There has been a rumbling amount of noise and confusion, partly due to product manufacturers, regarding polish. Isn't it just wax that shines and protects? If I wax there's no need for Polish. A two in one polish is sufficient. And so on. Before you can learn how to polish your car like professional detailing companies, you should first know exactly what a polish is-and why you need both a polish and a wax for optimal results.
Polish is an abrasive that actually removes a thin layer of paint in order to smooth out the finish and reveal a high gloss shine. The two types of polishes, pure polish and cleaner polish are meant to provide brilliant shines in different situations. Pure polish is used by detailing services providers on cars with an already impeccable finish-used to add the unmistakable, clear reflection gloss that only a polish can. Cleaner polish is an abrasive used to even out surface scratches on cars with imperfect finishes which provides a smooth beautifully shined result. In either case, polish is an abrasive and should be used before waxing.
What exactly is wax for? Waxing your car is solely to protect its shine and finish. Therefore, the shine should already exist if you are to protect it. While waxing will/can produce shine to a dull car finish, it will not directly address the problem like a polish will. Now that we've distinguished the two, lets discuss how the detailing services providers suggest polishing your car be done.
By Hand or Machine?
There are two ways to apply polish to your vehicle-by hand or by using an orbital or rotary buffer. Both methods require a little practice, the buffer more than by hand, but either can be used to provide the gleaming result the detailing services perfect.
If you decide to polish by hand, you don't run the risk of burning through or damaging the paint. If you're confident in your machine buffing skills then go for it, otherwise leave it to the professional detailers. For the sake of this article, we'll explore the hand polishing method.
Before polishing, you have to thoroughly wash your car with a car-specific cleaning gel or soap and a soft car sponge. Doing so ensures removal of surface grime and contaminants. Dry your car completely using a microfiber based towel. Terry towels are often used but leave behind pieces of fabric which adds a dusting step to the process. After washing, use a clay bar or product, coupled with a detailing spray and dry microfiber towel, on the areas of particularly stubborn debris and impurities to clean your car. Now it's time to polish!
Tip: To know which polish to use, run the tip of our finger or fingernail along your vehicle. You're looking to feel any scratches. If you don't your cars finish is in amazing condition and you can apply a fine polish. For those with some imperfections to work out, here's the process.
- Apply a more abrasive polish (medium grade). Although the paint and clear-coat layer is really thin, especially on factory paint jobs, an aggressive polish shouldn't harm it. Again this type of polish is required for finishes with scratches you can feel but that are not deep past the paint layers and into the metal. For deep scratches you'll want to use a fill in paint and a mild sand paper to smooth the area before you polish.
- Start with a 2x2 section of the car and using a microfiber towel apply the polish-an amount equal to the size of a nickel works well.
- You'll have to fold the towel so that it fits comfortably in your hand. Polishing like the detail services requires pressure. If you hold the towel comfortably you can apply even pressure for better results.
- Apply the polish using a circular (clockwise) motion to evenly apply it to the area. Then using diagonal, up-down and left-right motions, work it in.
- Once the compound turns clear and breaks up evenly, gently wipe it off. Use excellent lighting because you'll need to check your work before moving on the next panel. The better you can see, the more impeccably you can polish.
Expert Tip: Don't apply a polish or rubbingcompound at heavier grade than medium to dark colored cars. Should your scratches require filling in, seek the opinion of detailing services provider before trying to DIY. This is because hand waxing, while safer, can only correct so much.
2. Applying a finer grade polish requires the same above mentioned steps minus the
filling in of scratches.
filling in of scratches.
Once you've successfully completed the first 2x2 area with beautiful results, move on to the next until you've completed every area necessary. Don't forget, you have to protect your work so remember to wax any area that you polish, every time.
