Does Car Polishing Damage the Paint?
2 Answers
Car polishing does not damage the paint. Here are the relevant details: How car polishing works: Polishing refers to the processing method that utilizes mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical actions to reduce the surface roughness of a workpiece, thereby obtaining a bright and smooth surface. It involves using polishing tools and abrasive particles or other polishing media to refine the surface of the workpiece. Benefits of car polishing: It can remove stains and scratches from the car's surface and also provides some protection to the paint. After polishing, through mirror restoration, the car's paint can be cleaned back to its original condition, while also removing oxides and corrosive substances attached to the car body.
When it comes to whether car polishing damages the paint, it depends on the situation. Professional polishing is actually a precise restoration process for the paint surface, removing oxidation layers and fine scratches to restore the paint's shine. However, the key lies in the technique: using the wrong abrasive or having the polisher speed too high can indeed thin the clear coat. I've seen many car owners attempt DIY polishing with coarse abrasive sponges, resulting in swirl marks all over the paint. Reputable auto detailing shops use paint thickness gauges to measure the paint and select waxes with appropriate cutting power for different scratches, such as ultra-fine particles for mirror finish restoration. After polishing, ceramic coating or sealant application is necessary, otherwise, the exposed paint is more prone to aging. In fact, factory paint is only about 100 microns thick and can't withstand improper polishing.
