What Materials Are Needed for Car Polishing?
3 Answers
Materials used for car polishing include a polishing machine, polishing pads such as wool pads, rabbit hair pads, sponge pads, etc., polishing compounds, masking film, paper tape, etc. Generally, after polishing is completed, waxing, sealing, or coating is required. The steps for car polishing are as follows: 1. Wash the entire car. Use a paint cleaner with strong decontamination power to clean the entire car. When using the cleaner, avoid causing new scratches from particle dust during the polishing process. 2. Sand with water sandpaper. For defects such as coarse particles, fine sandpaper marks, or flow marks on the paint surface, use 600#-1000# water sandpaper wrapped around a small rubber block to gently sand the surface until smooth before polishing. Be careful not to sand through the paint layer. 3. Coarse and fine grinding. Use a mechanical grinder with coarse polishing compound to grind away the marks left by the water sandpaper, then add fine polishing compound for fine polishing. 4. Polishing. Use a mechanical polisher with a mirror finish compound to remove the swirl marks left by the coarse polishing compound, achieving a mirror-like finish on the paint film. 5. Manual polishing. After grinding and polishing, wipe off the polishing compound and immediately use a cotton cloth soaked in polishing wax to wipe the polished areas. Then, use a dry cotton cloth to remove any excess wax, leaving the paint surface bright and dazzling like a mirror.
As a vintage car owner who frequently does DIY polishing at home, the required materials include polishing compound—I use a liquid polish with medium cutting power to remove scratches, paired with a dual-action polisher and different buffing pads: coarse pads for deep scratches and fine pads to enhance gloss. Microfiber cloths are also essential for wiping away residue, along with masking tape to protect window edges from accidental contact. Safety gear is a must, such as protective goggles and gloves. The entire process is best done in sections—start by washing the car to clean the surface, then apply a small amount of polish to a test area. After completion, rinse with water and dry with a towel, then apply a layer of wax for long-term paint protection. Remember to control the speed to avoid burning the paint, and opt for cost-effective mass-market brands for materials.
From a professional repair perspective, the core of polishing materials lies in high-quality abrasive compounds and matching tools. I prefer heavy-duty polishers paired with professional-grade DA polishers, along with wool or foam pads to address different vehicle conditions. Masking tape is essential for protecting non-painted areas, and isopropyl alcohol ensures a dust-free surface by cleaning the paint. For safety, wear a dust mask and rubber gloves. Material selection should be based on the age of the paint: use mild compounds for new paint, while older paint may require deep-cut treatments to reduce oxidation. It's advisable to test on a small area first to monitor results and avoid over-polishing that could damage the primer. Opt for reputable brands like 3M to ensure consistent outcomes.
