Does Polishing Cause Significant Damage to Car Paint?
2 Answers
Polishing does cause significant damage to car paint. Frequent polishing can lead to the paint becoming thinner and may even result in the paint being worn through. It is recommended that a car should not undergo polishing more than five times in its lifetime. After 3 to 4 years of exposure to the elements, a car's paint will inevitably lose its luster, and appropriate polishing is necessary to achieve a mirror-like effect. The steps for polishing are as follows: 1. Wash the entire car: Use a paint cleaner with strong decontamination power to wash the car, avoiding the creation of new scratches from dust particles during the polishing process. 2. Sand with water sandpaper: For defects such as rough particles, fine sandpaper marks, or flow marks on the paint surface, gently sand until the surface is smooth. 3. Coarse and fine grinding: Use a machine grinder with coarse grinding paste for grinding. 4. Perform mechanical polishing with a polishing machine. 5. Manual polishing: Use a cotton cloth dipped in polishing wax to wipe the polished areas, then use a dry cotton cloth to remove any excess wax.
As a long-time car owner who maintains my own vehicle, I believe the issue of paint damage from polishing shouldn't be generalized. The key lies in frequency and method: occasional polishing actually has benefits—it removes minor scratches, restores shine, and gives your beloved car a fresh look. However, if done too frequently, such as multiple times a year, it can thin the clear coat, reducing its protective capabilities. I've tried it several times myself, and using professional polishing compounds with soft pads yields good results. But improper techniques or low-quality products can make the paint more prone to oxidation or UV damage. To avoid harming the car, I recommend pairing polishing with regular waxing to replenish protection and extend the intervals between polishing sessions. Also, avoid using harsh detergents during regular car washes to minimize the need for polishing. In short, it's safe as long as you strike the right balance—just don't treat it as part of your daily maintenance routine.
