Car polishing
The paint on a car not only protects the body from corrosion but is also crucial for the vehicle's aesthetics. Car polishing addresses the latter aspect. Polishing a car brings back its almost factory-like shine. It not only removes minor scratches but also eliminates the effects of paint oxidation. As a result, the car appears well-maintained and gains in value.
Tips
Hand polishing the car's paint removes scratches and dullness, restoring the body's shine and transparency. This makes the car look well-cared for and younger.
Polishing requires the right equipment, materials, and most importantly, knowledge. Incorrect polishing can lead to burning the paint or causing swirl marks. It is best to entrust the procedure to a professional mechanic and avoid attempting it on your own.
Improperly preparing the car's surface for polishing can result in the formation of swirl marks on the paint.
Polishing the paint excessively is not advisable. For cars with thin paint layers, repeating the process two or three times can wear down the paint and affect its color integrity.
Scope of services
Assessment of the paint condition and selection of the appropriate polishing method.
Thoroughly washing the car's body and removing any contaminants from the surface using a clay bar.
Professional car paint polishing, which removes scratches and signs of color dullness.
Final washing of the vehicle after polishing to remove any residual polishing compound and holograms from the paint.
Optionally, the car's paint can be protected with a wax coating.
Find a car workshop
Check out our workshops that offer the service car polishing in some of the biggest cities in your country
Additional info about the service
Benefits of Car Paint Correction:
Car polishing is primarily an abrasive process that involves removing the outer layer of clear coat paint, which covers the actual color and the topcoat layer. This well-composed polishing process offers several advantages. It not only eliminates scratches but also reduces the effects of color oxidation, restoring its shine. For this reason, polishing is a common method used to prepare used cars for sale. Both car dealers importing used cars and private individuals looking to sell their current vehicle use this method.
However, car polishing has other benefits as well. It helps preserve the paint and prevents deeper imperfections that could potentially lead to corrosion over time.
When to Polish a Car? Isn't Wax Enough?
It's essential to remember that car polishing involves wearing down the outer layer of the clear coat paint, gradually thinning the car's paint. Therefore, the procedure should not be performed too frequently. Repeatedly subjecting the car to extensive polishing could wear down the paint to the point where it exposes the basecoat. Polishing should, therefore, be used as a temporary solution. For more frequent paint maintenance, regular washing and hand application of wax are recommended.
Car polishing is recommended when the car's body shows noticeable scratch marks. However, these scratches may only be present on the clear coat. For damages that reveal the white basecoat, polishing will not be effective. Additionally, polishing may be considered if the exterior surface of the entire car appears dull. Over time, debris from the road can lead to sanding and the formation of numerous micro-scratches.
How to Polish a Car? What Materials to Use?
Before proceeding with car polishing, the vehicle must be taken to a car wash. The car's body needs to be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and even the tiniest grains of sand using shampoo. If these particles were to get under the polishing pad during the process, they could cause circular scratches on the paint. Other contaminants may also be removed, sometimes even with the use of a clay bar. After washing, the car's body must be thoroughly dried with a large microfiber towel to remove not only water but also remaining contaminants. Once the car is washed and dried, it is ready to be taken to the polishing workshop.
Is DIY Car Polishing Possible? How to Avoid Burning the Paint?
In theory, a car owner can attempt to polish the car's paint themselves. However, they would first need to overcome three obstacles. Firstly, there's the knowledge aspect. Only a professional workshop can guarantee that the paint won't be burned, and no plastic parts on the body will be damaged during the process. Secondly, there's the matter of the necessary equipment. A machine, polishing pads, polishing compound, and sometimes even a clay bar are required. Thirdly, some parts of the car must be protected using masking tape.
If you decide to attempt DIY polishing, it's essential to learn about the concept of burning the car's paint. This occurs when the rotation speed is too high or the polishing machine is held in one place for too long, causing the paint to overheat. As a result, the paint will develop a defect known as "purchla." After a car wash or other stress, parts of the paint will simply peel off the body. The consequences of burning the paint can usually only be resolved through repainting.
Another step that a professional workshop would take is protecting plastic finishing elements or headlights with tape. This prevents scratching and the accumulation of polishing compound residues on these surfaces. The mechanic would then apply a small amount of polishing compound to the pad, spread it over the car's body, and turn on the machine. Circular motions are typically used, such as from left to right, but some workshops may have their own techniques, like polishing from the bottom to the top. During the polishing process, it's essential to check the condition of the pad, as a worn-out pad may not effectively polish and may even cause scratches.
A significant challenge is selecting the correct polishing machine speed. Sometimes, a speed of 1000 revolutions per minute is sufficient, while other times the machine must rotate at a rate twice as high. The proper speed comes with experience and the ability to adjust to the paint's condition.
The final stage of polishing is removing the so-called "hologram" and any remaining polishing compound during the car wash. Holograms are circular marks left by the polishing machine. Even a small amount of polishing compound can cause black plastic finishing elements on the car to lose their matte appearance. The presence of polishing compound residues is a common issue with cars sold by dealers, as it's a result of hasty and quick procedures.
Polishing is not Limited to Paint Only. Glass and Headlight Restoration Also Possible
Car paint polishing is just one of the procedures that professionals can perform. Using a polishing compound, they can also restore the clarity of the car's front windshield and plastic headlight covers. Mechanical polishing removes scratches and dullness, ensuring better visibility through the windshield and preventing glare while driving at night. The headlights also provide improved illumination of the road ahead.