What Grit Sandpaper is Used for Car Polishing?
3 Answers
Car polishing requires the finest 500-grit sandpaper. Definition of Car Polishing: Car polishing, also known as car buffing, is a process in car detailing where the vehicle is polished before waxing, sealing, or coating. This is because paint sealing or coating requires prior polishing—only a meticulously polished car can achieve a mirror-like finish, which is an essential step in the sealing process. Purpose of Car Polishing: For paint surfaces that are oxidized, dull, or scratched, polishing removes oxides and contaminants to restore the paint's cleanliness. It is sometimes also used to eliminate gloss.
The grit size of sandpaper for car polishing depends on the depth of the scratches. I've been in car detailing for over a decade. For deep scratches, like those exposing the primer, start with coarse sandpaper of 800 to 1000 grit to remove the old paint layer. Medium scratches can be handled with 1200 to 1500 grit, while fine scratches require wet sanding with 1800 to 2000 grit for a smoother finish. Always rinse the surface with water before increasing the grit to avoid burning the paint during dry sanding. After sanding, use a polisher with a compound for the final touch—new cars have thin paint, so don’t experiment carelessly. Beginners should practice on small areas first; overly coarse sandpaper can damage the car, doing more harm than good. Keep a variety of grits in your toolkit for cost-effectiveness and convenience.
For DIY car polishing, I usually use 1200 to 1800 grit sandpaper to tackle minor scratches—it's cost-effective and works fast. For example, light door scratches can be fixed with a few passes of 1500 grit wet sanding; just avoid pressing too hard to prevent damaging the paint. Opt for high-quality sandpaper brands for better durability, and pair it with a spray bottle to keep the surface wet, reducing friction heat. After sanding, remember to wipe it dry and follow up with polishing wax to restore the shine. A tip: older cars with thicker paint can handle this method more boldly, but be cautious with new cars to avoid costly touch-ups. This trick saves shop fees and keeps your car well-maintained.
