10 Common Car Polishing Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Car polishing is a great way to remove minor scratches, swirls, oxidation, and the like from your vehicle’s paint surface and restore its original shine and luster. Nonetheless, it’s important to avoid common polishing mistakes, as these can damage your paint and make your car look worse.
Luckily, this post will discuss 10 common car polishing mistakes and how to avoid them. It’ll provide tips for getting the best results from your polishing efforts, too. Read on to learn more.
Mistake #1: Not Washing The Car Before Polishing
It’s important to wash your car thoroughly before polishing it. This will remove any dirt, grime, or other impurities that could scratch your paint during the polishing process.
To wash your car, use a mild car wash soap and a clean microfiber towel. Avoid using sponges, as these can trap dirt and debris and scratch your paint.
Mistake #2: Using Too Much Polish
A little polish goes a long way. Using too much polish can make it difficult to remove and can also leave residue on your paint that’s noticeable and negatively impacts the aesthetics of your vehicle.
When applying polish, only use a small amount and spread it out evenly over the area you’re polishing. You can always add more polish if needed.
Mistake #3: Applying Polish In A Circular Motion
Applying polish in a circular motion can create swirls in your paint. To avoid this, apply polish in a straight line while only applying light pressure.
In addition, you can utilize a trusty buffer polisher to apply polish. Buffer polishers use a rotating pad to apply the polish evenly and remove any swirls or scratches. They’re helpful devices that you should have in your vehicle care and maintenance kit.
Mistake #4: Not Buffing The Polish Off Properly
If you don’t buff the polish off properly, it can leave residue on your paint. This can make your car look dull and can also attract dirt and grime.
To properly buff off polish, use a clean microfiber towel. Then, apply light pressure and buff the polish off in a straight line to avoid any noticeable swirls on your car’s surface.
Mistake #5: Polishing Under Direct Sunlight
If you polish your vehicle under direct sunlight, the polish will dry too quickly. This will make it hard to remove, and it can leave conspicuous streaks on your paint, too.
If possible, polish your car in a shaded area, such as your garage or under a tree.
If you must polish your car in direct sunlight, work in small sections and apply the polish quickly. Further, it’s advised that you do polishing during hours of the day when sunlight isn’t very strong, like early in the morning or late afternoon.
Mistake #6: Using The Wrong Type Of Polish For The Car’s Paint
There are different types of polish available for different types of car paint. Hence, it’s significant to use the right type of polish to avoid damaging your paint.
If you’re not sure what type of polish to use, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a professional detailer.
Mistake #7: Not Polishing The Entire Car
It’s important to polish the entire car, not just the parts that are visible or have scratches and other imperfections. This will ensure that your car has a consistent shine and luster.
Be sure to polish the hood, roof, trunk, doors, and bumpers. Also, don’t forget to polish the wheels and tires, although you may want to use a different type of polish for these areas.
Mistake #8: Not Protecting The Car’s Paint After Polishing
Once you’ve polished your car, it’s important to protect the paint with a wax or sealant. This will help to keep your car’s paint looking its best and will protect it from the elements as well.
Mistake #9: Not Inspecting The Work
Once you’ve finished polishing your car, it’s important to inspect the work to make sure that you’re happy with the results. Look for any swirls, scratches, or residue.
If you’re not happy with the results, you can always polish the car again.
Mistake #10: Not Practicing
The more you polish your car, the better you’ll get at it. If you’re new to car polishing, it’s a good idea to practice on a small area of the car before polishing the entire vehicle.
Tips For Getting The Best Results From Your Polishing Efforts
Here are a few tips for getting the best results from your car polishing efforts:
- Use a high-quality polishing product.
- Protect the car’s paint after polishing it with a wax or sealant.
- Inspect the work once you’re finished to make sure that you’re happy with the results.
- Be patient and take your time. Properly polishing your car takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end as it extends your vehicle’s lifespan.
Tips To Help You Pick The Best Car Polishing Supplies For Your Vehicle
There are tons of car polishing products available on the market, and it can be extremely overwhelming for you to pick the best fit for your circumstances. To help you out, continue reading below.
- Check reviews online. Go through different car sites that feature review blogs and comments from fellow car owners like yourself to find useful information concerning top-quality car polishing products that you shouldn’t miss out on.
- Ask for help from a professional. They’re well-equipped with the technical know-how of car maintenance, which includes car polishing and its intricacies. Take note of the tips that they’ll share regarding what products work well based on their experience.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample of a car polishing product before you proceed with buying a full-sized item. Many companies are able to offer smaller sample items to clients like you who like to test out products first.
- Be on the lookout for deals and promos to save on cash. Check out and take advantage of promotional runs, codes, referrals, and many more.
Conclusion
By avoiding the 10 common car polishing mistakes listed above, you can ensure that your car’s paint looks its best and that you don’t damage it in the process.
