This is No.5, in the step by step guide using OFF THE SHELF PRODUCTS

Many people assume that waxing and polishing are the same. In fact, they are two different processes. Professional detailers and show-car owners know the secret to an award-winning finish is properly cleaning and polishing the surface prior to waxing.

Recommended products:-

Meguiars Foam Applicators (2 per pack)
Meguiars Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner**
Meguiars Polishing Towels (2 per pack)
Meguiars Microfibre Cloths
Meguiars Deep Crystal Polish**

Please note:- ** means at the present moment in time these products are the best, however when Turtle Wax release their F21 Polish into Australia it will be far superior to the Meguiars ones mentioned above.

All paints age from exposure to ultraviolet light, pollution and acid rain. Beautiful finishes gradually become dull and chalky. Waxing over these surfaces will only create a temporary gloss over dull paint. To reveal the paint's true vitality, vibrancy, and depth, it must be polished.

Polishing deep-cleans the paint. It also removes oxidation, old wax, minor swirl marks and water spots. The result is a rejuvenated top paint layer, which is then ready for waxing or sealing. Polishing creates a uniform, high-gloss shine.

EVALUATING YOUR CAR'S PAINT:-

You can easily evaluate your car's paint every time you wash. To do so, wash and dry your car. With clean hands, run your fingertips across the paint surface. It should feel very smooth, like glass. If it doesn't, you're feeling the contaminants and oxidation on the surface of the paint. This is your indication that it's time to clean and polish your paint using a good polish.

To determine if your paint has enough wax protection, rub a clean, dry detailing towel over the hood or trunk surfaces. If you hear squeaking, it's because the paint is dry and needs polishing and protection. When a car's paint surface has good wax protection, a good buffing towel should glide across the surface. I will cover the use of cutting polishes in a later topic.

SELECTING A POLISH:-

Selecting a polish can be intimidating. There are hundreds from which to choose, each having different abrasive or cut capability. There are polishes for clear coat and non-clear coat finishes.

Polishing a newer car twice a year will maintain the car's showroom appearance for years to come. Newer cars usually have a clear coat finish, so be sure to select a low abrasive polish that is safe for clear coat finishes. For ultra-safe polishing and paint cleaning, use a polish designed to be a fine pre-wax cleaner on new paint and paint in excellent condition.

If your car's finish is dull, cloudy, or chalky, it may require the use of a light rubbing compound. Use caution when polishing with compounds, as they will quickly remove the top layer of dead paint. Check your work often to make sure you don't rub the paint too thin. Follow compounding with a swirl remover polish formula.

POLISHING TIPS:-

Once you've selected a polish, here are some tips to make polishing easier:

1.) Work in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight. Never ever polish a car in the sun or when the paint is hot as the polishes will streak
2.) Work on one area at a time covering two to four square feet. Buff off the polish residues as you go. This allows you to discover any problems early before polishing the entire car.
3.) For best results, use a foam applicator pad to apply polish. If you need a little more polish or cleaning power, use a terry cloth applicator. When the applicator becomes caked with polish, switch to a fresh applicator. I highly recommend Meguiars foam applicators.
4.) Use a small amount of polish. With most polishes, a 1-inch size dab is enough to polish a 20cm to 30cm area.
5.) If the polishing residue does not buff off easily, switch to a clean buffing towel.
6.) Apply polishes in a back and forth motion, not circular (polishes should take out swirls, not create them… don't polish in circles). If you are creating swirls, you are using a polish that is too abrasive or you need to replace your polishing pad or towels.
7.) After polishing, your car's paint should be squeaky clean, smooth, and free of streaks and minor swirls. It's now ready for waxing.

you say not to go in circular motion but on the back of the meguiars hand applicator pads packet it states "Apply small quantity of product evenly onto pad. Work in a circular motion without using excess pressure- let the product do the work".

As long as the products dont contain any abrasive agents, it doesnt matter whether you work it back and forth or in a circular motion.

gave this a whirl on my own car on friday night... had a few swirls and fine scratches in the clear... gave it a hit with the paint cleaner then deep crystal polish and i was shocked at the finish i got from a hand polish... i was stoked...

so yeah thanks for the article... its a pain in the arse when your looking for a good polish and all most of the people are interested in retail shops is getting your actual money and have never used the shit in their lives... so yeah big help...

hey can u help me. the paint on the top of my car is all faded n shit. is there any thing that i can buy that will fix it???? is there a polish that has like a red paint or some thing that will sorta bring it up to stanard with the rest of the car??? cos the sides n bonet are fine. just the roof

i find that 'KITTEN liquid polish ' the one with the diamond sticker that says contains PTFE (teflon ) works a treat.

It does, but from my experience it's quite abrasive - great for if you have old, oxidised paint but not so good if you've still got heaps of clearcoat left.

good thread man. ill have to try it out sometime