Does a new car need polishing before crystal coating?
2 Answers
New cars do not require polishing before crystal coating. If the car is brand new and hasn't undergone long-distance transportation or prolonged storage, the paint surface will be smooth without an oxidation layer, making polishing unnecessary before applying the crystal coating. However, if the car has been transported over long distances or stored for an extended period, resulting in a noticeable oxidation layer on the paint, light polishing is required to remove it. This ensures the crystal coating adheres fully to the paint surface for optimal protection. Generally, new cars do not need polishing before crystal coating. More details are as follows: 1. Crystal coating is an upgraded version of car waxing, enhancing the brightness and hardness of the paint to protect it. 2. After crystal coating, owners will notice the paint becomes more transparent and glossy, with increased resistance to scratches and corrosion. 3. Typically, a car won't need waxing for six months after crystal coating. If the paint's brightness diminishes over time or feels rough and less smooth to the touch, consider waxing or reapplying the crystal coating.
I went to get ceramic coating right after buying my new car, but the shop technician insisted on polishing first. Initially, I thought a new car should be perfect and this step was unnecessary, but the technician explained that during transportation, new cars might have invisible scratches or residual contaminants. Polishing involves lightly machine-sanding the surface to remove these imperfections, making the paint smoother and more even. This ensures the ceramic coating adheres uniformly without bubbles or peeling. My old car didn’t get polished before coating, and within six months, the shine faded, and small spots appeared. Now, after polishing and coating my new car, it still looks mirror-like after two years, and washing is much easier. I recommend new car owners opt for light polishing—it’s a small investment for long-lasting protection.