Should the car be polished after repainting?

[McSara]

After repainting, the car should be polished, but it is not recommended to polish immediately. You can wait three to seven days after painting before performing the polishing process. The car can be washed 24 hours after repainting and can be used normally. Reasons for polishing after repainting: 1. The painting engineer accidentally let some impurities fall into the paint during the work process; 2. Dust in the paint booth entered the paint; 3. After painting, some areas have flaws that need to be sanded with sandpaper; 4. It can make the paint surface feel more even; 5. It ensures that there is no color difference between the new paint and the old paint, making it look as if no repainting was done; 6. It can make the paint surface smoother and more glossy.

[McElla]

Repainting indeed requires polishing afterwards, which I've personally experienced several times. Right after painting, the surface always has some rough particles or orange peel texture, feeling less smooth to the touch. That's when polishing comes into play. Last time at the repair shop, I saw the technician first use 1000-grit sandpaper to remove imperfections, then switch to 2000-grit fine sandpaper, and finally use a polishing machine with special wax to make the paint surface as smooth as a mirror. Polishing isn't just about making the paint look better; more importantly, it seals the clear coat to prevent rainwater from seeping in. Skipping this step could result in the new paint turning dull and dark within half a year, wasting your money. Don't forget regular waxing and maintenance to make the polishing effect last longer.

[StChristian]

From the principle of car paint repair, polishing is absolutely necessary. I just helped a friend with this issue - after repainting, there are microscopic imperfections left, professionally called orange peel texture. Polishing uses three grades of abrasive compounds with rotary wheels, employing different speeds for layered grinding. This eliminates oxidation layers, repairs hairline scratches, and makes the clear coat more transparent. Special note: wait one week after repainting until the surface fully hardens before polishing, otherwise damage may occur. I recommend choosing professional shops, as unskilled technicians may grind through the clear coat. Remember to apply sealant treatment quarterly after polishing to reduce washing-induced scratches.

[VanBrynlee]

I've observed numerous paint spraying cases and concluded that polishing is essential. Unpolished car paint surfaces resemble frosted glass, scattering light reflections. Especially for metallic paints, fine polishing is required to bring out the particle luster. Regular repair shops often use a three-step method: coarse polishing to remove imperfections, medium polishing to enhance brightness, and fine polishing to increase mirror effects. However, be cautious as excessive polishing can thin the clear coat layer. It's best to specify paint thickness standards in the repair contract. Remember not to wash the car within 48 hours after polishing to avoid water stains damaging the paint surface.

[SanPaislee]

I have a deep understanding of car paint polishing. Last year, after my white car was repainted without polishing, fine sun marks appeared within three months, especially noticeable on rainy days. Later, I went to a professional shop for a two-hour polishing session, and it looked brand new. The technician explained that the hardness of new and old paint differs and must be blended through treatment. Now I know polishing isn't just a cosmetic step—it uses friction heat to realign clear coat molecules, forming a dense protective layer. During the process, the technician changes the wool pad three times and sprays water continuously to cool the surface. It's truly a skilled craft.