Polishing and sealeants
What exactly is polishing?
Machine polishing works on improving the top layer of your paints clear coat for a more smooth and glossier look. Typically your car will have a primer, base and clear layer in your paint. If you have deep scratches that go below the clear coat polishing will not fix this. Similarly if your clear coat has diminished or has very little left polishing will not fix how it looks and a respray will be required. Light swirl marks and hazing can be reduced and often removed to further enhance the paint.
Why polish?
Most cars, even when brand new can have defects in the paint that polishing can improve. The most common reason for light swirls and scratches is from incorrect wash methods. These scratches and swirl marks are most noticeable in direct sunlight and unfortunately really stand out more so on darker cars. Not only does polishing greatly improve the looks of your paint in sunlight, but it can also provide a perfect base to then further protect your paint with a sealant like a wax or ceramic coating.
How much will it cost?
Due to the vast differences in paint types, thicknesses and hardness used by manufacturers combined with the individual customers paint condition and scratches it is difficult to provide a cookie cutter approach for quoting polishing. The reality is, every car is different and the desired results also play another factor. For example here at Extreme Auto Care we use two main categories that offer different results.
Single Stage Polish
A single stage polish means that only one type of polishing pad and polish will be used. In most cases for new or well looked after cars this is adequate for good results. However a single stage polish will typically not have enough cutting power to get to deeper scratches and imperfections in the paint.
Two Stage Polish
A two stage polish will use two different types of pads and polishes. The first will be a more powerful cutting pad and compound to reach the deeper imperfections follower by a more fine polishing pad and polish. This method takes much longer since it requires an additional round on every panel of the car and more pad changes. This method will provide a deep gloss and help remove even some of the deeper scratches, hazing and swirls.
Sealants
Exterior
After the hard work polishing it is optimal to then seal the paint with either a wax or ceramic coating. This will help to provide some protection to your paint and both have great benefits.
Wax
Provides some protection from bird droppings/ bugs and insects, improves depth of colour and hydrophobic properties so that water beads off the paint. However this is a relatively short term form of protection and depending on the conditions of how the car is stored.
Ceramic coating
The best possible swirl mark, chemical resistance and ultra high gloss finish. Improved durability and great water beading to exceptionally repel water and dirt. Cleaning the car afterwards will be noticeably easier. These coatings provide better protection, great gloss and a longer lasting additional layer to your paints clear coat. Ceramic coatings will only be performed as a drop off service to ensure the coating application and cure time conditions are met.