How to Machine Polish a Car
Polishing a car to a glossy shine is not done by washing or waxing like most people believe. The only true way to bring a deep, wet looking shine to a car's surface is to machine polish it. Machine polishing can leave even dull, faded cars with a new-car shine.
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Things You'll Need
- Dual action orbital polisher
- Liquid rubbing compound/polish
- Clay bar kit (found at any auto parts store)
Instructions
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1
Wash the car thoroughly with car wash soap and rinse with water. Dry the car with a synthetic chamois cloth to prevent water spots. Make sure the car's painted surface is completely dry.
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2
Use a clay bar and clay lubricant to deep clean the car's surface. Spray the lubricant in a small area, rub the clay bar back and forth in the lubricant, spray the area once again and then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Repeat this step on the entire car to remove microscopic metal embedded in the car's paint.
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3
Pour a mildly abrasive liquid rubbing compound onto a clean polishing pad. Begin using the polisher at the front of the car and work towards the rear. The pad should be changed at least once during the polishing.
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4
Use the polisher with a clean buffing pad to remove the dried compound from the car. This step shines the car.
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Tips & Warnings
Park the car in the shade before polishing to reduce the temperature of the surface of the car.
Don't hold the polisher in one area too long when using the compound, or it may burn through the clear coat and into the paint.
