Does Car Polishing Affect the Paint Layer?
2 Answers
Frequent polishing of a car can affect the paint. Polishing can remove scratches on the car's paint surface, especially those caused by daily car washing and usage. When done correctly, polishing typically only removes 1 to 2 microns of paint to achieve a satisfactory result. For deeper scratches that cannot be completely repaired or cases where excessive paint thickness is lost, polishing can improve the smoothness of the paint. The effects differ due to the varying concepts between using a polishing machine and metal polishing. The high rotation speed of the polishing machine's sponge head is intended to increase the temperature of the paint surface. As the paint surface temperature rises, the attached oxidation film softens, making it relatively easier to remove, and the results are quite noticeable.
Car polishing does have a certain impact on the paint layer. Let me explain its principles in detail. The vehicle's paint surface typically consists of a primer, color coat, and the topmost clear coat, with the clear coat primarily serving a protective function. Polishing involves using abrasive tools and compounds to gently remove the oxidized layer or fine scratches from the surface of the clear coat, thereby restoring gloss and smoothness. Each polishing session removes a tiny amount of the clear coat's thickness. When performed correctly—using professional buffing machines and appropriate abrasives—the loss is minimal and almost negligible, while actually enhancing the paint's reflectivity and resistance to contaminants. However, excessive frequency or improper use of aggressive abrasives can lead to over-thinning of the clear coat, reducing its protective capabilities and potentially causing issues like cracking or fading. Therefore, it's recommended to perform polishing as part of regular maintenance, no more than once a year, and to entrust the task to experienced professionals to safely enhance the vehicle's appearance and longevity.
