How To Polish A Car - Step by step guide

When you drove your car off the dealership, do you recall how perfect it appeared at first? All that gloss and luster eventually gives way to scratches and swirl marks, some of which are deeper and larger than others. When patches of hard water begin to develop on the surface, even the paint job's brilliance fades.

Fortunately, it's not as difficult as you might think to bring your vehicle back to its previous splendor. The Benchmark Abrasives team shows you how to polish an automobile to make it appear as good as the day you got it in this comprehensive tutorial.

KNOWING THE ESSENTIALS OF CARS POLISHING

Polishing eliminates swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and minor etching from the vehicle's paint. Restoring the paint's gloss and clarity is the goal of this procedure. Polishing differs from waxing in this regard because the former adds a layer of protection to the paint to keep it protected from the weather.

Car polishes are available in several compositions, each with a distinct function. Selecting the appropriate polish for your car's paint will be made easier if you are aware of these types:

• ABRASIVE POLISHES: These polishes work well to eliminate surface defects because they contain small abrasive particles. While heavy-cut polishes work well for deep scratches and severe oxidation, mild polishes are good for routine maintenance and light swirl mark removal. 
• ALL-IN-ONE POLISHES: These polishes serve as a single product that combines the properties of wax and polish. They leave a protective layer on the paint surface and offer modest flaw repair. For light correction and regular maintenance, all-in-one polishes are practical.
• FINISHING POLISHES: Following the use of more aggressive polishes, finishing polishes are intended to smooth out the paint's finish. They are mostly used to remove tiny scratches, haze, and any remaining defects and contain fewer abrasive particles. Finishing polishes increase luster and get the surface ready for applying sealants or wax. 
• SWIRL REMOVERS: Often the consequence of incorrect washing or drying methods, swirl marks are light scratches that are circular or spiderweb-like. These products are designed to precisely address swirl markings. They are gentle swirl mark removers that also bring back the paint's clarity.

THE STEPS TO CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE POLISH FOR YOUR CAR'S PAINT

It takes thought to choose the right polish for the paint of your car. Making an educated choice can be aided by the actions listed below:

• Check for flaws in the paint of your car, such as oxidation, dullness, swirl marks, and scratches. Assess the kind and degree of flaws that require correction. 
• Determine whether the paint on your car is metallic, clear coat, or single-stage. To get the best effects, different paint kinds could call for different polishes or application methods.
• Select an acceptable level of abrasiveness for your polish based on the severity of the defects. More forceful polishes are required for deeper scratches or significant oxidation, whereas milder polishes work well for modest correction.
  

Do a test spot on a tiny, discrete section of the car to determine the polish's suitability and efficacy before polishing the entire thing. Proceed if the results appear satisfactory. If not, investigate further with various products until you achieve the desired outcome.

GETTING YOUR CAR READY FOR POLISHING

Before you start polishing your car, gather all the required supplies and equipment. The following is a list of things you will require:

• Car shampoo or car wash solution. 
• At least two buckets. 
• Grit guard (to stop wash mitts from getting contaminated with dirt). 
• Wet sanding discs for cars. 
• Use microfiber sponges or mittens. 
• Gentle bristle brushes (to clean wheels). 
• Drying clothes (ideally made of microfibre). 
• Clay bar or clay for detailing. 
• Quick detailer or clay lubricant. 
• Paint correction products (scratch remover, compound, or polish, if necessary). 
• If polishing by machine, use a dual-action polisher. 
• Applicator pads or polishing pads. 
• Use polishing cloths or microfiber towels. 
• Wax or paint sealant are optional finishing touches.

After assembling all the necessary parts, begin by giving the car's exterior a quick rinse with water to get rid of any loose dirt or debris. As directed by the manufacturer, fill one bucket with clean water and another with the automotive shampoo or car wash solution combined with water. Then, using a microfiber wash mitt or sponge immersed in the soapy water, begin washing the automobile from top to bottom, section by section. To get rid of dirt and prevent it from coming back onto the car's surface, make sure to rinse the wash mitt in the freshwater bucket after each section.

When cleaning, focus particularly on areas where dirt tends to collect, like the wheel wells, bottom panels, and the space behind the wheels. Use soft bristle brushes to clean the tyres, wheels, and any other difficult-to-reach or complicated locations. After you're finished, give the car a good rinse with clean water, making sure to get rid of any soap residue. Dry the car with gentle, lint-free microfiber towels to avoid water stains. Gently pat and wipe the surface, starting at the top and working your way down.

SURFACE IMPERFECTIONS FROM SANDING

It's crucial to take care of any scratches or flaws that need correction before starting the polishing process. Examine the paint surface in well-lit areas for any obvious flaws, such as swirl marks or scratches.

By sanding the metal surface using an orbital sander and automotive wet sanding discs, you may get rid of these defects. A range of grits are available for sanding discs. You should often stay to a grit range of 1500–3000 for auto body detailing. 

Wet the surface with a water spray before beginning to sand. Water will lubricate the surface, giving it a smoother finish. After applying a layer of water to the surface, you can start sanding. The depth of the marks will determine how much grit you need to start with, but 2000 grit should be plenty.

You will stand using 2500 and 3000 grit after finishing the first round with 2000 grit. The three sanding cycles should have prepared your car's surface for polishing.

A STEP-BY-STEP MANUAL FOR PAINTING A CAR

When you're ready to begin polishing, park your automobile in a covered or shaded area to avoid exposure to direct sunlight while polishing. Clear the area around the automobile of any items or obstructions that could get in the way of your progress or possibly get damaged while being polished. Next, cover nearby surfaces—like trim, rubber seals, or windows—with drop cloths made of plastic or fabric to shield them from unintentional polish splatter.

STEP 1: USE MASKING TAPE TO SHIELD SUITABLE AREA

Determine whether areas, such as emblems, badges, plastic trim, or rubber seals, are susceptible to damage from polish residues. Carefully cover these places with automotive masking tape to form a barrier that keeps the polish from getting on the delicate surfaces.

STEP 2: USE A TEST SPOT FIRST

Apply a little amount of polish to an applicator pad or microfiber towel, then work it into the paint in a small, discrete area of your car's paint surface using circular or back-and-forth motions. After polishing, examine the test area to determine the degree of rectification and, if required, modify the method or product.

STEP 3: POLISHING TECHNIQUES FOR VARIOUS PAINT TYPE

The type of paint you use will mostly determine the polishing procedure you utilize. An overview of popular paints and the ideal method for each is provided below.

1. SINGLE-STAGE PAINT: Use a polish that is moderate to medium-cut, suitable for single-stage paint. Use mild pressure to massage it into the paint after applying it to the pad or cloth. Apply polish in tiny areas, making sure to overlap each application to get even coverage.
2. CLEAR COAT PAINT: For clear coat finishes, which are typical on contemporary cars, use a medium heavy-cut polish. Using mild pressure, apply the polish on the pad or cloth and massage it into the paint. To ensure even coverage, overlap passes.
3. METALLIC PAINT: Use a mild polish made specifically for these finishes because metallic paints need extra attention. Lightly press the polish into the paint by applying it to the pad or towel. Take periodic breaks from polishing the surface to avoid overheating it.

STEP 4: APPLYING A DUAL-ACTION POLISHER

If you're using a dual-action polisher, fit the proper pad onto the polisher according to the directions provided by the manufacturer. Next, before starting the machine, put a tiny bit of polish on the pad and spread it over the painted surface. The polisher should be started at a moderate speed and gradually increased as you work. For even polishing and to avoid heat buildup, keep it moving in a continuous, overlapping pattern.

STEP 5: POLISHING WITH A STANDARD ORBITAL MACHINE (ORBITAL BUFFER)

These devices are a practical substitute for polishing by hand. They have revolving pads that move in a circular pattern, just like a hand polisher would.

These devices are easy to use and safe, but their cutting capacity is restricted. Although they might be able to fix some surface flaws, they don't offer much more polishing power than what can be done by hand. However, compared to hand polishing, utilizing these pads is far simpler and less taxing.

STEP 6: AN ANGLE GRINDER USAGE

As long as your angle grinder has variable speed capabilities, you can utilize it for auto-polishing tasks. The car's surface must not be harmed by the grinder's operation, which must be limited to less than 3000 rpm.

To polish the surface, you can use an angle grinder and an airway buffing wheel. For auto body work, we advise using our green wheel first and our white wheel last. If you don't already have them, safety flanges are also required to use airway buffing wheels.

STEP 7: APPLYING RANDOM ORBIT POLISHING MACHINES

Pads used in random orbit polishing machines are fitted with bearings that allow them to spin freely on their axis. The pad's unpredictable rotation produces a different application on the surface.

These buffing machines have powerful cutting capabilities that effectively polish surfaces and remove flaws. They offer a great combination of high performance and user-friendliness, making them especially recommended for beginners.

STEP 8: HAND POLISHING

When polishing by hand, use a tiny quantity of polish on an applicator pad or microfiber towel, and then rub the polish into the paint with even pressure while moving in circles or back and forth. Continue making corrections until the required level is reached.

Pro Tip: Use panels or body lines to break up the surface of the car into digestible chunks. Using the selected application method (manual or machine), apply the polish to each section and work it in. To guarantee consistent results, apply uniform pressure to the pad or cloth while polishing.

STEP 9: TAKE CARE OF STICKY SCRATCHES AND SWIRL MARKS

Use a more aggressive polish or compound for deeper defects or persistent scratches. Use calm, exact movements to apply the product to the affected area while focusing on a suitable pad or towel. Using less abrasive polishes, gradually finesse the area until it fits in perfectly with the surrounding paint.

STEP 10: FINISHING TOUCHES

Following polishing, you should clean the car's surface to get rid of any leftover polish and residue. Take these actions:

• To remove any last traces of polish, gently wipe with clean, soft microfiber towels. 
• Be mindful of any cracks, seams, and other difficult-to-reach places where polish could collect. 
• Examine any smudges or streaks and use a fresh microfiber cloth to remove them. 
• Before moving on to the following stage, make sure the surface is clean and clear of any remaining polish residue.

It is advised to apply a coat of wax or sealer to the polished surface to improve the shine and protect it.

• Select a premium car wax or sealant based on the type of paint on your vehicle. 
• On an applicator pad or microfiber towel, dab a tiny bit of sealer or wax. 
• To ensure even coverage, work the substance into the paint in circular motions. 
• Per the directions on the package, allow the sealer or wax to dry. 
• When dry, rub off any remaining wax residue with a fresh microfiber cloth to reveal a glossy surface. 
• Proceed to work on the rest of the car's surface, piece by piece.
• Make sure that every window and mirror has been thoroughly cleaned and polished by repeating this process.

TYRES CLEANING AND DRESSING

Remember to bring the tyres! 

• To get rid of any loose dirt or debris, give the tyres a water rinse. 
• Use a water-diluted all-purpose cleaner or a specialized tyre cleaner. 
• To get rid of tough dirt and grime, scrub the tyres with a sponge or brush with soft bristles. 
• Use water to fully rinse the cleaner off.
  

Applying a tyre dressing or protectant is an optional way to give your tyres a glossy appearance and shield them from UV rays. As directed by the product, apply it evenly using a sponge or applicator pad. Before operating the vehicle, let the dressing completely dry.

KEEPING YOUR CAR POLISHED

To keep your car's gloss after cleaning, you must establish a regular maintenance schedule. Suggested actions consist of:

• Washing your automobile regularly will help keep the shine brighter by removing dust, dirt, and other environmental impurities. For a delicate yet thorough cleaning, use a premium car shampoo together with a microfiber wash mitt or sponge. Make sure you dry everything completely after washing it with fresh, plush microfiber towels. This reduces the possibility of dirt sticking to the wet surface and avoids water stains.
• Steer clear of automatic car washes, as they can be rough and result in swirl marks or scratches. Choose touchless car washes or hand washing wherever possible. 
• Keeping the car shiny in between washes by using a microfiber duster. This keeps the polished sheen intact and reduces the possibility of scratches. 
• Apply a sealer or protective wax frequently to keep up a barrier against outside influences. This gives the paint more protection in addition to improving its sheen. 
• Using cleaning supplies designed especially for use in automobiles. Household cleansers and harsh chemicals should not be used on painted surfaces since they can erode the paint's sheen.

CONCLUSION

These detailed instructions will help you polish your car and bring back the clarity and luster of its paint. To get the greatest results, always remember to work carefully, be patient, and make adjustments as needed.