Is Polishing Necessary After Car Painting?
3 Answers
Polishing is required and absolutely essential. Here are the relevant details about polishing: 1. Functions of Polishing: Reduces the roughness of the paint surface; Removes fine scratches and spots; Eliminates oxidation layers; Enhances the glossiness of the paint. 2. Introduction to Polishing: Car polishing is a step in the car detailing process, performed before waxing, glazing, or coating to prepare the car's surface. Glazing or coating must be preceded by polishing, and only a finely polished car can achieve a mirror-like finish. This is a mandatory step for glazing. Without polishing, the paint surface remains uneven, and the glaze will not last long, failing to provide long-term adhesion—essentially making it no different from waxing.
After getting my car repainted, I would definitely choose to polish it. Polishing isn't mandatory, but it can restore the paint to like-new condition. During the painting process, minor imperfections like orange peel effects or uneven tiny particles are inevitable, making the surface feel rough. Polishing uses machine buffing to remove those impurities, resulting in smoother and glossier paint. From my own experience, if you skip polishing, over time the paint tends to accumulate dust and age faster, making it look worn out. Plus, after polishing, the car's appearance improves significantly—friends often compliment that it looks brand new. Make sure to go to a professional shop that uses high-quality polishing compounds and tools, as DIY attempts might damage the paint. Also, it's best to apply sealant or ceramic coating after polishing to extend the glossy effect. In short, I recommend polishing—it costs a bit more, but it's worth it.
I regretted not polishing after the last paint job. The surface looked patchy and uneven under light, like an unfinished job. So I learned my lesson and will definitely polish next time. Polishing removes tiny air bubbles, dust spots, and other imperfections from the paint, making it smooth. Otherwise, I'd feel embarrassed to drive it out. Plus, I found that polished surfaces are easier to clean, with less water spotting from rain. You should try it—most paint shops offer polishing services, and it's worth the cost. Over time, unpolished paint may yellow or fade, affecting resale value. In short, polishing is essential for both appearance and practicality.
