Does Polishing Cause Color Difference?

[AndresDella]

Color difference cannot be resolved through polishing. Polishing only improves minor scratches in brightness and generally does not cause color difference issues. Automobile Scratch Repair: Car scratch wax can repair paint scratches, but it can only fix scratches that have not damaged the base coat (i.e., the color coat). For severe scratches, it won't work. The principle of scratch repair wax is to polish away the scratches. If it can be repaired, there won't be any noticeable color difference. If the gloss is slightly off, applying a brightening wax later can make it look the same as the original car paint. Automobile Color Difference Remediation Methods: If you notice the car paint color is incorrect after spraying, within one month of painting, it might be because the paint hasn't fully dried, resulting in a darker color. However, if the color difference remains obvious after a month, then the paint color is incorrect. In this case, you can ask the 4S shop to repaint it. During the spraying process, a gradient spraying technique can be used to make the car's color more similar, reducing the noticeable difference.

[MaliaRose]

I remember once when I polished my old car, I noticed uneven paint color—one side looked shiny while the other appeared dull. It turned out I had pressed too hard during polishing, thinning the topcoat excessively and revealing flaws in the underlying layers, especially problematic with metallic paint. Later, I learned that polishing itself is beneficial for repairing scratches and oxidation, but if the car has been repainted or the paint has aged, polishing may highlight color discrepancies. Now, I always test on a small area first, using professional polish and a low-speed polisher, working slowly. The key to avoiding color differences is not to overdo it—polish lightly each time and ensure even application. Overall, being cautious can minimize risks.

[VonVictoria]

I often polish my car for fun and feel that color difference is quite likely after polishing, especially when the paint surface is not in good condition. For example, if the old car paint is severely oxidized, polishing may reveal uneven shades. I've used different tools and found that manual polishing is less likely to cause color differences, but machine polishing is too fast—uneven pressure can lead to issues. Preventive methods include cleaning the car body first, checking for any history of repainting, applying neutral polish lightly, and avoiding grinding one spot for too long. The intention of polishing is to make the car shine like new, but improper techniques can backfire. Regular paint maintenance, such as protecting it from UV aging, can also reduce the risk of color differences.

[DelJulian]

Polishing can sometimes cause color discrepancies because excessive grinding of the car paint surface layer may reveal the underlying color. I have experienced situations where the color became dull and uneven after polishing, mainly due to high-speed polishing machine operation and excessive grinding on damaged paint areas. Now, when handling it, I opt for high-quality polishing wax, test a small area to observe the reaction before proceeding. Polishing is inherently a good method for restoring glossiness; color discrepancies often stem from operational errors rather than the product itself. The key is to polish shallow layers each time and maintain the health of the car paint.