Does Car Polishing Affect the Paint?

[RachelMarie]

Car polishing does not affect the paint. Here is the relevant introduction about car polishing: 1. Definition: Car polishing is a process in car detailing that involves polishing the vehicle before waxing, sealing, or coating. This is because paint sealing and coating require prior polishing, and only a finely polished car can achieve a mirror-like finish. 2. Function: It reduces the roughness of the paint surface, removes fine scratches and spots, and can eliminate oxidation layers, making the paint surface shinier. 3. Reason: Dust in the paint booth can get into the paint, and after painting, some areas may have imperfections that require sanding to make the paint surface feel smoother. This ensures no color difference between the new and old paint, making it look as if no repainting was done.

[DiMartin]

Well, I remember being worried about damaging the car paint the first time I polished it, but in fact, polishing is beneficial for the paint if done correctly. It removes those small scratches and oxidation layers on the surface, making the paint shine like new, and also forms a protective layer to prevent UV corrosion. When I DIY, I always pay attention to using the right abrasive for my car's paint—fine-grit polish for light-colored cars and medium-grit for dark-colored ones, avoiding overly coarse abrasives that might strip the clear coat. Over-polishing, like what happened to my friend's car, can thin the paint layer, allowing watermarks to seep in after rain, which not only affects appearance but can also lead to rust. It's recommended to space out polishing sessions by at least six months, and using a professional thickness gauge is safer. Sealing with wax immediately after polishing is a must, otherwise, dust accumulation can accelerate aging. I usually use an orbital polisher to work slowly, reducing the risk of uneven pressure from manual application.

[AdrianaDella]

To be honest, I've thoroughly considered the pros and cons of polishing. As a long-time car detailing enthusiast, I've found that it enhances paint gloss and provides anti-corrosion benefits, but carries significant risks if not properly controlled. On the positive side, polishing effectively removes contaminants and can seal micro-cracks to prevent rusting. The downside is that excessive abrasion depth can damage the factory protective layer, reducing weather resistance. Through testing on various vehicle types: metallic paint shows more pronounced shine after polishing, while plastic components require gentle treatment to avoid damage. Weekly car washes to check for oxidation signs help determine the optimal polishing timing. Beginners should start with chemical products before attempting mechanical polishing. Remember, frequency shouldn't exceed once per season, using soft cloths with uniform motion to ensure even coverage without missed spots. For long-term maintenance, combining with ceramic coating provides doubled protection.

[LaAliyah]

Polishing has significant effects on car paint, which I summarize into two key points. It enhances the appearance by increasing brightness and removing imperfections, but excessive polishing can damage the paint layer thickness, potentially accelerating aging. For example, after my last polishing session, the car's reflectivity noticeably improved, and rainwater beads slid right off without leaving stains. It's essential to use gentle products to prevent accidental grinding through the paint. Regularly observe changes in light reflection to monitor oxidation levels and determine if maintenance is needed.