How to Perform Local Polishing After Car Paint Touch-up by Yourself?
2 Answers
If you want to polish by yourself, use a soft, specialized cloth for cleaning the car body, then apply polishing wax for surface polishing to maintain long-lasting smoothness. When using a polishing machine, keep the machine moving at a constant speed. This ensures a polished finish that rivals the appearance of a new car.
I really enjoy polishing the touch-up paint on my car in my own garage. I remember the first time I did it using a manual sponge and polishing compound. First, let the touched-up area dry completely, usually leaving it for a full day, then wash off surface dust with car wash soap. Preparing the polishing tools is crucial—I use a dual-sided sponge bought from the supermarket and a clean microfiber cloth, paired with a medium-cut polishing compound. Be gentle when applying: squeeze the compound onto the sponge, spread it evenly over a small area, and then polish in circular motions with even pressure. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent scratching the fresh paint. Work on small sections at a time, about the size of a palm, repeating two to three times before stopping. Wipe away any residue and check for even gloss. I recommend doing this at night for better lighting to avoid mistakes. Doing it myself saved me hundreds, and the whole process took just half an hour—best of all, the tools cost only 50 yuan for the full set. I also make a habit of applying some car wax afterward for protection, keeping the shine for half a year. If there are minor imperfections in the paint, I’ll try a softer tool next time before touching up again for practice.
