Definition: Polishing is the action of polishing (making even and smooth by rubbing). Allows to find a smooth surface, possibly shiny essentially by abrasion of the surface.
Polishing is generally a process to restore a shiny and new appearance to your bodywork. In addition, a freshly polished surface ensures better adhesion of the protective waxes applied in the following steps.
We will detail this polishing step and you will understand why polishing is important and it is one of the secrets to achieving an incredible finish.
Why is it necessary to polish your vehicle?
Over time, atmospheric aggressions, poor washing techniques, irregular maintenance,… the bodywork is damaged and reveals imperfections (micro-scratches, swirls, oxidation, etc.).
Polishing your vehicle removes these multiple defects and increases the shine of the paint.
What exactly do we mean by paint defects?
These are all damages caused by stains, swirl marks, scratches, water stains, acid stains caused by bird droppings, etc. But also a multitude of holograms, micro scratches often caused by bad washing, in particular, automatic washing machines.
In addition, the use of unsuitable accessories and poor washing techniques accentuate the creation of micro-scratches.
In sunlight or under a spotlight, you will see all these traces which then make your body very dull.
All these irregularities spoil the appearance of the vehicle, affect the life of a paint and considerably reduce the duration of the waxes/protections applied.
What products should be used to remove these defects?
The use of an abrasive polish can correct these defects. Applying an abrasive polish to a paintwork should be done with care. Indeed, the use of abrasive polish eliminates a very thin layer of paint.
During this step, you will therefore remove and correct the surface imperfections of the paint.
How can I polish my paint?
Let's first go back to the composition of a painting. The body of your car is made up of several layers, often three layers:
A coat of primer (primer base).
A layer of color.
A coat of clearcoat which on most cars is often the thickest coat. This coat improves the appearance of the finish and protects the paint.
Very often, all the defects are located on the varnish layer and can be simply removed by polishing.
However, if the defect has exceeded the first layer and has therefore attacked the color layer, it is impossible to be able to erase this defect. Defects that are too deep cannot be remedied by simple polishing, so you must use the Carsprowash large scratch renovation kit
There are 2 types of polish:
“non-abrasive” polishes
“abrasive” polishes
Of course, defects corrected with a “non-abrasive” polish/product are limited. Only very slight defects will be corrected. Very often, “non-abrasive” polishes/products contain specific agents to “fill/hide” the defects and thus avoid removing a thickness of paint (layer of varnish). This treatment is therefore temporary and will have to be repeated.
Using polish / abrasive product, you will remove a thin layer of paint (by reducing the layer of varnish). Ideally, you should remove as little thickness as possible. The incorporated abrasives will act on the surface of the varnish. By abrasion, the layer of varnish will decrease.
There are two ways to correct defects on a bodywork:
1/ By reducing the thickness of the varnish layer by aggressive polishing. The advantage of this technique is that the defect is permanently removed but the disadvantage is that such an action must be carried out with caution and above all not to remove too much or all the thickness of the varnish.
2/ By reducing the severity of the defect by gentle polishing. Then fill in the rest of the defect by applying a protective wax. This option is much safer. However, the correction is temporary.
In both cases, you have the option of working by hand or by machine.
Machine polishing remains within the reach of experienced people. You have to be careful not to remove the layer of varnish, not to insist on removing a defect. This method remains within the reach of professionals and ensures a very high level of correction.
How to use a polish?
Refer to manufacturer's instructions. However, there are common rules to follow to obtain an excellent result.
1/ Always work on a clean, dry and decontaminated surface. Right after step 3.
If the paint surface is not completely decontaminated, then you will have to use significantly more products, first to remove the contaminants and then to polish. In addition, you increase the risk of creating additional defects by polishing a surface that is still contaminated.
2/ Work in small areas (about 25 x 25 cm).
Depending on the defects to be corrected, it is not necessary to polish the entire vehicle.
3/ The use of circular movements facilitates the correction, however, it is preferable to finish with a “fine” polishing (without pressure) by performing rectilinear movements.
4/ Avoid strong pressure, it is preferable to renew the operation.
Carsprowash products for stage 4:
NON-ABRASIVE = Carsprowash ultimate polisher.
Carsprowash Ultimate Polisher contains "non-abrasive" agents to correct minor surface defects. In addition, its formula offers the realization of the following steps (n°5 = Polishing and n°6 = Protection). Its composition also makes it possible to fill fine micro-scratches. In many cases, this avoids the use of abrasive polish and therefore preserves the thickness of the paint.
Carsprowash Ultimate Polisher is considered an “All in One” product (Step 4-5-6), regularly referred to as “All In One”.
For larger defects and an in-depth correction, the choice will be the Carsprowash polish.
ABRASIVE = Polish Carsprowash
Polish Carsprowash contains abrasive agents to eliminate these defects in depth and leave a perfectly smooth paint. Restores original paint shine, smoothness and color.
Polish Carsprowash also contains abrasive agents to eliminate these defects in depth and leave a perfectly smooth paint. Its advanced formula also performs the following steps (n°5 = Polishing and n°6 = Protection).
Polish Carsprowash is considered an “All in One” product (step 4-5-6) which incorporates “abrasive” agents.
How to choose between Carsprowash Ultimate Polisher and Carsprowash Polish?
These products are quite different in many ways.
Special features of Carsprowash Ultimate Shine:
"NON-abrasive"
Incorporates polishing oils
Contains NANO-polymers to provide tough, long-lasting protection
Special features of Polish Carsprowash:
ideal “abrasive” to ensure in-depth defect correction and leave an extremely smooth and shiny surface
Does not contain polishing oil or protection
It is a PUR abrasive polish for an exemplary finish!
Combinations between products are possible to increase the final result