface. It involves the use of polishing tools and abrasive particles or other polishing media to refine the workpiece surface. 2. Polishing does not improve the dimensional accuracy or geometric shape precision of the workpiece but aims to achieve a smooth surface or mirror-like gloss. Sometimes, it is also used to eliminate gloss (matte finishing). Typically, a polishing wheel is used as the polishing tool. Polishing wheels are generally made of multiple layers of canvas, felt, or leather, clamped with metal discs on both sides, and coated with a polishing compound consisting of fine abrasive particles and grease. 3. During polishing, the high-speed rotating polishing wheel (with a peripheral speed exceeding 20 meters per second) presses against the workpiece, causing the abrasive particles to roll and slightly cut the surface, resulting in a bright finish. The surface roughness can generally reach Ra0.63 to 0.01 micrometers. When using non-greasy matte polishing compounds, the glossy surface can be matted to improve its appearance.

[Abel]

As a seasoned veteran who has worked in auto repair shops for many years, I can confidently say that polishing can indeed address minor surface scratches, such as fine abrasions from car wash brushes or swirl marks. We use polishing machines with professional compounds to gently buff the clear coat, effectively removing those shallow marks. However, deep scratches won’t be fixed this way—especially those that expose the primer, which may require touch-up paint or more meticulous repairs. I always remind car owners not to attempt DIY fixes recklessly, as excessive polishing can wear down the paint thickness and shorten its lifespan, doing more harm than good. For routine maintenance, I recommend polishing every six months—it not only prevents oxidation but also keeps the car looking shiny and new. For scratches of uncertain depth, always consult a professional first to avoid wasting money on ineffective solutions.

[McJune]

I just tried DIY polishing my car and was pleasantly surprised to find it actually removes minor scratches, like shallow marks from parking bumps. Using household polishing compound and a soft cloth, I slowly rubbed the area—the scratches faded and the surface became smooth. However, if the scratches are too deep, like ones your nail can catch on, polishing has minimal effect. The whole process is time-consuming and labor-intensive but saved me some repair costs. Beginners should be careful not to over-polish and damage the paint—it’s best to test on an inconspicuous spot first. After polishing, the car’s appearance improves dramatically, making it a head-turner on the road. Combining it with waxing extends the protective effect and prevents further damage.

[ClaraAnn]

As an automotive enthusiast, I've studied the principles of polishing: it works remarkably well on shallow scratches in the clear coat layer, restoring gloss by softening through frictional heat and removing oxidized portions. However, deep scratches that penetrate the primer layer cannot be fixed by polishing, as it cannot fill the voids. Choosing the right tools is crucial, such as soft polishing compounds, and testing in small sections ensures even results. Regular polishing can prevent bigger issues, but avoid frequent operations to prevent weakening the protective layer.

[LeIsabela]

I'm a cautious car owner. Polishing can improve minor surface scratches like light scuffs, but don't expect it to remove deep marks. I've tried treating shallow scratches and they became smoother, but deep ones barely changed. Over-polishing carries risks as it can thin the paint, making it more vulnerable to damage. I recommend testing scratch depth on spare parts first. For deep scratches, it's safer and more convenient to seek professional touch-up repair from a technician. For daily care, avoid using hard objects to minimize scratch formation.