Can Car Polishing Remove Scratches?
3 Answers
Car polishing can remove scratches. It is effective for treating oxidation, dullness, and scratches on the car's paint surface, making it smoother and shinier. Additionally, car polishing can clean the body, effectively removing dirt and corrosion, thereby restoring the cleanliness of the paint. Polishing the car body before waxing or sealing can enhance the results and prolong the duration. Below is more information about car polishing: 1. Definition of Polishing: Polishing refers to the process of reducing the surface roughness of a workpiece through mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical means to achieve a smooth and glossy surface. It involves the use of polishing tools, abrasive particles, or other polishing media to refine the workpiece surface. 2. Principle of Polishing: Polishing does not improve the dimensional accuracy or geometric shape of the workpiece but aims to achieve a smooth surface or mirror-like finish. Sometimes, it is also used to eliminate gloss (matte finish). Typically, a polishing wheel is used as the polishing tool. The polishing wheel is usually 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. Polishing Method: During polishing, the high-speed rotating polishing wheel (with a peripheral speed of over 20 meters per second) presses against the workpiece, causing the abrasive to roll and slightly cut the surface, resulting in a glossy finish. The surface roughness can generally reach Ra0.63 to 0.01 micrometers. When using a non-greasy matte polishing compound, it can dull a glossy surface to improve appearance.
As someone who frequently maintains my own car, I can say that polishing does indeed remove some scratches, especially those fine surface marks. My car had quite a few such imperfections, and after treating them myself with polishing compound, the paint regained its shine, looking as good as new. That's because polishing works by frictionally removing the outermost layer of paint and oxides, naturally filling in or grinding away those shallow scratches. However, it's important to note that if the scratches are deep enough to expose the underlying metal or plastic, polishing won't help—it only addresses surface issues. When doing polishing at home, make sure to choose the right tools and avoid overly aggressive compounds, as they might damage the paint. I recommend first feeling the depth of the scratch with your finger; if it seems shallow, give it a try yourself, but for more serious issues, consult a professional. From a safe driving perspective, properly treating minor scratches can prevent further corrosion.
As a car enthusiast, I really enjoy discussing these details. Polishing can handle minor scratches, such as those caused by small daily wear or oxidation. I've used a polishing machine multiple times myself, and the car's surface instantly becomes smooth with noticeable results. That's because the polishing process involves both chemical and mechanical friction, gently removing the damaged layer to restore shine. However, don't expect it to fix deep scratches or gouges—those that penetrate the underlying paint require other methods like repainting for repair. On a related note, polishing can also enhance the overall appearance of the vehicle and prevent further oxidation. When DIY-ing, remember to choose a mild polishing compound and avoid applying too much pressure, which can thin the paint. In short, small issues can be fixed, while major problems require professional attention.
