Car Polish Service Near Me? 77 Most Correct Answers

differences in wording. Scratch and Swirl Remover products generally perform similarly to grinding and polishing pastes. However, scratch and swirl removers are formulated and product directions are tailored to repair light general surface imperfections or localized repairs.

Decide which scratch repair product is best for your car. When oxidation and matting are the priorities; then rubbing and polishing pastes are best to use. If the focus is on scratch repair or surface imperfection removal, then the focus should be on scratch repair or scratch and swirl removal products.

Polishing is almost a dark art in the auto detailing world: if you believe all the talk about it, it can do everything from removing a small scratch to making the damage of a major crash disappear. In reality, it’s usually the most intense repair that can be done to existing paint, but it can’t do the same job as repainting.

What is polishing?

Polishing is a process of covering large scratches with smaller and smaller scratches until those scratches are no longer visible to the naked eye. This will keep your car’s paintwork looking good up to a point, but eventually the imperfections in the paint finish and damage caused by exposure to the elements will dull it. This is where polishing comes into play.

Polishing uses polishes, but it removes a thin layer of paint from the surface of body panels, taking scratches and damaged paint with it. The result is a smooth, fresh paint finish that restores the car’s shine.

When should my car be polished?

If buffing and cleaning your car paint doesn’t bring back its shine, it’s time to buff. However, buffing is not a one-step process: when the paint is flat, it still has microscopic scratches that need to be buffed out, and then the remaining tiny scratches need to be filled in with a glaze to get the paint’s best shine. When you have your car polished at Merton Auto, we go through all three steps to give your car the best possible finish.

Buffing isn’t just for old paint, either. A new paint job doesn’t have a perfectly smooth surface, so it takes the same care to get the finish you expect from fresh paint.

types of polishing

Hand Buffing – This is simply the use of a mild buffing compound and a rag to remove paint from a small area. This can level the paint surface around a small scratch to make it disappear.

Orbital Buffing – An orbital buffer rotates a foam disk, but this disk also moves in a circular pattern to prevent the pad from staying in one place for too long. It’s not as intense as high-speed polishing, so it’s typically used by professionals for finishing.

High Speed ​​Buffing – A larger pad and higher speeds let a high speed buffer remove a lot of paint at once. This removes major damage quickly, but can very easily damage the paintwork. While amateurs can attempt hand or even orbital polishing, high speed polishing should always be left to the professionals.

Polishing is about much more than how it is applied. There are a number of polishing pads and polishing pastes designed for specific tasks ranging from removing heavy oxidation to finishing, and it takes an expert to know which combinations produce the best results.

When is polishing not enough?

The results of polishing can be dramatic, but it’s not a panacea. There is a limited amount of paint that can be removed: if there is too much paint to remove or not enough paint left to survive the process, the surface will need to be repainted.

If the color is heavily oxidized, it will appear chalky. At this point the color is probably too far gone to polish.

A deep scratch can penetrate the paint to the primer or metal. Smoothing the surface would remove enough paint to expose the body panel to the elements.

Cars have been painted using the clear coat process for around 25 years. This will apply a thick layer of clear coat over the colored base coat. If this layer is damaged, it can flake off, exposing the base layer. The only way to restore the finish is with a new coat of paint.

Where can I have my car polished?

When you need your car’s scratched paintwork restored to a beautiful finish, contact the experts at Merton Auto Body. We are an I-CAR Gold Class certified body shop with the latest training in factory paint formulations so we can tell you exactly what can be done to restore your vehicle’s paintwork. Our ASE certified staff knows how to achieve the best finish while leaving as much underlying color as possible.

7 experts asked: How long does it take to polish a car?

Most car owners have a love-hate relationship with the polishing process. While it does wonders for your vehicle’s looks and overall performance, it’s still a challenging task for car owners who may not have enough time in their already busy schedules. In any case, you may want to know how long it takes to polish your car and if there are ways to speed up the process.

Polishing a car takes around 1 to 8 hours depending on the size and complexity of your project. While smaller jobs can take less than an hour of your time, larger vehicles may require more than 8 hours to complete a full and professional polish.

In this article I will go into more detail on how long it takes to polish a car and what variables affect this time frame. I’ll also give you tips on how to speed up this process and my opinion on whether polishing your car for too long can damage the paintwork.

How long does it take to polish a car?

As much as you’d rather avoid it, polishing your car is essential to maintaining its looks and performance. The process eliminates oxidation, scratches and other imperfections. That’s why you should spend a few hours of your day polishing your car. (Don’t worry: you only need to do it about once or twice a year.)

It takes an average of four hours to polish a car. However, depending on your experience, skill level, and the type and size of your vehicle, the process can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 13 hours (according to experts).

Here’s a breakdown of all the factors that affect the amount of time it takes to polish your car.

Technical knowledge and skills. While an experienced car owner can ramp down the movements and finish polishing their vehicle in under a couple of hours, novices may need to devote a full day’s work to the process. Also, beginner mistakes like polishing without checking the car’s surface for dirt can increase the time it takes to get a thorough polish (more on that later).

While an experienced car owner can ramp down the movements and finish polishing their vehicle in under a couple of hours, novices may need to devote a full day’s work to the process. Also, beginner mistakes like polishing without checking the car’s surface for dirt can increase the time it takes to get a thorough polish (more on that later). Additional work required. For example, you may need to decontaminate your vehicle and wait for it to dry. This extra work can increase the time it takes to polish your car. If your car shows obvious signs of damage, you may need to address them first before beginning the polishing process.

For example, you may need to decontaminate your vehicle and wait for it to dry. This extra work can increase the time it takes to polish your car. If your car shows obvious signs of damage, you may need to address them first before beginning the polishing process. Number of breaks you take. Since this project is likely to become an all-day affair, allow time for breaks while you work. After all, even professionals have to eat from time to time and follow the call of nature. You should allow an extra hour or two when calculating the time it will take you to complete this project.

Since this project is likely to become an all-day affair, allow time for breaks while you work. After all, even professionals have to eat from time to time and follow the call of nature. You should allow an extra hour or two when calculating the time it will take you to complete this project. Desired thoroughness of work. Polishing your car to just remove superficial things like scratches will take you less time than someone willing to put in an extra hour or two to ensure the coating is flawless and no scratches remain on the surface. If any swirls stick to your car, you will need to invest extra time to remove them.

Polishing your car to just remove superficial things like scratches will take you less time than someone willing to put in an extra hour or two to ensure the coating is flawless and no scratches remain on the surface. If any swirls stick to your car, you will need to invest extra time to remove them. Type and size of your vehicle. Of course, larger vehicles require more work than smaller ones. If your car has additional components, you may need to include those in your polishing job as well. If these additional components do not require polishing, invest additional time to temporarily disassemble them to simplify the polishing process.

Here is a table summarizing what reputable experts have to say about polishing cars – along with my personal comments on the usefulness of their information.

Source How it takes to polish a car Comment Stauffer Garage 30 minutes (for a partial polish) 1-2 hours (for a full polish) James is able to complete a partial polish in 30 minutes. However, it is reasonable to assume that a full polish can take between 1 and 2 hours at the same speed. Dallas Paint Correction & Auto Detailing 1 hour (approx) The person explaining this video is a trained professional. However, he doesn’t polish the vehicle in real-time, so it’s difficult to say how his tips work in practice. The periods mentioned are professional estimates. Autogeek 1 hour Like the previous video, this one is for educational purposes and does not show a real-time polishing process. Therefore, the time frame given is also the general estimate of the person skilled in the art. The ride 2 hours According to this source, the process should take around 2 hours for a beginner. However, they do point out that the exact time frame may vary depending on the size and make of your vehicle. NanoCare products 3-5 hours This source is more suitable for those who want to polish their car at home. It estimates a 3.5 hour process if you have a buffer and a 5 hour job if you do it by hand. Torque Detail 2-13 Hours This source gives a thorough overview of the process. You can get a more accurate estimate of the time required for each step in the auto polishing process. Also, there are separate estimates for interior and exterior details as you can opt for one or both. Supreme Shine 4-20 hours According to this source, your regular polish on an average sized car should typically take around 4 hours, while a touch-up polish can take up to 20 hours depending on the vehicle.

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How to polish a car

Now that you’re more familiar with the time frame for polishing your car, it’s time to have a more thorough discussion of what it actually means. Remember that every polishing job is different, which means the best steps for polishing your car will vary slightly depending on the vehicle type, your skills, and your goals.

That said, if you decide to go the DIY route and have a few hours to polish your car, here are the general steps to perform the best polish possible for your car.

Prepare your workplace. Before polishing, park your car in a shaded area first. Since you need to wash your car, you don’t want to risk soap drying on your vehicle’s paintwork and dulling the finish. This is especially important when doing the work on a hot summer day. Also, be sure to move or cover anything in the car that you don’t want to risk getting messy. You can use a tarp for this purpose.

Before polishing, park your car in a shaded area first. Since you need to wash your car, you don’t want to risk soap drying on your vehicle’s paintwork and dulling the finish. This is especially important when doing the work on a hot summer day. Also, be sure to move or cover anything in the car that you don’t want to risk getting messy. You can use a tarp for this purpose. Wash your car. If you choose to do the whole thing yourself, clean your vehicle to remove any residue, debris or dirt. You can also go to a car wash for this step and just do the polishing yourself. As Stauffer Garage explains in the video linked earlier, you are essentially cleaning the surface of your car, which is why it’s important to make sure it’s spotless and residue-free.

If you choose to do the whole thing yourself, clean your vehicle to remove any residue, debris or dirt. You can also go to a car wash for this step and just do the polishing yourself. As Stauffer Garage explains in the video linked earlier, you are essentially cleaning the surface of your car, which is why it’s important to make sure it’s spotless and residue-free. Check for remaining dirt. Continue with the last point and polish your car when there is even the slightest dirt on its surface, which can result in scratches and swirls that require an extra hour or two of work to remove. You’ll be surprised how small debris can be, so inspect your car thoroughly before proceeding. Use a brush designed to gently remove debris from anything you spot.

. Continue with the last point and polish your car when there is even the slightest dirt on its surface, which can result in scratches and swirls that require an extra hour or two of work to remove. You’ll be surprised how small debris can be, so inspect your car thoroughly before proceeding. Use a brush designed to gently remove debris from anything you spot. Prepare the polishing wheel. This is where the actual polishing process begins. First place a clean, damp pad on the buffing wheel. The buffer should be damp but not soaking wet. Also, be sure to wet the pad from time to time. This is crucial to avoid damaging your vehicle’s paintwork as a dry pad can scratch your car.

This is where the actual polishing process begins. First place a clean, damp pad on the buffing wheel. You want the buffer . Also, be sure to wet the pad from time to time. This is crucial to avoid damaging your vehicle’s paintwork as a dry pad can scratch your car. Apply the rubbing compound. Put the manufacturer’s recommended amount of abrasive on the pad, spin the wheel and apply to your car’s paintwork. You can also apply the paste directly to the surface of your vehicle and then work it into the paint with your polisher. Repeat this process on one body part at a time for a thorough job.

Put the manufacturer’s recommended amount of abrasive on the pad, spin the wheel and apply to your car’s paintwork. You can also apply the paste directly to the surface of your vehicle and then work it into the paint with your polisher. Repeat this process on one body part at a time for a thorough job. Master your technique. While it may seem like a straightforward process, mastering your polisher is a skill that takes effort and practice. Always position the gear parallel to the surface of your car (as demonstrated by Forensic Detailing Channel in the video below) as this is the only way to avoid the dreaded swirl marks. Wet your pad and the panel you are working on and apply even pressure for best results.

While it may seem like a straightforward process, mastering your polisher is a skill that takes effort and practice. Always position the gear parallel to the surface of your car (as demonstrated by Forensic Detailing Channel in the video below) as this is the only way to avoid the dreaded swirl marks. Wet your pad and the panel you are working on and apply even pressure for best results. Proceed to another panel. Once the compound has settled into your car’s paintwork, the scratches, oxidation and swirls will slowly disappear. Once the coating becomes bright and shiny, your job is done and you can move on to another body panel. Do not continue to polish an already shiny surface. Otherwise you will dull the finish.

Once the compound has settled into your car’s paintwork, the scratches, oxidation and swirls will slowly disappear. Once the coating becomes bright and shiny, your job is done and you can move on to another body panel. Otherwise you will dull the finish. Rinse the pad if necessary. As previously mentioned, maintaining a certain level of moisture in your buffing wheel pad is crucial if you want to get the best possible results. Therefore, if your pad becomes dry or sticky, run it under clean water first. Ideally, you should do this between switching from one panel to another so you don’t forget.

. As previously mentioned, maintaining a certain level of moisture in your buffing wheel pad is crucial if you want to get the best possible results. Therefore, if your pad becomes dry or sticky, run it under clean water first. Ideally, you should do this between switching from one panel to another so you don’t forget. Polish trim last. This is especially important for those who are polishing their car for the first time. Polishing trim panels is an extremely delicate process as you run the risk of chipping into the clear coat of your paintwork. Be extra patient and careful when polishing these sections.

This is especially important for those who are polishing their car for the first time. Polishing trim panels is an extremely delicate process as you run the risk of chipping into the clear coat of your paintwork. Be extra patient and careful when polishing these sections. Flush your car again. At this point you can wash your vehicle thoroughly again. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

At this point you can wash your vehicle thoroughly again. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Apply the finishing touches. Now that most of your work is done, you can apply a coat of wax coating to preserve your vehicle’s finish. The process is relatively simple, and you can find detailed instructions on how to do it here. You can clean any parts that were untouched during this process and touch up any remaining scratches with some paint.

After this last step, your work is done! You can see why the process can take at least a few hours, but the results more than justify all that trouble and effort.

If you’re more of a visual learner, I highly recommend watching this video by Pan the Organizer as it’s one of the most thorough and informative tutorials you’ll find on the subject.

How to polish your car faster

Four hours polishing a single car can be too much, even for professionals. After all, doing the same for at least a dozen other cars is a recipe for inefficiency and lost profits. Luckily, thanks to the Dallas Paint Correction & Auto Detailing video I showed you earlier, I can give you a few extra tips on how to reduce the time it takes to polish your car.

Use an all-in-one polish. This will rid your car’s surface of scratches, swirls and damage while giving it an instant high gloss finish.

This will rid your car’s surface of scratches, swirls and damage while giving it an instant high gloss finish. Be as organized and clean as possible throughout the process. The one-panel-at-a-time approach allows you to quickly and efficiently polish your car without worrying about missed spots that you would have to redo.

The one-panel-at-a-time approach allows you to quickly and efficiently polish your car without worrying about missed spots that you would have to redo. Invest in a soft-bristled brush that will allow you to gently sweep over your car’s surface. This reduces inspection time when preparing your vehicle and ensures there is no dirt or debris that could complicate the polishing process. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend another 25 minutes to an hour inspecting every nook and cranny.

This reduces inspection time when preparing your vehicle and ensures there is no dirt or debris that could complicate the polishing process. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend another 25 minutes to an hour inspecting every nook and cranny. If all else fails, seek professional help. Suppose after polishing a slab you find that the work requires far more energy than you can muster. In that case, you might want to get help from someone else – preferably someone who has been polishing cars professionally for a long time.

Can polishing your car for too long damage the paintwork?

Polishing your car for too long can damage the paintwork. Polishes and rims are abrasive, so continuing the process for too long will likely be counterproductive as it can further dull and scratch your vehicle’s finish.

However, according to an article in Metal Finishing magazine, more flaky one-component paints are being steadily replaced by more stable two-layer topcoats. It can be assumed that car paints will become more and more durable. This means you may be able to polish your vehicle more often in the future without causing significant damage.

The central theses

On average it takes between 1 and 8 hours to polish a car.

However, the actual time will depend on factors such as the size and shape of your vehicle, your technical ability, and the level of thoroughness you desire.

With enough practice (and a few quick tips), you can significantly reduce the time it takes to give your car a much-needed polish.

If you’re nervous about doing a professional car polish yourself, you can always enlist the help of a professional.

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Sources

Is a ceramic coating really worth it?

Is ceramic coating good for your car?

Ceramic coatings are considered the “next generation” of paint protection in car care. Hand-applied ceramic coatings are liquid polymers that form a semi-permanent bond with your vehicle’s paintwork, making it easier to clean and protect from contamination. But is the ceramic coating worth it? Does it really keep everything it promises? We’re going to break it all down for you in today’s post, so stay with us until the end!

When you love your car, you want it to look as shiny and pristine as it did on day one. Remember that shiny, showroom-fresh look that turned heads on the street? We bet you do! That shiny look along with that “new car smell” are some of the main reasons why most people want to invest in a new car. But how to make them permanent?

Detailing products can really help keep your car looking as good as the day you got it. But what constitutes a ceramic coating? Especially compared to the plain old wax most car owners are used to?

Before investing time and money into a detail product, do your homework well and get the facts straight. Only by having a clear understanding of what each product does and doesn’t do can you ensure you are not disappointed with the results you achieve.

Unless you’re absolutely new to the detailing market, you’ve probably heard of ceramic coatings. Claims about these types of paint sealers can be found everywhere online, from coatings company blogs and websites to forums and customer reviews. Some praise ceramic coatings and have nothing bad to say about them, while others are more reserved.

So… what is the truth?

When it comes to deciding whether or not ceramic coating is worth it, let’s first look at what these types of paint sealing products are made of.

What are ceramic coatings?

Based on technology originating from NASA, ceramic coatings are liquid polymers composed of silicon dioxide or silicic acid (SiO2). Sounds fancy right? So if you’re still wondering if a ceramic coating is worth it, just remember that NASA thinks it’s worth it.

If you’ve skipped some chemistry classes like many of us here, you might find chemical compositions a bit confusing. To give you a clearer picture of the composition of a ceramic coating, here is what SiO2 is.

SiO2 is the essential component of ceramic coatings. Derived from sand and quartz crystals, silica is a combination of two natural materials, silicon and oxygen. These two can be combined with other various elements such as Titanium Dioxide, Polysilazane, Triethanolamine and Water resulting in a durable coating. This viscous coating is basically what we call a ceramic coating. When applied to a hard surface, ceramic coatings form a paint protective film that helps keep the underlying surface protected and looking good for a few weeks.

If you’re trying to determine which DIY ceramic coating is the most worth buying out of all the ones on the market, look at their silica concentration. Don’t be fooled, the more ingredients a product has, the better. Note this very important aspect: when it comes to the durability of ceramic coatings, the only ingredient that really matters is silica! The higher the SiO2 content, the stronger the formula.

There is only one non-professional product that has managed to impress us with its SiO2 concentration and that is Nexgen Ceramic Spray. Wondering what makes Nexgen so special in our eyes? Obviously its high SiO2 concentration. Nexgen has the highest silica content on the market. 13%! Pretty impressive, right?

But enough with Nexgen. Coming back to whether ceramic coatings are worth it or not, let’s look at some of their benefits that speak for themselves:

Ceramic coatings are incredibly durable

A true ceramic forms strong chemical bonds to the vehicle’s surface after curing. Once applied, you cannot simply remove it with paint cleaners or pressure washers. A quality ceramic like Nexgen, while a DIY detailing product, can provide protection that lasts up to 4-6 months even if your vehicle is exposed to extreme weather conditions. This makes it 4 times more resilient than other ceramic sprays on the market, with its durability easily comparable to professional products.

Protection against pollutants

Pollutants are one of the biggest problems in our society. Pollutants are not only hazardous to health, they can also damage our cars. A quality ceramic coating can protect your vehicle from many chemicals and pollutants found in gasoline, brake fluid, generic detergents, etc.

They provide a “showroom shine”

Do you clean your car often and still not get that glossy shine? Do you love driving cars, admiring them and dreaming of buying the latest model on the market? Then you know very well that there is nothing more beautiful than the shiny look of a new car.

So if you miss the shine in the sunlight that your vehicle had at first sight, ceramic coatings are worth trying as they could help you achieve just that. Vehicles that have been ceramic coated get that amazing high gloss/wet look that is normally only attributed to new cars.

Help keep coat clean longer

Even if it is coated with the best ceramic product on the market, your car will still get dirty after enough use. So that doesn’t mean you’ll never have to wash your car again after applying a ceramic coating. It just means cleaning becomes far less frequent and labor intensive. While water and dirt don’t cling to your car’s paintwork as much, a ceramic coating doesn’t eliminate the need for a car wash.

However, what a ceramic coating does very well is speed up cleaning. Dirt, road grime, pollen, bird droppings and various other contaminants do not stick to the paintwork as strongly.

Protects your car from the sun

It is well known to all car owners that the sun’s rays can incredibly damage a car’s paintwork. Constant exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays oxidizes and fades car paintwork, making a car look old and worn before it lives up to its time. Sun damage can be prevented by parking your vehicle in a garage or in a shaded area, but this is not always possible. When you really want to make sure your car is protected, there’s nothing like applying a luxurious layer of ceramic coating.

Are you wondering whether a ceramic coating is worth it? You just need to know that ceramic coatings are a crucial final step in preventing sun damage to car paint from ultraviolet radiation. The extra layer of hard protection ceramic coatings help prolong your car’s finish and paint color.

Protects against bird droppings and tree sap

Do you think that bird droppings or tree sap cannot be so harmful as natural materials? Think again! Both of these pesky substances can damage your car’s paintwork if they are not cleaned off as soon as possible. And while both are natural, they usually contain high levels of acidity and can burn into the paint if left on for too long.

The damaged areas look like dull patches of water, while underneath, sap and bird droppings eat away at that protective layer. Your paint can crack or peel, not to mention the metal underneath can rust.

Helps with substandard cleaning practices in the future

Do you wash your car in an automatic car wash? We hope you know how badly these can damage your car. But we also know full well how addictive these automatic washes can be; especially when you are in a hurry to clean your car. These washes seriously save time and trouble and that is why a large majority of car owners often resort to them. But what exactly is the problem with automatic car washes? The biggest problem is that the brushes are not properly maintained.

Automatic machines are essentially like hitting your car with a dirty mop, causing hundreds of deep micro-scratches called swirl marks.

Over time, the damage builds up, causing the paintwork to dull and the scratches to become easily visible. Swirl mark removal can only be done through a process called paint correction, when the paintwork is cut to even out swirl marks visible on the surface. A paint touch up can get quite expensive and can only be done so often as a car’s clear coat has a certain thickness. A high quality ceramic coating such as Nexgen or Torque Detail, while not scratch resistant, can significantly reduce the potential for swirl marks.

Just remember that both DIY and professional ceramic coating products are designed to protect the surface they are applied to from future damage and are not invincible. While nanotechnology allows them to penetrate scratches and imperfections in porous materials, they don’t fill in swirl marks or scratches to remove them.

No need to use car wax or other detailing products

Many people ask us if they can apply wax to ceramic coatings. Our answer is always the same. Sure it can be done. But is it worth it? No matter what you’re looking for, be it extra shine (although we doubt that’s possible) or avoiding paint blemishes, adding any amount of wax on top isn’t going to do anything special. On the other hand. Wax, in general, tends to attract dirt, dust, tree sap, and pollen – causing them to stick to the surface. This in turn results in a dirtier car.

The best way to protect the coating itself, or even extend its lifespan, is to give it basic maintenance or apply another layer of ceramic on top.

Ceramic coatings can be applied to most surfaces

Versatility is one of the most important aspects of ceramic coatings. These detailing products can be applied to any painted surface including headlights, trim, fiberglass, vinyl sheeting, wheels, glass, chrome and even truck bed liners.

Prevent hard water stains

Most high-quality ceramic coatings exhibit hydrophobic water behavior, meaning water will simply bead up and bead off the car. How did you do that? Both ceramic and graphene ceramic coatings have a resin system, the binder, and the backbone. This system is the mechanism that essentially protects both water and mineral deposits.

Wondering why water is so dangerous? We end up washing our cars with it, right? Well, yes and no. Water can be extremely damaging to a car, especially if it’s hard water or acid rain. But let’s explain what’s basically happening here. If water particles remain on the paint surface, it will eventually evaporate. What is left when it evaporates are salt, dirt and mineral deposits that soon solidify and etch into the paintwork.

Due to its hydrophobic properties, ceramic paint protection goes a long way in repelling those water stains that can often appear on both your paintwork and windows. The hydrophobic properties of a ceramic coating help keep vehicles cleaner longer, drain water quickly and efficiently, and allow for quick and easy car washes.

With so many good things to talk about, you probably need to be convinced by now that ceramic coating is worth it. But since nothing in the world is entirely perfect, let’s see if there are any downsizing in ceramic coatings. And while we can’t think of too many bad things to tell you, there are a few things you should still consider:

Long preparation time

A disadvantage of car owners who want to apply ceramic coatings themselves could be related to the long preparation time for ceramic coatings. As seen above, good prep of your car is essential if you want a ceramic coating not only to apply better, but to last longer. And this also includes new cars, even if the vehicle appears to be in perfect condition from the outside.

Before applying the ceramic coating, the paint surface should be free of any blemishes or contamination. In addition to washing the car, a multi-stage paint correction also includes toning and polishing.

Keep the color flawless

Another aspect that might give most people a bit of a headache is keeping the paint in pristine condition until the coating is applied. This can be quite difficult if you don’t have a clean interior design

You have to be careful how you use it

Also, don’t expect that applying the coat itself is an easy task. An uneven coating can result in high spots that need to be buffed out to be fully corrected.

What every car owner should know about professional vs. DIY ceramic coatings

When trying to decide whether or not a ceramic coating is worth it, you should also know that not all ceramic coatings are created equal. Some are professional and can only be applied by a detailer, while the do-it-yourselfers you can apply yourself with just a little training.

Professional ceramic coatings

Professional coatings last longer than DIY kits. Otherwise, they must be applied by certified professionals. They are also more expensive, and the price is justified by the need to use special equipment and trained personnel. That being said, most ceramic coatings require some prep work before they are applied, and when done professionally, this prep work takes a long time when done by a professional and involves scrubbing down the surfaces, spraying with isopropyl alcohol, and polishing microfibers .

In general, installing a professional ceramic coating takes up to 5 days as it needs to be cured with UV light. Depending on the finish of your car and the condition of the paint, this time interval may be shorter or longer.

When it comes to how long a professional ceramic coating will last, most professional detailers will offer you a guarantee, usually between 5 and 7 years.

DIY ceramic coating kits

For car owners who don’t want to pay the prices for professional ceramic coatings or simply can’t afford them, a home improvement kit can perform almost as well as a professional product; minus the costs, of course, and also with less expenditure of time.

And if some of you might shy away from applying a ceramic coating because you don’t know how, worry no more. Anyone can do it with just a little knowledge and training. We even wrote a blog post about it, so check it out and see how easy applying a ceramic coating can be.

What about DIY ceramic coating? Is it worth? When it comes to DIY ceramic coatings, choosing the best products you can get is very important to get the best results. If you are looking for professional results but at a great price, Nexgen Ceramic Spray is a professional sealant and has one of the highest SiO2 formulas. In addition, it has one of the fastest applications currently available on the market, not to mention that a little goes a long way!

How long does ceramic coating last?

Although you may hear some voices saying that ceramic coatings are permanent, this is absolutely not true. Technically, even the 5 years that most professional ceramic coatings are guaranteed is cumbersome and based on many factors. What happens is that unless you keep your car locked in a garage, washing the car, sun, slats, dirt and all other environmental factors constantly compromise the protection of the vehicle.

Apart from that, there is also the location factor that should be considered heavily. It’s one thing to live in Southern California and drive your car in a climate where there is virtually no humidity, no bugs, no salt in the air, and it rarely rains. And it’s a whole different scenario if you live in a place with extreme weather changes like Alaska or North Dakota.

If you choose a professional ceramic coating, you can count on an average lifespan of 1 to 5 years. There are also some that last 7 years, but these are the most expensive and require servicing at least once a year. As already mentioned, it all depends on what you expect from your vehicle and how you take care of it on a daily basis.

The biggest problem with professional coatings is that even if you find that the ceramic coating is beginning to fade in certain areas, there is nothing you can do yourself and you still have to go to the professional who applied it in the first place.

So what about the DIY kits? Is this type of ceramic coating worth it?

DIY ceramic coatings obviously last less compared to professional products. But they give you more freedom and you don’t have to block as much money in your car.

Our favorite product, Nexgen Ceramic Spray, can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, not to mention it’s easy to apply and reapply. These newly added layers help protect your vehicle and extend the life of the coating.

How much does it cost to have your car ceramic coated?

With so many ceramic coatings on the market, both professional and DIY, the price varies as well.

If you’re looking for professional grade ceramic coatings, be prepared to shell out anywhere from $500 to $3,000. It all depends on the size and condition of your vehicle, the quality of the ceramic coating you get, but also the reputation of your dealer. Obviously, a brand new car is much cheaper to paint than an old, larger vehicle that requires more extensive paint correction work.

Also remember that there can be many hidden costs when taking your car to a professional as well. Some of the costs that you will be informed of do not include all preparatory work. And sometimes even the specialist might know exactly what the process will involve. For example, if the bodywork is oxidized, a full paint correction may be required, adding significantly to the initial expense you had in mind.

When it comes to DIY ceramic coating kits, prices start at around $20 for the cheapest and can go up to around $150. If you’ve read our post from the beginning, but also checked out our other articles and reviews, you probably must know that we’re big fans of this option. And when you choose quality products like Nexgen or Torque Detail, you can rest assured that you’re getting quality results that match what you can expect from professional products, but at an unparalleled cost.

The setup of the DIY ceramic coating kit is entirely dependent on the size of your car and can take up to 4 to 8 hours if you want to do it accurately. Compared to professional services, a DIY ceramic coating can save you $1000 and even get better results. But of course that’s only if you’re willing to install the prep work and have the elementary motorized detailing capacity and tolerance to bring it in yourself.

Is a ceramic coating worth it? overview

If you are still wondering whether a ceramic coating is worth it or not, we hope that we have been able to convince you of the excellent paint protection properties of this product.

Cars must withstand various types of attacks ranging from scratches to contamination with dirt and dust. But a ceramic coating layer can give your vehicle a strong protective surface that protects it from all types of debris, preventing damage and ensuring your vehicle can withstand harsh conditions.

In short, ceramic coatings are:

Long lasting

Innovative

Make your car easier to clean

No other products need to be added

They can be cost effective, especially if you opt for a DIY kit

We hope you found our article both informative and helpful. And if you want our professional opinion, after trying and comparing almost every detailing product on the market, we firmly believe that DIY ceramic coatings are definitely worth it. So why not try them out for yourself and let us know what you think?

In the meantime, we have many other interesting articles on our website that you might also be interested in. Additionally, we’ve reviewed some of the best products on the market to help you make an informed decision.

Here are a few:

Have you ever walked out of the grocery store and found a shopping cart parked right next to your car? No matter how careful you are, you can’t always protect your vehicle from the elements or unwary buyers. If you want to keep your vehicle in good condition, find out how to repair scratches on a car and how much you can budget for repairs.

How to repair scratches on your car

Auto body repairs can be a costly and time-consuming problem, even for minor scratches. Depending on your car make and model, the color, and your location, prices can range from $3.00 for a quick DIY job to $7,500 for professional repairs and a repaint.

The most important factor in determining the best way to repair your car is the extent of the scratch. The body of your vehicle has several layers of paint, so it is not the size of the scratch that matters, but the depth of the damage.

A light scratch is very different from dents and serious body damage. It can take an hour to fix a minor scratch yourself, but deep dents can take professionals several days to fix. Start by analyzing which of the following paint defects you have:

On the surface: The clear coat is a thin top coat that protects your paintwork. Light surface marks on the clear coat are a daily occurrence and can be caused by using cheap wash and dry sponges or towels. These are the easiest scratches to fix.

Into the paintwork: If a scratch penetrates the clearcoat, then the paintwork is damaged. At this level, you can feel the hole with your fingernail, but it’s not deep. Dents at this level are more noticeable and can be more difficult to repair than surface scratches.

Deep into the foundation: As the damage gets deeper, repairing becomes more difficult as it requires a multi-layered approach. Repairing these types of grooves yourself can be challenging and may require expert dexterity to get a good result.

Down to the metal: If the damage is so great that you can see the metal, it has reached the deepest level. These scratches require immediate attention because once the metal is exposed, it introduces contaminants that lead to oxidation and rusting.

Do-it-yourself scratch repairs

It doesn’t take much to scratch your car’s paintwork. Whether it’s insect bodies, bird droppings or dusty rags, abrasions are inevitable, but repairs don’t have to cost a fortune when you do the job yourself. The best part of DIY methods is answering the question, “How much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car?” Not much if you can use one of these trading tricks:

Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste acts like a lighter, softer form of sandpaper. A small dab can even out minor abrasions when rubbed on your car’s smooth surface. In fact, this repair probably won’t cost you a penny.

Paint: Use car paint for deeper paint level scratches. Hardware stores or auto parts stores carry generic body colors. You can buy exact matches to your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from your local dealer for about $25 an ounce.

Wax: Automatic wax minimizes flat spots and swirl or spider web scratches by filling them with a protective layer. This approach can help remove surface scratches and prevent future damage.

Buffing: For oxidation, swirl marks and surface wear, buffing can work wonders. Polish may be all your car needs to remove blemishes and bring out the shine and brilliance of the paintwork.

Repair Kits: For light stains, you can find scratch repair kits at your local auto parts store. Depending on the level of damage and your skill level, a wide range of products are available, from correction pens to fillers to abrasives.

Professional body repairs

Sometimes minor scratches can be repaired at home with products from your local auto parts store or with custom paint from the dealer, but if the holes are too deep or your skills lack, it may be time to call a professional. If you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to have a scratch repaired on a car professionally?” Consider these options and costs for experts:

Dealer: For deep scratches on newer cars, a local dealer should have the VIN paint required for the repair. You can buy DIY paint from them for about $50 to $300 for two ounces. At a dealership, the cost of removing a car scratch can range from $150 to $1,000 – double the cost of hood or door repairs.

Body Shop: Most independent body shops should repair all levels of scratches and offer different repair options for different levels of damage. The costs vary depending on where you live, but should be less than at the dealer. For the best price, get estimates from at least three places and check their online reviews.

Mechanic: If you can’t afford to take your car to a dealership or body shop, hiring a home mechanic can be a viable alternative to do-it-yourself repairs and costs a fraction of the cost of a garage. Look online or ask friends for recommendations and be sure to ask for references before hiring anyone to do the work.

Does insurance cover car scratches?

Auto insurance can save you a lot of money when you need body repairs, provided you have a comprehensive policy. When it comes to scratch repairs, some things are covered and some aren’t, but you’ll have to pay your deductible. Comprehensive insurance can cover the cost of scratch repairs under the following circumstances:

vandalism

Fire

natural disasters

Theft

water damage

falling objects

A comprehensive auto policy also covers damage caused by accidents such as: B. Bruises from an accident with another vehicle or from trees, gravel or mud along the road. In this case, you may be able to make a claim and get the insurance company to pay for the repair minus your deductible.

The disadvantage of filing a claim is that it can increase your premium. The insurance company may want to investigate all claims, so you may have to wait a while for your car to be repaired.

Is it worth repairing scratches on the car?

If you look closely, almost every vehicle you see on the road has paint damage. While some scratches can be easily wiped away, others require thorough repairs that can get quite expensive. Consult a dealer to determine how much repair is needed and you may find an easy, inexpensive fix to fix your car’s scratches. Or you might find it’s time for an upgrade.

Ideally, the car should be clinically clean. That means decontamination to remove tar, insect and brake dust deposits, then degreasing and then a pre-wash. These are all processes that aid in polishing and enhance the finish.

Many people don’t realize that polish is abrasive and is used to remove imperfections. On modern cars, you don’t touch the paint at all. In fact, the polishing process removes a very small amount of the clear coat as the clear coat gets damaged. A polish serves to remove this damage, be it in the form of water stains, acid etches, fine scratches or swirl marks.

Here we outline everything you need to know about car polish, from how it works to how to use it and when not to.

As any car enthusiast will know, maintaining the quality and finish of your car’s paintwork is absolutely essential. Even a tiny scratch can drive you crazy, and don’t even go there with door dents. Car polish is a key tool in the arsenal of anyone looking to keep their vehicle in tip-top condition, both to preserve its value and its own sanity, but when you’re polishing your car you need to make sure you’re doing the job right.

> Best car waxes – the top care products for your car

Do I need to do anything after using the polish?

Polishing is not a final process; You should not leave it at that, as the paint will then remain unprotected. Polishing is typically a preparatory step prior to the application of either a carnauba wax or a ceramic sealant.

What is the difference between a wax and a polish?

Because it is abrasive, a polish should not be used on a regular basis, but only when you want to remove imperfections and thereby improve color clarity and gloss depth. A wax, meanwhile, adds a protective layer to maintain that shine by preventing UV rays and natural contaminants from damaging the clear coat.

How long does the polishing result last?

It depends on what protective coating is used. For a carnauba wax, you’re probably expecting two to three months, depending on environmental conditions, ownership, and washing routines. Choosing the cost of ceramic sealing extends this time frame significantly.

Are there polishes to avoid?

We advise against the lower end of the market as some polishes contain fillers, typically chalk based, so you are actually filling in the problem, not correcting it.

Do you need a polishing machine?

You don’t need to use a power polisher for certain defects – it’s an add-on to the process – but if you use one you’ll get better results and a lot faster!

> Best car cleaning products

Are there different polishes for machine and hand application?

Many of the better and more sophisticated hand polishes can also be used with a machine. However, some polishes are specifically designed for use with a machine. The principle behind this is that the action of the machine breaks down the abrasive into increasingly finer particles. As such, they would not be suitable for hand polishing.

What about polishing classics?

You have to be a little more careful with a classic car without a clear coat. The color will be much softer, so extra care should be taken.

Any final words of warning?

Watch out for SMART repairs – if they’re not done to a high standard, buffing could remove the paint. You should also be aware that polish options are limited – if the damage has penetrated the clear coat and finish then you will need to repaint.

The Flitz Guide to Car Wax Vs. Auto Polish

After a fresh wash, keeping your car shiny is a top priority. You may be deciding whether you need to polish or wax your car – or maybe both. Some may be unsure which method is better suited to their car’s needs, often wondering, “What’s the difference between polishing and waxing your car?” Here’s our auto polish vs wax guide to show you the benefits of both shows and when you use each product on your car.

car polish

Car polish is a product that helps remove surface scratches, swirls, oxidation, dirt, and other minor imperfections. Polish should be used prior to waxing as it will help restore car paintwork that has lost its luster due to oxidation. Car polish does this by removing a very fine layer of paintwork, minimizing the appearance of scratches once they become lodged in the paintwork.

Car polishes differ in their abrasiveness. Non-abrasive polishes like Flitz Polish contain no ingredients that chemically attack paint, making them safe to use by both DIYers and professionals. Just make sure to apply gently and in a circular pattern. Abrasive polishes, on the other hand, contain ingredients that physically abrade paint, so make sure you know what you’re doing and follow directions carefully if you decide to go down this route.

Polish lasts much longer than wax and can keep your car sparkling for up to a year. Depending on your preference, our in-house car polish is available in both concentrated cream and liquid form. It’s non-toxic and made right here in America.

car wax

Car wax protects and improves the paint finish of a car. Wax is best used after cleaning and buffing to add a shine to your car’s paintwork. It does this by smoothing out the painted surface by filling swirls and scratches with a protective layer. So instead of removing a fine layer of paint like a polish, car wax puts a smoothing layer on top of the paint. So simply put, polish removes and wax smoothes!

The most common ingredient in car wax is carnauba wax. This particular ingredient is great for car wax as it won’t wash off with water, can withstand high heat and leaves a nice shiny finish when formulated with other ingredients.

Many waxes are a mixture of natural waxes such as carnauba wax, solvents, and colorants. Some waxes contain UV inhibitors that give your car’s paintwork additional protection from fading from the sun’s rays.

A new alternative

Recently, Flitz introduced our Ceramic Sealant and discontinued our Speed ​​Waxx product. Our ceramic sealer is easy to apply and provides a shine that lasts four to five times longer than car wax.

We hope this guide has helped you understand the difference between polishing and waxing your car. Now you can continue with our additional guides that explain how to polish a car and how to wax a car.

If you have any questions about using our products, we are always here for you! You are welcome to contact us.

Most people are familiar with a simple car wash and wax, but car care goes much further. If you want a really flawless paint finish, you should delve into the world of car polish.

Car wax and polish are not the same product (neither buffer), although the term is sometimes used interchangeably, and car polishes have their own set of benefits for your car’s finish. So dive into our top car polish tips, then read on for tips on how to best use polish to ensure your car is primed for success.

3D We’ve talked about 3D’s products before and they do exactly what they say on the bottle. If you are looking for the best polish on the market for your car’s paintwork and want to save time, the company’s Speed ​​All In One Car Polish & Wax is your one stop shop. The product is easy to apply with a clear coat and leaves amazing results. We like to save time and you certainly do too. So grab a bottle – you’ll thank us later.

Chemical Guys Chemical Guys All-in-One Polish and Sealant, which just climbed out of general use with the 3D product, is still a great product. Again, it saves a ton of time by combining car care steps, and we were impressed with the results it gave on car paintwork. It’s also a bit cheaper than 3D’s polish, so that’s an added bonus.

Meguiar’s While a few other car polishes give better results on a car’s paint finish and combine detailing steps to save on elbow grease, you can’t overlook Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish. It’s a staple in so many auto-detailing arsenals for a reason: It works, and it works really damn well. Easy to use for beginners, Ultimate Polish doesn’t worry about bad results, although you do end up applying a coat of car wax. Still, the painting results will blow you away.

Turtle Wax While Meguiar’s outprices the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish and Wax, don’t discount it. Turtle Wax’s product is a two-in-one solution like some of our other picks, and that’s a bonus in itself. We found the polish returned very nice clear coat results on the car’s surface and this does a wonderful job for the money if you don’t want to splurge on a more expensive choice.

Adam’s You might notice that nothing about this bottle says it’s for black cars. That’s fine, because if you own a black car, you probably want something that’s no-nonsense and works a little harder. Adam’s One Step Polish is exactly that: it seemed to cut a little more in our testing, and if you have paint finish imperfections like swirls or light scratches on black paint, this is what you want. This is not a polish and wax product so follow that up with a nice coat of car wax. After that, your black finish will have amazing depth.

Meguiar’s Just like our top pick for black cars, this isn’t specifically formulated for black cars – and that’s okay. Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish is a little more durable, which is good for a black car with swirl marks and other paint blemishes and imperfections. Once applied, apply a coat of carnauba wax (or spray wax) to your vehicle and enjoy the fantastic results.

3M So you want to polish your car’s paintwork like a pro. We hear you. This product is not for beginners as we have found it takes a little longer to buff in and leave the desired finish. But when it does – wow, the results are fantastic. Any of our other top Polish picks will serve most people well, but 3M has a pretty good product if you want to take it up a notch.

Comparison of the best car polishes for 2022

Brand Name Price Best Car Polish Overall 3D Speed ​​All In One Polish and Wax $25 Best Car Polish Runner Up Chemical Guys All In One Polish and Sealant $18 Best Affordable Car Polish Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish $14 Best Affordable Car Polish Runner Up Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish and Wax 17th $ Best Black Car Auto Polish Adam’s One Step Polish $20 Best Black Car Auto Polish Second Meguiar’s Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish $27 Best Pro Car Polish 3M Perfect-It Machine Polish $57

Car polishing tips

Polish is made for polishers: Applying polish by hand with an applicator pad or microfiber cloth can help a little, but you’ll need to use an orbital or dual-action polisher to see real results.

Applying the polish by hand with an applicator pad or microfiber cloth can help a little, but you’ll need to use a random orbital or dual-action polisher to see real results. Choose the right polishing pad: There are many types of polishing pads for car polishers and polishing pastes. Some cause a heavier cut on a vehicle’s paintwork, while others are lighter. Make sure you choose the best polishing pad for the job at hand.

There are many types of car polishing machine polishing pads and polishing pastes. Some cause a heavier cut on a vehicle’s paintwork, while others are lighter. Make sure you choose the best polishing pad for the job at hand. Take it slow: Not all polishes are created equal, and some can take longer to burn in for that glossy finish. Work in small areas: Never try to tackle the whole car at once.

Not all polishes are created equal, and some may take longer to burn in for that glossy finish. Work in small areas: Never try to tackle the whole car at once. Test the product: Always, always, always test the polish on a spot you can’t see at first. You want to make sure you have the right product for your car.

Always, always, always test the polish on a spot you don’t see at first. You want to make sure you have the right product for your car. One-step polishes require waxing afterwards: the whole point of polishing is to smooth out imperfections and create a nice finish that can be waxed over. Polishing brings out the shine and depth of a car, but you still need wax to protect the finish. Or you can be like us and apply wax no matter what product is used.

Keep calm and keep polishing

With all of this, you are well equipped to successfully polish your car’s paintwork. Remember, take it slow: vehicle detailing isn’t about speed, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning results when you’re done. Roadshow advocates clean cars, so keep yours in tip-top shape with these best car polishes.

More car recommendations

Waxing and polishing are two terms in the automotive world that are very often confused. They actually do very different things to your car’s paint and it’s really important to understand what they are and follow the steps in the right order.

In this post I explain why you should always wax your car after polishing it and why it is so important. So let’s start.

The fast answer

You should always wax a car as soon as possible after polishing it. Polishing removes all of your car’s paintwork protection, so subsequent waxing adds a layer of protection that protects your car’s paintwork from UV damage, dirt, tree sap, acid rain, etc.

What is Polish doing?

First, it’s really important to understand what a polish does.

Polish is abrasive. This means that a layer of paint on your car is removed. Your car has several coats to finish. Look at this chart.

The two most important layers to take care of are the base coat and the clear coat.

The base coat is also known as the color coat and gives your car its actual colour. The clear coat sits on top of that.

The function of the clear coat is to protect the base coat from UV rays that cause fading, acid rain and other potential sources of damage.

However, the clear coat is very susceptible to damage and can get tiny scratches from improper washing, for example with a sponge. Read this post to find out why you should never use a sponge to wash your car.

So in reality your clear coat is not smooth which causes it to look duller.

However, you can remove these scratches with a polish, either by hand or with a machine, to smooth and gloss the paint finish. Check out this diagram to demonstrate.

Before polishing After polishing

You should be careful not to over-polish your car, otherwise very little clear coat and therefore protection will remain on your car. Check out this article I wrote about when to polish your car.

What does wax do?

Waxing has a very different purpose than polishing. Waxing doesn’t remove paint from your car’s finish, it adds a protective layer.

Wax essentially forms an invisible protective layer against UV rays, bird droppings, acid rain, etc. on your clear coat to make it last longer.

The base coat (colour) is also protected for much longer. It is very important to wax your car regularly to ensure there is always a layer of protection.

What comes first?

So what first, polish or wax?

It is very important that you do the waxing step after the polishing step. If you buff a car after waxing, you buff away all the wax and have no protection on your car’s paintwork.

That’s because polish can remove not only a layer of your car’s clear coat, but everything else that sits on top of it as well. In this case the wax.

Wax is of course much weaker than your car’s clear coat so it can be easily removed with a polish, either by hand or machine.

If you don’t specifically intend to remove the applied wax, then by no means polish it afterwards.

If you want to polish your car to make it look shinier and remove some of those clear coat scratches, then do that before the waxing step instead.

Do you always have to wax after polishing?

You should always wax your car or apply some other form of paint protection e.g. B. a sealer or a ceramic coating after you have used a polish.

Polishes remove all previous layers of wax on your car, leaving a bare and unprotected paint finish.

It’s important to apply some paint protection like wax to ensure your car is protected from things like UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings, tree sap and dirt. This way your car’s paint will last longer and stay shiny for years.

How Soon After Buffing Should You Wax?

It is important to wax your car as soon as possible after polishing. This protects the paintwork and prevents dirt from settling on your car. Try and wax immediately after buffing.

Of course it is very important to protect your paintwork, especially if you intend to store it outside or drive it.

But it is really important that dirt and dust does not settle on the car before waxing. When this happens, you will essentially be rubbing it into your paint as you wax. This causes tiny scratches and damage to the clear coat (exactly what you wanted to remove with buffing).

If you cannot wax your car immediately after polishing, wash it before going through the waxing step. This way you remove the layer of dust on your car before you apply the wax.

Take a look at this article I wrote on how to properly prepare your car for waxing to ensure you get the best results.

Do you need to polish before waxing?

This is another big question car owners ask themselves. Now that you know you should always wax after buffing, does that mean you should always buff before waxing? (I know right, it gets a bit confusing).

It is not always necessary to polish a car before waxing. Buffing removes a layer of your clear coat, so it should only be done if you are looking to remove damage and scratches.

Of course, buffing will help prepare the surface by removing layers of old wax, but you’ll also likely trim away some paint, even if you’re just planning to remove the wax.

That’s why I like to use what’s called a pre-wax cleaner instead. This removes old layers of wax without attacking the paintwork.

My favorite is called R222 Paint Cleaner. It is really nice to apply and wipes off very easily. You simply apply it either by hand or by machine with a foam or microfiber applicator, wait 10 minutes to let it dry, and then buff off with a microfiber towel.

It does an excellent job of stripping old wax, preparing the surface and increasing gloss and shine without removing clear coat.

You can check out Paint Cleaner R222 (P21S) on Amazon.

Thank you for reading! I hope you found this article helpful. Don’t forget to read the rest of the blog to learn more about keeping your car looking its best.

Newcomers to the detailing world often have the misconception that waxing your car will make it shine, but that’s not entirely the case. It’s the polishing of your car that eliminates paintwork problems, removes scratches, brightens dull or faded paintwork, eliminates swirl marks, oxidation and other contaminants, leaving the paintwork smooth, clean and shiny. Yes, wax helps the paintwork shine, but its function is also to protect the polished paintwork.

Polishing your car is often referred to as paint correction. Imagine using a scrub on your skin! Wax is a bit like makeup… it looks good but doesn’t last as long!

Polishes are abrasive and for this reason we recommend buffing your car only as needed as you are removing a layer of material with each buffing. When you overpolish your car you end up thinning the paint and in extreme cases you can cut through the clear coat and paint all the way to the primer!

The diagram below illustrates different types of paint defects. Polishing removes material from the top layer – in most cases this is clear coat. The more abrasive the polish, the more material is removed. As you can see, buffing to remove a thin layer of clear coat from the diagram below removes all defects except for the deep scratches. When you remove all swirls, stains, water and acid etches, and holograms, you’ll have a smooth, prepped finish that can then be cleaned and protected with wax.

After buffing, you can easily get your swirl-free finish by using the right car wash and drying products and techniques, such as: B. Snow Foam or Prewash and then a shampoo wash.

If you protect the paintwork and keep it in good condition, it will need polishing less often.

In the world of detailing, swirl marks and other paint defects are the enemy! They are generally caused by poor washing and drying technique. As mentioned above, swirls, scratches and defects cannot be removed with normal waxes and sealers. Some glazes, such as B. Poorboys Black Hole Glaze will fill them in temporarily, but ideally we want a long-lasting finish.

In order to get your car in better condition than the showroom, you need to polish the surface with different degrees of polishing. Depending on the severity of the paintwork imperfections, you may need to start with a rough polish and progress to a finer polish. The chemical polishing agents and/or the polishing particles, combined with the manual technique or the effect of the polishing machine, safely remove the extremely fine unevenness in the paintwork. How deep you need to go depends on the depth of the marks and swirls on the paint.

before you start

Before you start buffing, you need to get your paintwork as clean as possible or you’ll just be dragging dirt around, scratching the clearcoat and making more fuss! Pre-wash or snow foam should be used first – this is a no-touch step, meaning you don’t physically touch the car, let the pre-cleaners do their job of removing dirt and grime from the surface, then pressure wash. View our prewash guide here.

Then shampoo the car using the 2 bucket method and a soft microfiber. We have another guide to washing your car which you can check out here.

Last but not least, we highly recommend using a clay stick to remove the stubborn dirt from your paint. This is a very satisfying process – you’ll be surprised at how much dirt the clay lifts from your paintwork, especially if it’s the first time your car has been clay treated – again we have a specific guide on how to use a clay bar which achieve best results.

Polish your car

Polishing can be done by hand or by machine. Polishing your car by hand might be safer, but it will be a long and tedious task, especially when you have the whole car to do, but it can be done! When polishing by hand, tackle a small 30cm x 30cm section at a time and then, when satisfied with the result, move on to the adjacent 30cm x 30cm section. This way you can see the fruits of your labor side-by-side with a section that hasn’t been polished, which can be quite satisfying.

The more efficient way to go about things is with a polishing machine. Due to the hard work and repetitive nature of hand buffing, using a buffing machine often yields better results, simply because people cut corners when hand buffing because they’re bored!

Using a machine polisher along with the right buffing pad and polish will have you having fantastic results before long. However, caution is advised as it is much easier to damage with a buffing machine than to buff by hand. We will be releasing a separate guide on machine polishing techniques and safety in the coming weeks.

Once the surface is prepared (pre-wash, wash, toning) it’s time to inspect the paint and see what you need next. Remember that you want to remove as little paint as possible.

So let’s sort the polishing machine first. There are basically 2 types, a DA polisher (dual action) and a rotary. The DA is really for DIY, it’s safer and not as aggressive as the rotary, but it lasts longer. The rotary works faster, but can also punch through paint faster, especially on edges. We currently have Dodo Juice Buff Daddy DA polishers and Spin Doctor rotary polishers in stock.

Next you will need buffing pads, these come in different sizes and different degrees of sanding. Depending on the condition of your paint, you can start with the coarse buffing pad and progress to the fine buffing pads. Again, we have the Dodo Juice Range in stock.

Types of car polishes

Next we need a suitable polish, remember that not all polishes are suitable as they range from very coarse compounds to very fine final polishes. Which one to start with depends on the degree of imperfections and swirls in the paint. Always try to use the least aggressive combination of pad and polish to get the job done so you remove as little top coat as possible.

Polishing pastes are the most aggressive type of car polish and are really only needed for very heavily swirled and marked paintwork.

Next up are cutting polishes, which are a popular starting point for most detailers. But again, if it’s possible to remove the swirls with a finer polish, don’t start with a cutting one. Poorboys World SSR2.5 is a highly recommended and very popular product.

The final polish is the last step and must always be done after using a cutting polish. A good product will remove holograms and very light damage and clouding of the colour. Collinite Prewax Cleaner is a good choice, as is Poorboys World SSR1.

paint protection

Once the painted finish is perfect, you want to protect it and preserve all the hard work you just put in! Protection comes in the form of waxes and paint seals. Waxes and sealers are applied in the same way but offer different degrees of protection. Both protect the painted surface from acid rain, fallout, bird droppings and tree sap. A paint sealer is a synthetic polymer that offers a high gloss finish but lasts much longer than a wax – up to a year in some cases.

Check back soon for our complete guide to waxing your car!

How much does it cost to get a car detailed?

Marlene is looking for the best way to have a clean, shiny and well-groomed car. Her first article about car detailing was read more than 100,000 times.

How much does it cost to detail a car?

What is the difference between a car wash and a car detailing?

The difference is more than the cost. During a typical car wash:

Your car is run through a machine and washed with brushes. Then air dryers remove most of the water. Drying is usually done by hand. Car wash costs range from $10 to $40 depending on where you live. Prices tend to be lower in the eastern US and higher for an SUV or minivan.

Car detailing goes beyond a car wash to include hand washing the entire vehicle, waxing, tire cleaning, interior polishing and even small dent removal. They can also last between four and six hours.

This information is based on prices provided by several detailing companies. The location and size of your car will affect the price.

A breakdown of detailing services and costs

Vehicle detailing can include a range of services from a simple hand wash and waxing to full interior and exterior policing. See the table below for details of services and prices.

The average detailing service ranges in price from $12 for a hand wash to $150 for small dent removal.

Price ranges for car wash and detailing services

Detail Service What to do Price range Separate care Hand wash Wash outside, clean rims, blow out cracks with compressed air, dry with chamois leather, vacuum and remove dust. $12.00 – $45.00 Carpet Care Deep clean carpets and mats. $45.00 – $60.00 Upholstery Details Thoroughly clean upholstery fabric. $45.00 – $50.00 Leather Care Clean and UV protect leather seats. $45.00 – $60.00 Vinyl Details Clean the dashboard, console and door panels, then apply protectant to protect from sun damage. $45.00 – $50.00 Vacuum cleaner and shampoo for trunk and cargo area. $9.00 – $15.00 Polish or Wax Apply a polish or wax to seal and protect the finish. $50.00 – $95.00 Paintless Dent Removal Remove dents and small dents on doors. $$85.00 – $150.00 Chassis and Chassis Clean just under the car, in the wheel arches and around the main suspension components, including the anti-roll bars; Pay attention to splash guards, inner fenders, and wheels and tires. $2.00 – $5.00 to $85.00 (high) Headlights, Taillights and Outer Fairing Apply polishing paste to headlights and taillights and seal; Clean the chrome trim and the plastic trim, and then apply a protectant. $65.00 – $70.00 Ozonation Eliminates odors. $2.00 (low) to $25.00 – $55.00 Engine Compartment Clean with water then apply a degreaser. Wash. After drying, apply a protectant to all silicone, plastic, and rubber parts to protect them from cracking. $30.00 – $145.00

Detailing can take between four and six hours. Make an appointment in advance.

Detailed down to the last detail! One reviewer stated that he detailed his Dodge Viper. It took 45 hours and all imperfections were removed. His auto detailing cost $2,700! For understandable reasons, I have not included this rating in the average cost calculation.

Basic Detailing vs Complete Detailing Packages

There are different levels of auto detail services.

Generally, a basic detailing package includes a hand wash, wax, tire cleaning, vacuuming the interior, and wiping or polishing of all interior surfaces, including the dash, windows, mirrors, and trim. Special chemicals are used to clean your car and prepare it for what is called the rejuvenation process, which involves the use of air compressors, compounds and detailing clay. Detailing Clay removes impurities from paint that normal washing does not remove. The result of the clay process prepares the car for buffing or polishing. Depending on the specific needs of your car, the detailer may then use wax, paint sealer, dressings, leather conditioner, or fabric water repellent.

A more comprehensive detailing service includes quality wax, interior detailing with steam or hot water extraction, leather upholstery cleaning, dent removal, whitewall tire cleaning, underbody washing, ozone treatment (odor removal) and engine cleaning.

This article is accurate and truthful to the best of the author’s knowledge. The content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for personal or professional advice on any business, financial, legal or technical matter.

Answer questions

Question: Can mold be removed from a conversion vehicle?

Answer: In most cases the answer is no if the mold is in the upholstery.

Additionally, mold is a problem that goes beyond the detailing of a car. If you have mold on your vehicle I would suggest going with a company that specializes in mold removal as mold removal is a specialized process and depending on where the mold is located there is only one professional can tell you whether or not he has the means to remove the mold.

7 experts asked: How long does it take to polish a car?

Most car owners have a love-hate relationship with the polishing process. While it does wonders for your vehicle’s looks and overall performance, it’s still a challenging task for car owners who may not have enough time in their already busy schedules. In any case, you may want to know how long it takes to polish your car and if there are ways to speed up the process.

Polishing a car takes around 1 to 8 hours depending on the size and complexity of your project. While smaller jobs can take less than an hour of your time, larger vehicles may require more than 8 hours to complete a full and professional polish.

In this article I will go into more detail on how long it takes to polish a car and what variables affect this time frame. I’ll also give you tips on how to speed up this process and my opinion on whether polishing your car for too long can damage the paintwork.

How long does it take to polish a car?

As much as you’d rather avoid it, polishing your car is essential to maintaining its looks and performance. The process eliminates oxidation, scratches and other imperfections. That’s why you should spend a few hours of your day polishing your car. (Don’t worry: you only need to do it about once or twice a year.)

It takes an average of four hours to polish a car. However, depending on your experience, skill level, and the type and size of your vehicle, the process can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 13 hours (according to experts).

Here’s a breakdown of all the factors that affect the amount of time it takes to polish your car.

Technical knowledge and skills. While an experienced car owner can ramp down the movements and finish polishing their vehicle in under a couple of hours, novices may need to devote a full day’s work to the process. Also, beginner mistakes like polishing without checking the car’s surface for dirt can increase the time it takes to get a thorough polish (more on that later).

While an experienced car owner can ramp down the movements and finish polishing their vehicle in under a couple of hours, novices may need to devote a full day’s work to the process. Also, beginner mistakes like polishing without checking the car’s surface for dirt can increase the time it takes to get a thorough polish (more on that later). Additional work required. For example, you may need to decontaminate your vehicle and wait for it to dry. This extra work can increase the time it takes to polish your car. If your car shows obvious signs of damage, you may need to address them first before beginning the polishing process.

For example, you may need to decontaminate your vehicle and wait for it to dry. This extra work can increase the time it takes to polish your car. If your car shows obvious signs of damage, you may need to address them first before beginning the polishing process. Number of breaks you take. Since this project is likely to become an all-day affair, allow time for breaks while you work. After all, even professionals have to eat from time to time and follow the call of nature. You should allow an extra hour or two when calculating the time it will take you to complete this project.

Since this project is likely to become an all-day affair, allow time for breaks while you work. After all, even professionals have to eat from time to time and follow the call of nature. You should allow an extra hour or two when calculating the time it will take you to complete this project. Desired thoroughness of work. Polishing your car to just remove superficial things like scratches will take you less time than someone willing to put in an extra hour or two to ensure the coating is flawless and no scratches remain on the surface. If any swirls stick to your car, you will need to invest extra time to remove them.

Polishing your car to just remove superficial things like scratches will take you less time than someone willing to put in an extra hour or two to ensure the coating is flawless and no scratches remain on the surface. If any swirls stick to your car, you will need to invest extra time to remove them. Type and size of your vehicle. Of course, larger vehicles require more work than smaller ones. If your car has additional components, you may need to include those in your polishing job as well. If these additional components do not require polishing, invest additional time to temporarily disassemble them to simplify the polishing process.

Here is a table summarizing what reputable experts have to say about polishing cars – along with my personal comments on the usefulness of their information.

Source How it takes to polish a car Comment Stauffer Garage 30 minutes (for a partial polish) 1-2 hours (for a full polish) James is able to complete a partial polish in 30 minutes. However, it is reasonable to assume that a full polish can take between 1 and 2 hours at the same speed. Dallas Paint Correction & Auto Detailing 1 hour (approx) The person explaining this video is a trained professional. However, he doesn’t polish the vehicle in real-time, so it’s difficult to say how his tips work in practice. The periods mentioned are professional estimates. Autogeek 1 hour Like the previous video, this one is for educational purposes and does not show a real-time polishing process. Therefore, the time frame given is also the general estimate of the person skilled in the art. The ride 2 hours According to this source, the process should take around 2 hours for a beginner. However, they do point out that the exact time frame may vary depending on the size and make of your vehicle. NanoCare products 3-5 hours This source is more suitable for those who want to polish their car at home. It estimates a 3.5 hour process if you have a buffer and a 5 hour job if you do it by hand. Torque Detail 2-13 Hours This source gives a thorough overview of the process. You can get a more accurate estimate of the time required for each step in the auto polishing process. Also, there are separate estimates for interior and exterior details as you can opt for one or both. Supreme Shine 4-20 hours According to this source, your regular polish on an average sized car should typically take around 4 hours, while a touch-up polish can take up to 20 hours depending on the vehicle.

My Favorite Products I’m so glad you like this post so far! 🙂

I’m sure you will also love my product recommendations that will make your detailing experience that much better. Check out my favorite products here: Wash Mitt: Amazon Basics Deluxe Microfiber Car Wash Mitt: Click Here Car Shampoo: Sonax Profiline ActiFoam: Click Here Pressure Washer: Karcher 13246440 K 5 Premium Full Control: Click Here Car Wax: Soft99 Fusso 12 Months: Click Here

Soft99 Fusso 12 months: Quick Detailer: SONAX Xtreme Brilliant Shine Detailer: Click here

How to polish a car

Now that you’re more familiar with the time frame for polishing your car, it’s time to have a more thorough discussion of what it actually means. Remember that every polishing job is different, which means the best steps for polishing your car will vary slightly depending on the vehicle type, your skills, and your goals.

That said, if you decide to go the DIY route and have a few hours to polish your car, here are the general steps to perform the best polish possible for your car.

Prepare your workplace. Before polishing, park your car in a shaded area first. Since you need to wash your car, you don’t want to risk soap drying on your vehicle’s paintwork and dulling the finish. This is especially important when doing the work on a hot summer day. Also, be sure to move or cover anything in the car that you don’t want to risk getting messy. You can use a tarp for this purpose.

Before polishing, park your car in a shaded area first. Since you need to wash your car, you don’t want to risk soap drying on your vehicle’s paintwork and dulling the finish. This is especially important when doing the work on a hot summer day. Also, be sure to move or cover anything in the car that you don’t want to risk getting messy. You can use a tarp for this purpose. Wash your car. If you choose to do the whole thing yourself, clean your vehicle to remove any residue, debris or dirt. You can also go to a car wash for this step and just do the polishing yourself. As Stauffer Garage explains in the video linked earlier, you are essentially cleaning the surface of your car, which is why it’s important to make sure it’s spotless and residue-free.

If you choose to do the whole thing yourself, clean your vehicle to remove any residue, debris or dirt. You can also go to a car wash for this step and just do the polishing yourself. As Stauffer Garage explains in the video linked earlier, you are essentially cleaning the surface of your car, which is why it’s important to make sure it’s spotless and residue-free. Check for remaining dirt. Continue with the last point and polish your car when there is even the slightest dirt on its surface, which can result in scratches and swirls that require an extra hour or two of work to remove. You’ll be surprised how small debris can be, so inspect your car thoroughly before proceeding. Use a brush designed to gently remove debris from anything you spot.

. Continue with the last point and polish your car when there is even the slightest dirt on its surface, which can result in scratches and swirls that require an extra hour or two of work to remove. You’ll be surprised how small debris can be, so inspect your car thoroughly before proceeding. Use a brush designed to gently remove debris from anything you spot. Prepare the polishing wheel. This is where the actual polishing process begins. First place a clean, damp pad on the buffing wheel. The buffer should be damp but not soaking wet. Also, be sure to wet the pad from time to time. This is crucial to avoid damaging your vehicle’s paintwork as a dry pad can scratch your car.

This is where the actual polishing process begins. First place a clean, damp pad on the buffing wheel. You want the buffer . Also, be sure to wet the pad from time to time. This is crucial to avoid damaging your vehicle’s paintwork as a dry pad can scratch your car. Apply the rubbing compound. Put the manufacturer’s recommended amount of abrasive on the pad, spin the wheel and apply to your car’s paintwork. You can also apply the paste directly to the surface of your vehicle and then work it into the paint with your polisher. Repeat this process on one body part at a time for a thorough job.

Put the manufacturer’s recommended amount of abrasive on the pad, spin the wheel and apply to your car’s paintwork. You can also apply the paste directly to the surface of your vehicle and then work it into the paint with your polisher. Repeat this process on one body part at a time for a thorough job. Master your technique. While it may seem like a straightforward process, mastering your polisher is a skill that takes effort and practice. Always position the gear parallel to the surface of your car (as demonstrated by Forensic Detailing Channel in the video below) as this is the only way to avoid the dreaded swirl marks. Wet your pad and the panel you are working on and apply even pressure for best results.

While it may seem like a straightforward process, mastering your polisher is a skill that takes effort and practice. Always position the gear parallel to the surface of your car (as demonstrated by Forensic Detailing Channel in the video below) as this is the only way to avoid the dreaded swirl marks. Wet your pad and the panel you are working on and apply even pressure for best results. Proceed to another panel. Once the compound has settled into your car’s paintwork, the scratches, oxidation and swirls will slowly disappear. Once the coating becomes bright and shiny, your job is done and you can move on to another body panel. Do not continue to polish an already shiny surface. Otherwise you will dull the finish.

Once the compound has settled into your car’s paintwork, the scratches, oxidation and swirls will slowly disappear. Once the coating becomes bright and shiny, your job is done and you can move on to another body panel. Otherwise you will dull the finish. Rinse the pad if necessary. As previously mentioned, maintaining a certain level of moisture in your buffing wheel pad is crucial if you want to get the best possible results. Therefore, if your pad becomes dry or sticky, run it under clean water first. Ideally, you should do this between switching from one panel to another so you don’t forget.

. As previously mentioned, maintaining a certain level of moisture in your buffing wheel pad is crucial if you want to get the best possible results. Therefore, if your pad becomes dry or sticky, run it under clean water first. Ideally, you should do this between switching from one panel to another so you don’t forget. Polish trim last. This is especially important for those who are polishing their car for the first time. Polishing trim panels is an extremely delicate process as you run the risk of chipping into the clear coat of your paintwork. Be extra patient and careful when polishing these sections.

This is especially important for those who are polishing their car for the first time. Polishing trim panels is an extremely delicate process as you run the risk of chipping into the clear coat of your paintwork. Be extra patient and careful when polishing these sections. Flush your car again. At this point you can wash your vehicle thoroughly again. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

At this point you can wash your vehicle thoroughly again. Allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Apply the finishing touches. Now that most of your work is done, you can apply a coat of wax coating to preserve your vehicle’s finish. The process is relatively simple, and you can find detailed instructions on how to do it here. You can clean any parts that were untouched during this process and touch up any remaining scratches with some paint.

After this last step, your work is done! You can see why the process can take at least a few hours, but the results more than justify all that trouble and effort.

If you’re more of a visual learner, I highly recommend watching this video by Pan the Organizer as it’s one of the most thorough and informative tutorials you’ll find on the subject.

How to polish your car faster

Four hours polishing a single car can be too much, even for professionals. After all, doing the same for at least a dozen other cars is a recipe for inefficiency and lost profits. Luckily, thanks to the Dallas Paint Correction & Auto Detailing video I showed you earlier, I can give you a few extra tips on how to reduce the time it takes to polish your car.

Use an all-in-one polish. This will rid your car’s surface of scratches, swirls and damage while giving it an instant high gloss finish.

This will rid your car’s surface of scratches, swirls and damage while giving it an instant high gloss finish. Be as organized and clean as possible throughout the process. The one-panel-at-a-time approach allows you to quickly and efficiently polish your car without worrying about missed spots that you would have to redo.

The one-panel-at-a-time approach allows you to quickly and efficiently polish your car without worrying about missed spots that you would have to redo. Invest in a soft-bristled brush that will allow you to gently sweep over your car’s surface. This reduces inspection time when preparing your vehicle and ensures there is no dirt or debris that could complicate the polishing process. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend another 25 minutes to an hour inspecting every nook and cranny.

This reduces inspection time when preparing your vehicle and ensures there is no dirt or debris that could complicate the polishing process. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend another 25 minutes to an hour inspecting every nook and cranny. If all else fails, seek professional help. Suppose after polishing a slab you find that the work requires far more energy than you can muster. In that case, you might want to get help from someone else – preferably someone who has been polishing cars professionally for a long time.

Can polishing your car for too long damage the paintwork?

Polishing your car for too long can damage the paintwork. Polishes and rims are abrasive, so continuing the process for too long will likely be counterproductive as it can further dull and scratch your vehicle’s finish.

However, according to an article in Metal Finishing magazine, more flaky one-component paints are being steadily replaced by more stable two-layer topcoats. It can be assumed that car paints will become more and more durable. This means you may be able to polish your vehicle more often in the future without causing significant damage.

The central theses

On average it takes between 1 and 8 hours to polish a car.

However, the actual time will depend on factors such as the size and shape of your vehicle, your technical ability, and the level of thoroughness you desire.

With enough practice (and a few quick tips), you can significantly reduce the time it takes to give your car a much-needed polish.

If you’re nervous about doing a professional car polish yourself, you can always enlist the help of a professional.

Here Are All My Favorite Detailing Products Proper detailing takes many products. Because the market for car care products is huge and there are many different products available, it can be very confusing and difficult to find really quality products online. I want to make sure you, my reader, get great auto detailing products, so I decided to list my favorite products below. I’m sure you and your car will love them! 🙂 Microfiber Wash Mitts: Microfiber wash mitts are the number one choice for any car cleaning enthusiast. Car cleaning is impossible without a proper washing mitt. These are my favorites: Amazon Basics Deluxe Microfiber Car Wash Mitt: Click Here

Armor All Microfiber Car Wash Mitt: Click Here

The Rag Company – Cyclone Wash Mitts: Click Here Car Shampoo: Car Shampoo is the only shampoo suitable for washing cars safely. Make sure you use a high-quality car shampoo to prevent scratches. Check out my favorites here and grab some good car shampoo! Sonax Profiline ActiFoam: Click here

Sonax Shine Shampoo Concentrate: Click here

Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam: Click Here Pressure Washers: If you’re serious about detailing and cleaning your cars properly, there’s no getting away from a quality pressure washer. I know they’re expensive, but trust me, a good pressure washer changes everything. Check out my recommendations below! Kärcher 13246440 K 5 Premium Full Control: Click here

Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer GPW2003: Click here

Kärcher K1700 Electric Power high-pressure cleaner: Click here Paint protection: Paint protection is part of every car care routine. Because it’s so important, there are many different products and many different use cases. Check out the list below to find my favorite paint protection products. Soft99 Fusso 12 Months: Click here

SONAX Xtreme Brilliant Shine Detailer: Click here

Sonax ceramic spray coating: click here

Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Graphene Spray Wax: Click Here

Sources

It’s easy to think that taking your car to the car wash every few weeks is enough to keep it looking good. But especially if you live in the UK, learning how to wash your car properly isn’t always enough as your car can handle all four seasons in one day.

With rain, hail, snow, sun, and (unfortunately) bird droppings constantly hitting your car, you need to give it a little extra care from time to time.

Waxing and polishing your car can often keep it in great condition, which increases its resale value if you own it or can help you avoid lease car exit fees if you have a lease.

We’ve already covered how to wax a car, so here we’ll go over how often you should wax and polish it, how long it lasts, and is it really worth it.

When to wax and polish your car

As we mentioned in our car waxing guide, buffing should always be done before waxing. Remember – polishing is for perfection while waxing is for protection.

But how often do you really need to polish and wax, and how do you know when it’s necessary?

When to polish your car

If you take good care of your car, polishing your car once or twice a year should be enough to fix minor scratches or wear.

If you frequently have scratches or stains, you can have it polished more regularly. However, most professional polishes are very mildly abrasive to remove imperfections from the surface of your car’s exterior. This means that every time your car is polished you will begin to wear down the surface finish.

This shouldn’t be a problem provided you don’t overdo it, but it’s something to keep in mind!

When to wax your car

If you’ve never waxed before, you’re probably wondering how to tell if you need it. Because waxing acts like a clear protective layer on your car, it’s not always easy to train for. Wax naturally wears out and this is accelerated by the effects of rain, sun and even dirty puddles splashing up the sides of your car.

You can tell if your wax is starting to wear off by looking for beads of water on your outside. If there is very little (or none) left, it’s probably time to get the wax out.

How often you should wax your car depends on a few factors, but a general guideline is at least twice a year.

When your car is new everything should still be in good condition, so you really just need to make sure it’s protected. For older or more heavily worn models, you may want to polish and wax more frequently, up to every season.

The time of year can also affect how often you wax, as vehicles that can withstand harsher weather conditions will need to be waxed more regularly to stay protected. Other seasonal factors can also play a big part in your waxing schedule. When your car is exposed to a buildup of salt, dirty water, mud and windshield washer fluid, a coat of wax every month or two can make all the difference.

How long does wax last on a car?

It’s hard to say how long your car wax will last as it depends on a number of variables. Poorly applied wax can only last a few weeks, while a carefully (or professionally) applied wax can last a few months.

As mentioned above, inclement weather not only means your car needs more protection, it also means your wax will wear out faster. Even things like frequent bird droppings on your car can shorten the life of your wax. Keeping your car clean is a great way to preserve the wax, but regular cleaning also breaks it down.

If you’re wondering how often you should wash your car, we recommend sticking to a fortnightly cleaning. Keeping your car in a garage or sheltered area can make a big difference as you are likely to reduce the frequency of cleaning and protect it from the elements.

Can you overgrow your car?

Unless you religiously wax your wax every week, you’re unlikely to wax your car too often.

However, there is a limit to how much your wax can do, so you could end up spending hours reapplying layers of wax if the existing one was fine. Too many coats can cause wax to build up and give your car a dull, even dirty appearance.

Many waxes work better if you start with a wax-free base, so it’s even more time-consuming to constantly strip the existing wax off your car to start over. Barring extreme circumstances, your car probably doesn’t need to be waxed every other week, so it really just takes up a lot of your precious free time to do it anyway.

Is it worth waxing a car?

Although regular waxing can help keep your car looking like new, its main purpose is to protect your car. It helps maintain your car’s paintwork and keeps it looking good for longer.

Waxing cars can feel like a chore, but the satisfaction you’ll get from seeing your freshly waxed car and knowing it’s protected for months to come is always worth the effort.

To achieve the best possible finish, buff before waxing. Many finishes have deep imperfections that the wax only hides. As mentioned before, even a brand new car needs a paint touch up after just one bad wash. The swirls, scratches, and air smudges that lie on an untreated car make waxing a stopgap at best.

Contaminated paintwork does not shine and when the wax compound has worn away the defects are still there. Toning and/or buffing with an abrasive is required to properly remove these paint defects.