Detailing Hacks
How to Polish
DO's and DONT's
Using a car polisher is a great way to keep your car looking like new, but it can be easy to damage your paint or make mistakes if you’re not careful. In this blog we’ll talk about How to Polish a car, going over some do’s and don’ts of using a car polisher to help you achieve the best results while avoiding any mishaps.
DO's
Clean Your Car thoroughly before polishing
Any dirt or debris on the surface can be abrasive and cause scratches when you use the polisher. This includes a complete wash with a clay bar decontamination.
Use the Right Pad for the Job
There are different types of pads made of differing materials to achieve certain levels of cutting, polishing, or finishing. Which one to use is determined by the condition of the paint and your skill level in polishing.
Use the Correct Speed Setting
Different polishers have different speed settings, and it’s important to use the right one for the project. Start on a low speed and gradually increase as needed.
Work in Small Sections
Don’t try to polish the entire car at once. Work in small sections, about 2x2 feet, and make sure to overlap each section to ensure even coverage.
Keep The Pad clean
Clean the pad regularly with a pad cleaning tool or compressed air to remove any excess polish or debris. This will help ensure even coverage and prevent any swirl marks.
Clean you polisher after every use
Knowing how to polish includes caring for your equipment. Always clean your buffer after every use to remove any compound, polish, or wax residue. This will help prevent buildup and extend the life of your machine.
DONT's
Don’t Apply Too Much Pressure
Let the weight of the polisher do the work, and don’t apply too much pressure. Applying too much pressure can cause swirl marks or damage the paint.
Don’t Use a Dirty or Damaged Pad
A dirty or worn out pad can scratch the paint, so make sure to always use clean and undamaged pads.
Don’t Use The Polisher In Direct Sunlight
The heat from the sun can cause the polish to dry too quickly, making it difficult to remove and potentially damaging the paint.
Don’t Leave The Polisher Running in One Spot
Not leaving the polisher is one spot is more imperative for rotary polishers but is a good rule of thumb across all polisher types. Keep the polisher moving in a cross hatch pattern to prevent burning or damaging the paint.
Don’t Polish too Often
Over polishing can remove too many layers of clear coat, leading to paint damage over time. Only polish when necessary.
Don’t Forget to Protect the Paint
After polishing, it is necessary to apply a layer of wax or sealant to protect the paint and give it a glossy finish.
Don’t Let Anything Drag On The Car
Belt buckles, jewelry, and polisher cords should be kept away from the car’s surface to avoid creating new scratches and swirls you’ll have to polish out.
In Conclusion
Proper techniques for using a car polisher can make the difference between a professional-looking finish and a damaged paint job. These tips ensure that you know how to polish your car correctly, avoid creating swirl marks, and protect the car’s paint. By following these do’s and don’ts of using a car polisher, you can achieve great results while avoiding any damage or mistakes.