What exactly does a 'polish' do?

YNOT

YNOT

Poorboys Rules!
This may be a dumb question, but what exactly does a polish do?

I understand that a swirl remover eliminates swirls and a wax seals the paint...correct?

It seems to me that if I use a swirl remover on an otherwise nice and shiny paint/finish, the paint/finish would then be glossy and swirl free...so what does a polish do then? Does it simply enhance the gloss? Is a polish a necessary step, or just one to enhance shine?

Lastly, does Meguiar's make a 'polish'? I like Meg's products and would prefer to stick with them unless there is something better out there.

Thanks!
 
The word 'polish' is often abused or misused. Sort of like how every tissue is called a Kleenex and every bandage is called a Band-Aid. When I tell someone I will 'polish' their car, it usually means I will use a paint cleaner and a swirl remover to bring back the natural shine of their paint. Some people include adding the wax to the job under their use of the word 'polish'. What I would suggest is to not look for a product with 'polish' on the label and start looking for a good swirl remover and a good paint cleaner and a good wax. If you have those three products then you'll have all the polish you need.
 
It depends on the mfgr./company. Some comapnies call their sealant/waxes "polishes."

Polishes, to me, mean what Jngr explained. A mechanical or chemical "cleaning" of the paint.
 
Jngrbrdman said:
The word 'polish' is often abused or misused. Sort of like how every tissue is called a Kleenex and every bandage is called a Band-Aid. When I tell someone I will 'polish' their car, it usually means I will use a paint cleaner and a swirl remover to bring back the natural shine of their paint. Some people include adding the wax to the job under their use of the word 'polish'. What I would suggest is to not look for a product with 'polish' on the label and start looking for a good swirl remover and a good paint cleaner and a good wax. If you have those three products then you'll have all the polish you need.
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Nice Legacy, I mean Pilot :wink:
 
Jngrbrdman said:
start looking for a good swirl remover and a good paint cleaner and a good wax. If you have those three products then you'll have all the polish you need.
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Can you give a few product examples Anthony..

Steps:
swirl remover
paint cleaner
wax
 
A swirl remover would be products like DACP, SSRs, Pinnacle's XMT, and other products with physical abrasives.

Paint cleaners are products (in my opinion) that are chemically abrasive, but don't remove swirls. You could technically clean the paint with a swirl remover, but their main, or maybe their best, use is for removing swirls. A paint cleaner in my book would be like the pre sealants for Klasse, Wolfgang, UPP, etc. They are chemically abrasive and can remove oxidation and greases, but they won't do much for swirls.

Waxes can sometimes be partially paint cleaner due to the level of solvents in them that are needed to make the carnauba liquid, but their primary use is as a wax and the paint cleaning part is just a bonus (or sometimes not). A wax like Meguiar's Gold Class is capable of removing mild oxidation and paint stains. I've seen it happen. Most paste waxes don't have enough solvent in them to clean the paint, but some liquids do. Some products, like NXT Tech Wax in liquid form, have paint cleaners and even mild physical abrasives in them. You just have to read the labels sometimes I guess. :)
 
1. Wash
2. dry
3. clay- doesn't take that much time.
The clay will blow you away if you learn to do it right
4. I use a little QDetailer or ( on my newer cars) to clean off any excess clay
5. liquid glass/ Klasse
6.Hand wax/ nattys, ice, megs liquid wax if I'm in ahurry

it ain't no harder than that. The clay will take it down to the paint. Liquid wax won't do what paste does but if you your paint is real good- its killer- gotta do it more often. never use buffers- my paint doesn't warrant that.
 
TRAKPAK said:
1. Wash
2. dry
3. clay- doesn't take that much time.
The clay will blow you away if you learn to do it right
4. I use a little QDetailer or ( on my newer cars) to clean off any excess clay
5. liquid glass/ Klasse
6.Hand wax/ nattys, ice, megs liquid wax if I'm in ahurry

it ain't no harder than that. The clay will take it down to the paint. Liquid wax won't do what paste does but if you your paint is real good- its killer- gotta do it more often. never use buffers- my paint doesn't warrant that.
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But what does a 'polish' do? :D Yeah, I know we're a tough crowd. ;)

Stick around and you'll learn that buffers aren't just used for correction around here. We use them along with "glossing" polishes to improve the shine factor before we go to our waxes/sealants.
 
Mr. Clean said:
But what does a 'polish' do? :D Yeah, I know we're a tough crowd. ;)

Stick around and you'll learn that buffers aren't just used for correction around here. We use them along with "glossing" polishes to improve the shine factor before we go to our waxes/sealants.
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Maybe I should bring back my "answer the question" thread:rofl
 
no, your not a tough crowd- you are all trying to help us (me) be better detailers- which is a really an art. However, polishers/buffers are unecassary for my needs. I have less thank 16k and 2k on my vehicles. Buffing is too risky and unecassary with NEW paint in my opinion- unless............--yes--- I said unless....you have years of experience with one. Luck
 
JaredPointer said:
The Flex. Hands down the best DA polisher I have ever used.
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Trakpak, I'd be inclined to listen to JP on this one. He's had some unresolved heat issues with his unit and still praises the machine. That is a huge endorsement.

Me I only have the PC to supplement my rotary, though the newer PCXP has piqued my interest. Believe me, buffing with a Dual Action machine is hardly a risky venture. Practice combined with a little bit of common sense paired with some good pads and product and you will soon benefit from the experience.
 
There are many types of polishes, some being more abrasive then compounds, and others that contain no abrasives. IMO a good polish will clean, remove minor swirls, and bring the gloss up.

TRAKPAC, most of us here use machines for best results. There are many different brands and machines out today, but only two different types Rotary and Dual Action. The DA is a very safe and effective way to clean, polish, seal or wax, a cars finish. The rotary could take a bit of getting used to and has the power to inflict damage if your not experienced or very careful.

Hope this helps
 
I would recommend a PC for the weekend warrior, or just for personal use. I would start off with some 6.5" or smaller foam pads by Meg's or LCM. I would be sure to get the new PC as it has a bit more juice. If you are looking to save cash the older models will do just fine.

PS. I still remember buying my PC years ago. :rockon
 
To answer his original question, a polish is generally a light compound. Most arent very aggressive, but can remove light imperfections. You would usually use one after compounding and before waxing, it helps enhance the gloss to your finish.
 
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