The Ultimate Car Paint Polishing Guide

Polishing paint can be a great way to revitalize the look of your vehicle. The process can be a bit tricky however, and we will go over all the details of it in this simple yet detailed guide.

Let’s break it down into some easy points:

1. Types of polishing compounds and when to use each

2. Types of polishers to use and when to use each

3. Types of car paint and how they react to polishing

4. Types of polishing pads and when to use each

The Different Types of Polishing Compounds:

There are several different types of polishing compounds that are used for polishing car paint, including:

1. Abrasive compounds: These compounds use abrasive particles, such as aluminum oxide or silicone carbide, to remove surface imperfections and scratches from the paint.

2. Non-abrasive compounds: These compounds use polishing agents, such as oils and waxes, to enhance the shine of the paint without removing material.

3. All-in-one compounds: These compounds are a combination of abrasive and non-abrasive compounds, and are designed to both remove imperfections and enhance the shine of the paint.

4. rubbing compounds: Heavier duty polishing, it's a bit more abrasive compound and it's typically used to remove more severe oxidation, water spots and stains, heavy swirl marks and other types of defects, that can't be removed by the regular polishing compounds.

here are some examples of products for each type of polishing compound:

1. Abrasive compounds: -Griot's Garage 10862 Complete Compound -Oberk Supreme Cut Compound

2. Non-abrasive compounds: -3M Perfect-It Ultrafine Machine Polish -Menzerna Super Finish 3500 Super Finish

3. All-in-one compounds: -3D Speed Car Scratch Remover Polish & Wax -RUPES UNO Protect All-in-One Polish and Protectant

4. Rubbing compounds: -3M Perfect-It EX AC Rubbing Compound -Menzerna Heavy Cut Compound 400

It's important to note that the type of polishing compound that is used will depend on the condition of the paint and the desired result. It's recommend to always test the compound on a small inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire car to ensure you are getting the desired result.

All the Different Types of Polishers and When to Use Each:

There are several types of car polishing machines available on the market, each with their own set of features and capabilities. Here are a few of the most common types of machines and their differences:

1. Rotary polisher: A rotary polisher has a spinning head that rotates in a circular motion. It is a powerful tool that can remove heavy swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation quickly. However, it requires a certain level of skill and experience to use, as it can burn through paint if not used correctly.

2. Dual action (DA) polisher: A dual action polisher has a spinning head that oscillates in a circular motion, meaning it spins and moves in a circular pattern at the same time. It is generally considered to be safer to use than a rotary polisher, as it is less likely to burn through paint. However, it may not be as effective at removing heavy imperfections as a rotary polisher.

3. Orbital polisher: An orbital polisher has a spinning head that moves in an elliptical pattern. It is considered to be the safest type of polisher to use, as it is very difficult to burn through paint with this type of machine. However, it may not be as effective at removing heavy imperfections as a rotary or dual action polisher.

4. Manual hand polisher: A manual hand polisher is a handheld tool that can be used to polish cars by hand, it generally comes with different attachments such as pads, wool or microfiber pads. This type of machine is ideal for smaller areas or tight spaces, but it may take longer to achieve the desired results compared to the machine-powered polishers.

Here are some examples of each type of polisher:

1. Rotary polisher: DeWalt Rotary Polisher

2. Dual action (DA) polisher: Rupes Dual Action Polisher

3. Orbital polisher: Rupes Random Orbital Polisher

In summary, rotary polishers are the most powerful but also the most demanding in terms of skill and experience to use. Dual-action polishers are a safer choice, while orbital polishers are the safest and most beginner-friendly option. Manual hand polisher is a good option for tight areas, it is slower but allows the operator more control in those tight areas.

The 7 Different Types of Automotive Paint Explained:

There are several types of car paint, including:

1. Acrylic Enamel: This type of paint is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also easy to apply and dries quickly.

   • acrylic enamel is also known as single stage paint and when polishing this paint, you will be polishing both the clearcoat and basecoat together. Often times it’s important to polish this type of paint when it starts to become dull and hazy looking

     here is a video on the process:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNdDbx-N5vw&ab_channel=HOWSTUFFINMYCARWORKS

2. Urethane: This type of paint is known for its high gloss and durability, as well as its ability to resist fading and chipping. It is more common on classic vehicles and is more difficult to apply, but has a great look.

   1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PQtIFKXhvo&ab_channel=ARoadLessTraveledwithRestoreCars

3. Lacquer: This type of paint was commonly used in the past, but is now less popular due to its tendency to yellow and crack over time. It dries quickly and can be easily polished to a high gloss.

   1. This is also a single stage paint. Here’s a great video on polishing lacquer car paint:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1VKs5zgYOs&ab_channel=Adam%27sPolishes

4. Enamel: This type of paint is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is also easy to apply and dries quickly.

   1. this type of paint is great for boats, here’s a video on how to polish this type of paint:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmITmmtlE3s&ab_channel=ParadiceGarage

5. Basecoat/Clearcoat: This is a two-stage painting process in which a color basecoat is applied first, followed by a clear topcoat. This method allows for a deep, glossy finish and better color stability over time. This type of paint is what most vehicles have.

6. Waterborne: This type of paint is made from water-based ingredients and has lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions, making it more eco-friendly and less toxic than traditional solvent-based paints. This type of paint is very soft and vulnerable to scratching.

7. Synthetic: This type of paint is a combination of different materials that give a better finish and durability and can be used for different types of surfaces.

All the Different Types of Polishing Pads:

There are several types of car polishing pads, including:

1. Foam pads - These are the most commonly used pads and come in a variety of densities, from soft to firm. They are ideal for applying polishes and waxes and can be used with both rotary and dual-action polishers.

2. Microfiber pads - These pads are made from a combination of microfiber and foam and are known for their ability to remove fine scratches and swirl marks. They are also gentle on paint and can be used with both rotary and dual-action polishers.

3. Wool pads - These pads are made from natural sheep's wool and are known for their aggressive cutting power. They are typically used for heavy-duty polishing and are best used with rotary polishers.

4. Finishing pads- These pads are the final step in the polishing process and are used for applying sealants and waxes. They are made from soft foam or microfiber and are used with a dual-action polisher.

5. Compounding pads - These pads are used for removing heavy defects such as scratches, oxidation, and swirl marks. They are typically made from a firmer foam and are used with a rotary polisher.

Most Common polisher pad sizes:

1. 3-inch polishers - These are the smallest polishers and are ideal for small areas and tight spaces. They are also great for getting into hard-to-reach areas such as door jams and around emblems.

2. 4-inch polishers - These are slightly larger than 3-inch polishers and are ideal for larger areas, such as the hood, roof, and trunk.

3. 5-inch polishers - These are the most popular size of polisher and are ideal for both large and small areas. They are also great for getting into tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas.

4. 6-inch polishers - These are slightly larger than 5-inch polishers and are ideal for larger areas such as the entire car body.

5. 7-inch polishers - These are the largest size of polisher and are typically used for heavy-duty polishing and paint correction work. They are also great for large areas such as vans, trucks, SUVs, and boats.

Recommended pads:

1. Microfiber and Foam Pads Kit: Lake Country CCS Smart Pads 5.5 inch

2. Wool Pad: Rupes BigFoot Medium Wool 6.75” Orbital Polishing Pad

3. Finishing pad: Lake Country CCS Black Foam Finishing Pad 5.5”

How to Sell Paint Polishing and Paint Correction Services:

If you’re a detailer yourself and looking to learn how to sell these services, here’s some important points to remember and using the knowledge you now have, you can sell these services with more confidence. Here are a few key points you can use to sell the service:

1. Improved appearance: Paint polishing and correction can remove scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections, leaving the paint with a glossy, smooth finish.

2. Increased value: A properly polished and corrected car will look newer and more well-maintained, which can increase its resale value.

3. Protection: Polishing and correcting the paint can also remove surface contaminants that can damage the paint over time. It also can provide added protection by adding a sealant or a wax to the paint which can help protect against future damage.

4. Cost-effective: Paint polishing and correction is a cost-effective way to maintain and improve the appearance of a car. It's often cheaper than repainting a car, and it can be done on a regular basis to keep the car looking great.

5. Time-efficient: A professional paint polishing and correction service can be completed in a relatively short amount of time, so the customer's car will be back on the road looking like new in no time.

It's also important to build trust with the customer by explaining your experience and qualifications, and providing them with before and after photos of previous work you have done. This can help to give them confidence in your ability to provide a high-quality service.

Hope that helps with polishing, feel free to comment down below any other products you felt were worthy of recommending!

Stay Shining San Diego!