What Types of Scratches Can Car Polishing Repair?
2 Answers
Car polishing can repair most scratches, including minor paint scratches, moderate scratches, or those that have reached the primer or metal layer. However, since vehicle polishing causes some damage to the paint, it is recommended to use wax for minor scratches. The clear coat of a vehicle is approximately between 40 to 60 microns, and each polishing session removes about 5 microns of the clear coat. Generally, a vehicle can only undergo 8 to 12 polishing sessions. Therefore, car owners should avoid frequent polishing and may opt for an annual polishing session to keep the paint looking as good as new. After car polishing, issues affecting the vehicle's appearance, such as the oxidation layer on the paint surface, scratches on the body, and reduced paint gloss due to oxidation, can be resolved. This process reduces the roughness of the wax surface, resulting in a shiny and smooth finish.
I think polishing mainly deals with minor surface scratches on cars, such as shallow marks from improper washing, swirl marks, or fine lines from slight friction. These scratches are usually in the clear coat layer and haven't damaged the color coat underneath. Using abrasives to gradually smooth them out during polishing can restore the car's shine. Deeper scratches that expose the primer can't be fixed this way and require repainting. I often do DIY polishing—just get a simple machine, it's easy to operate and saves money. I recommend doing it regularly to prevent oxidation. Remember to wax after polishing to protect the paint longer, block UV damage, and avoid future issues. When washing your car, avoid hard brushes, and park away from branches and other objects. These small habits can reduce scratches and save you a lot on maintenance costs.
