How to Restore Car Finish Surface Gloss

A high gloss shine can really make your vehicle stand out.

Restoring the glossy finish to your car is a simple task if you have the correct tools and knowledge. While a proper polishing job can take quite a while, the results are worth the work when you stand back and see the showroom finish on your vehicle. Take your time, though, or your polish job may result in milky swirls and dull spots when you want it to shine clearly. As long as you don't lose your patience and work diligently, you should do a fine job.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing compound
• Soap
• Towels
• Polish
• Circular polish
• Finish
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Scrub rusty, scratched or oxidized parts of the car finish with rubbing compound. Remove all the blurry parts of the finish, or the restoration process will not work. A new layer of polish does nothing to clean up a dull section of the old finish unless you remove the dullness.

2. Wash the car with soap and water. Scrub away debris that will interfere with the polishing process. Pay special attention to the front of the car and near the fenders because these areas are more susceptible to debris.

3. Rinse the car with your garden hose. Let it dry for a few minutes before you help it along with absorbent towels. Allow the car to dry for 20 minutes after rinsing.

4. Pour polish onto the exterior of the car. Spread the polish around in a 2-foot square using the polishing pad.

5. Place the polishing pad of a circular polisher flat against the paint surface. Start the circular polisher at a speed of 1,000 revolutions per minute. Move the circular polisher in circular motions until you can't see any more polish residue (increase the speed to 1,500 rpm while you work).

6. Pour more polish onto the car when you finish with the first section. Continue to apply polish in this manner until you coat the entire car. Replace the pad as necessary.

7. Leave the polish to settle for at least an hour (or longer if the polish manufacturer requires it). Pour a small amount of finish on a soft pad.

8. Press the pad to the car surface, and wipe it in a circular motion. Wipe it until all signs of the finish disappear, and apply more to the pad. Coat the entire vehicle in finish, and leave it to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Refinish the car inside or on a windless day. Flying debris can stick to wet polish and finish, ruining the refinishing job.

References

• Autopia Car Care: Polishing and Waxing Your Car to a Perfect Shine
• Proper Auto Care: Restore Dull Oxidized Paint Using a Circular Polisher
• Car Brite Charlie: Restoring Gloss to the Painted Surface