by David W. Bynon
<font size="1">Copyright©, 1999-2002, <a target="_blank" href="http://autopia-carcare.com">Autopia Car Care</a> -- All Rights Reserved</font>
Many people assume that waxing and polishing are synonymous. 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 glazing and waxing.
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 slight 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 and minor swirl marks. The result is a rejuvenated top paint layer, which is then ready for waxing. Polishing insures a uniform, high gloss shine.
Selecting a polish can be intimidating for the enthusiast. 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. You will also need to choose the correct product for hand application or machine application. It is beyond the scope of this article to delve into each category and evaluate the various brands available. For simplification, lets categorize cars into two groups:
Selecting a polish for cars less than three years old:
Polishing a newer car once a year will maintain the car's showroom-new appearance for years to come. Newer cars usually have a clear coat finish. Select a non-abrasive polish that is safe for clear coat finishes. Three polishes in this category are
Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion, P21S Paintwork Cleanser, and 3M Perfect-It. All three are wipe on, wipe off lotions.
Selecting a polish for cars over three years old:
If the finish on your car is well maintained, continue with one of the three polishes listed above. If your car's finish is dull, cloudy, or chalky, it will require a polish with a light abrasive.
Meguiar's No. 2 Fine Cut Cleaner is a good choice if the paint surface does not have heavy swirl marks or bad oxidation. If the paint is oxidized or have a lot of surface marks, you will need to first use a light rubbing compound, such as 3M Perfect-It Paste.
Polishing Tips:
Once you've selected the correct polish, here are some tips to make polishing easier:
1. Work on one area at a time covering 2 to 4 square feet. Buff off residues as you go. This allows you to discover any problems early before polishing the entire car.
2. Most polishes apply best with a cotton terry cloth or terry applicator pad. If the cloth or applicator becomes caked with polish, switch to a fresh applicator (you may also be using too much polish).
3. Work in a shaded area, out of direct sunlight.
4. If the polishing residue does not buff off easily, switch to a clean wipe towel.
5. Apply polishes in a back and forth motion, not circular (polishes should take out swirls, not create them… don't go in circles). If you are creating swirls, you are using a polish that is too abrasive, or you have grit on your applicator or wipe towel.
After polishing, your car's surface should be squeaky clean, smooth, and free of streaks and minor swirls.
<font size="1">All products mentioned in this article are available from <a target="_blank" href="http://properautocare.com">Classic Motoring Accessories</a> and are used at the buyer's own risk. Autopia Car Care is not affiliated with and does not represent Classic Motoring Accessories or the manufacturers of the products mentioned.</font>
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