How is car polishing done?
3 Answers
Steps for car polishing: 1. Use car wash soap to clean the surface of the car paint, especially hard particles like dust, as they can easily scratch the paint during the polishing process; 2. Select the appropriate sandpaper, wet it, and roughly sand the surface of the car paint until the scratches are smooth; 3. Choose a suitable polishing machine and apply polishing wax to polish the sanded areas; 4. Wipe the polished areas with a mirror finish treatment agent. Car polishing is a step in the car detailing process, performed before waxing, sealing, or coating. This is because sealing and coating require prior polishing, and only a finely polished car can achieve a mirror-like finish, which is a necessary step for sealing.
I used to do car polishing at home, finding it both cost-effective and rewarding. The process goes like this: First, park the car in the shade, wash it thoroughly with dedicated car shampoo to remove stains, and dry the surface. Then inspect the paint for issues like minor scratches or oxidation layers. Prepare polishing tools: buy a bottle of polishing compound, and use either a manual polishing pad or rent an electric polisher. Apply the polishing compound evenly on the paint, start the machine at low speed, move it in circular motions without going too fast, hold it for a few seconds on each spot, and apply moderate pressure to avoid burning the paint. After polishing, buff it with a clean microfiber cloth. Finally, apply wax to protect the shine. The job takes about two hours, and the car looks brand new afterward—it’s a great feeling. Remember to wear gloves and goggles for protection. I do this once a year, saving around $300-400 compared to a professional service. The best part is the peace of mind from maintaining the car myself. Every car enthusiast should give it a try.
Our car detailing shop follows a standardized polishing procedure. Start with a thorough wash to remove all dust, especially on the hood and door handles. Use a clay bar to tackle stubborn contaminants like bug splatter or tree sap. Select polishing compounds and pads based on paint condition, then safely initiate the dual-action polisher at low speed. Work in sections: roof, hood, and side panels, applying even pressure for 20-30 seconds per area while checking restoration progress. Rinse with clean water and dry-inspect post-polishing. Seal with professional wax for UV protection during the waxing step. The key lies in uniform pressure control and time management – beginners often apply excessive pressure, risking deeper scratches. Tools like DA polishers require proper maintenance, including regular pad cleaning. The entire process takes under 45 minutes and can extend paint lifespan by 5+ years.
