How to Polish a Car After Painting?

[MacJocelyn]

Wash the entire vehicle to avoid particles and dust causing new scratches during the grinding process. Use water sandpaper for grinding. Before polishing, use water sandpaper soaked in water to grind the surface until it is smooth. Apply polishing compound for fine grinding. Then use a polishing machine with a mirror-finish treatment agent to remove swirl marks left by the coarse polishing compound. Finally, perform manual polishing.

[McJake]

I just had my car repainted, and the polishing step was crucial. After the paint fully dries, usually waiting a day or two is necessary—don't rush it, or you might scratch the finish. I used compressed air to remove dust and debris to avoid grinding in particles during polishing. Then, I took out my rotary polisher with a coarse compound to start sanding, focusing on removing orange peel and unevenness from the paint job. The key is gentle, even strokes, starting from the roof and moving toward the edges. After switching to a fine compound for a glossy finish, I applied a layer of protective wax to maintain shine and prevent oxidation. The whole process was a bit tiring, but seeing the car look brand new made it all worth it! The tools are easy to find online, and getting started isn't difficult.

[DelReed]

The key to polishing after car painting lies in the process sequence and proper tools. First, ensure the paint surface is completely dry for at least 24 hours, then clean it thoroughly with professional cleaner. I prefer using a D/A dual-action polisher, starting with an 800-grit sanding pad for initial coarse grinding across the entire area uniformly. Then switch to a 3000-grit fine polishing pad for further refinement to eliminate marks left by coarse grinding. Maintain medium speed range during operation and apply even pressure to avoid creating hot spots or grinding through the paint layer. Finally, seal the surface with wax glaze to protect the paint and maintain rich, lasting color. This method is suitable for DIY-capable car owners to learn.

[DiEzra]

As a beginner, I learned my lesson during my first car polishing attempt. After spraying paint, patiently wait for it to dry for at least 24 hours to avoid premature operation that may cause scratches. Wear protective gloves and goggles to minimize risks. Before using the polisher, test it on an inconspicuous area first, adjust the rotation speed not too high, and move the machine slowly from the center outward. Don't rush the process, as excessive grinding can thin the paint. Clean all tools after completion to develop good habits. When in doubt, consulting professionals is safer and more reliable.