Polishing your car yourself - A DIY guide

Many people mistaken waxing as the process that makes the car look good. Although a quick coat of wax will make a car shine for a while, it's polishing that really makes paint look sharp. A smooth, flawless shine is only achieved by pre-cleaning the paint, before applying the wax.

Although the two terms have become interchangeable, it is important to note that waxing and polishing are different. A polish brings paint to a smooth finish by getting rid of contaminants below the surface via the use of abrasive material. Polishes contain oils that conditions the paint, creating a gloss that is not possible with waxes.

Wax is a transparent protective coating that protects the polished area. Paint manufacturers usually recommend carnauba wax as they allow the paint to "breathe" and provide hard protection. Wax is nothing more than designed to protect the area that has been polished. Waxes made with carnauba are recommended by paint manufacturers since they allow the paint to breathe and provide hard protection.

The Functions of Polishing


Polishing helps to restore gloss and remove light surface imperfections and prepare it for the next step of waxing. Generally, polishing removes defects and imperfections which include:

•	Random, isolated scratches
•	Cobweb-effect
•	Buffer Swirl
•	Oxidation
•	Pore imbedding stains
•	Chemical etching
•	Acid rain spots
•	Etching from bird droppings

Professional polishing versus Basic Polishing

Professional detailers use different equipment and products as compared to the average car owners.

One equipment is the rotary buffing machines which can spin at high speeds. This equipment is necessary for removing deep imperfections in the paintwork such as:

•	Severe water spots or swirl marks	Rotary buffing machine used for polishing
•	Heavy oxidation due to sun and weather exposure
•	Heavy swirl marks or other micro marring
•	Poor repaint or paint repair blending
•	Poor surface finish (orange peel)
•	Heavy surface pitting from sand or road stones
With serious paint imperfections, professional detailers cut into the paintwork with abrasive pads and strong polishing compounds to smoothen the surface. A high level of skill and expertise is required to ensure excess paint is not removed in this process. While the available on shelves polish has little risk of damaging the paintwork of the car when used, these polishes are more mild and only serve to remove minor imperfections.

How to polish

When cleaning or polishing paint, always work in a shaded area out of direct sunlight. Polishes and cleaners do not work well on hot surfaces.

Work on one area at a time, covering 2 to 4 square feet. Buff off the polish residues as you go. Most polishes do not need to dry or haze before being wiped off, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

You can use a foam, terry cloth or microfiber applicator pad to apply your polish. Use a small amount of polish. A small dab is usually sufficient to polish an area of 2 to 3 square feet.

After cleaning, your car's paint should be clean, smooth, and free of streaks and minor swirls. It's now ready for waxing.

Also read

•	Starters guide to bringing the shine to your paintwork
•	Guide to waxing your car
•	Guide to claying your car