What Are the Reasons for a Hazy and Dull Paint Surface After Polishing?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons for a hazy and dull paint surface after polishing: 1. Quality issues: The paint tends to lose its gloss after application. 2. Concentration: High-concentration clear coat can cause haziness on the sides after application. The key to painting is "thin yet wet." 3. Technique: Improper spraying can result in a hazy and uneven surface. The fullness of the paint mainly depends on the clear coat. For example, black paint may not appear as dark after application and can feel thin once dried. Polishing can then give the surface a fuller appearance. Here is more information about car polishing: 1. Definition of Polishing: Polishing refers to the process of reducing the surface roughness of a workpiece through mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical actions to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. It involves the use of polishing tools and abrasive particles or other polishing media to refine the workpiece surface. 2. Principle of Polishing: Polishing does not improve the dimensional or geometric accuracy of the workpiece but aims to achieve a smooth surface or mirror-like gloss. Sometimes, it is also used to eliminate gloss (matte finishing). Typically, a polishing wheel is used as the tool, which is made of multiple layers of canvas, felt, or leather, clamped with metal discs on both sides. The wheel's edge is coated with a polishing compound consisting of fine abrasive particles and grease. 3. Polishing Method: During polishing, the high-speed rotating polishing wheel (with a peripheral speed exceeding 20 meters per second) presses against the workpiece, causing the abrasive particles to roll and slightly cut the surface, resulting in a glossy finish. The surface roughness can generally reach Ra0.63 to 0.01 micrometers. When using a non-greasy matte polishing compound, the glossy surface can be dulled to improve its appearance.
Last time I polished the car paint myself, I also encountered a hazing issue. The entire surface turned dull and lost its shine, mainly because I was too impatient. I set the polishing machine speed too high and chose abrasive particles that were a bit too large, causing excessive friction and heat on the paint surface, which led to micro-scratches and a hazy layer. Another time, the weather was too hot, and the polishing wax dried too quickly. I didn’t clean the residue in time, leaving the surface looking dull. Now I’ve learned my lesson—I inspect the paint condition first, choose fine-grit products, control the machine speed with slow and even movements, and immediately wipe it clean with a soft cloth after polishing to restore a smooth and glossy finish. Another common mistake beginners make is neglecting preparation, like failing to thoroughly clean dust or grease from the surface. These small details can cause hazing issues. I recommend practicing on a small test area first to avoid ruining the entire surface.
As a frequent car enthusiast, I've found that the common reasons for lackluster paint after polishing include improper polishing techniques, such as uneven pressure causing localized overheating, or the use of low-quality abrasives with overly large particles that scratch the paint layer. Another key factor is environmental conditions; high temperatures and humidity can cause solvents to evaporate too quickly, forming a film-like haze on the surface. If the paint already has aging or fine cracks, polishing can actually worsen these issues. I recommend starting with medium-grade abrasives for testing rather than jumping straight to the finest ones, while also ensuring steady hand movements and consistent speed during polishing. After polishing, always perform a final cleaning by gently wiping away residual wax with a microfiber cloth, as dirt buildup can also reduce light reflection. Remember, car paint is like skin—excessive handling only damages it further. Taking it slow yields better results, and it's best to avoid working under direct sunlight, opting instead for shady periods.
