Does Full Car Polishing Damage the Paint?

[ReeseLee]

Full car polishing does cause some damage to the paint. Here is relevant knowledge about the paint damage caused by full car polishing: Paint damage from polishing: The normal thickness of car paint is between 80-120 microns, and polishing once typically removes 2-3 microns. An occasional polishing session is not a big issue, but polishing too frequently for the sake of appearance can actually worsen the damage to the paint. The purpose of full car polishing: Full car polishing is necessary after a full paint job. In fact, even partial paint jobs require polishing because spray mist, dust, and other imperfections can occur during the painting process. Without polishing, these imperfections would be easily noticeable on the paint surface.

[Hope]

When I first got my used car, I thought polishing could make it shine like new, but I regretted it after my first DIY attempt—using regular sandpaper and coarse wax, which ended up leaving fine scratches on the paint. Later, I learned that polishing is actually a process of removing oxidation and scratches, and proper operation shouldn’t damage the paint. However, improper techniques like excessive force or high frequency can thin the clear coat, reducing its protective properties. Experts recommend professional polishing no more than once a year. After learning my lesson, I switched to an electric polisher with a mild polishing compound and now do it annually. The paint’s gloss has improved significantly without further damage. The key is to avoid cheap, low-quality tools and prioritize regular paint condition checks over blind polishing.

[OCharles]

Polishing, as a common step in car detailing, can indeed damage the paint if not properly controlled. From my experience, polishing itself involves lightly abrading the surface with abrasives to restore gloss, but excessive treatment can thin the paint layer and compromise rust protection. I've learned that it's best to thoroughly clean the vehicle before polishing and use a machine rather than manual operation to reduce the risk of uneven pressure. Moreover, frequent polishing, such as monthly, is definitely harmful—car paint needs care just like skin; don't sacrifice long-term durability for temporary shine. It's recommended to combine waxing for maintenance and reduce the frequency of polishing.

[IanAnn]

Improper polishing can definitely damage the car paint. I once tried using a regular sponge for polishing and ended up with fine scratches. In fact, polishing only removes surface imperfections, but applying too much force or spending too much time can grind down the paint layer. I recommend beginners not to attempt it themselves and instead seek professional help, as they know the appropriate amount of force to use. Avoid doing it too frequently; once a year is enough to maintain the car paint's shine.

[LeAlessandra]

In the long run, frequent full car polishing can cause cumulative damage to the paint. Each polishing removes a bit of clear coat, and over the years, the paint layer becomes thinner, making it more susceptible to UV and rain erosion. My car once suffered from fading due to excessive polishing, and later I learned to control the frequency—no more than once every two years, combined with ceramic coating for enhanced protection. Remember, paint aging is normal; don't pursue a perfect surface at the expense of healthy maintenance.