How to: hand polish your car
Whether you’re touching up the shine on your latest set of wheels or returning the gleam to a jalopy’s ageing paintwork, there are steps you can take to get the most out of your efforts. While professionals use buffing machines, home detailers can get a great result polishing by hand.
1. Pick a product
There are a variety of polishing compounds available. Some are suitable for a top-up shine while more aggressive rubbing compounds can help rejuvenate faded paint. Read the information on the containers to find the right one for you.
2. Made in the shade
Polish your car in the shade. If you do the job in direct sunlight, the compound may dry out too quickly and you could be left with stains on the paint. If you plan to work outside, check the weather forecast, so you’re not interrupted by rain or dusty winds.
3. Preparation is key
First, wash your car with a suitable vehicle-washing soap. Leave products like laundry and dishwashing detergent in the house – they can be a bit harsh on paintwork. Applying polish to a dirty car can scrape road grime and other contaminants across the paint surface, causing scratches. After washing, dry your car with a chamois or microfibre cloth. A clay bar is a clay-like product available from your local automotive shop that can remove contaminants from the paint, but read the instructions to avoid paint damage.
4. Job application
Apply the polish to an applicator pad (available at automotive stores) or microfibre cloth, and test it on an inconspicuous part of the car, following the instructions on the product label. If you’re satisfied with the result, continue polishing the rest of your vehicle, working on a small area at a time, so the compound doesn’t dry before you can remove it. Use even pressure but don’t press down too hard or you could damage the paint. Before it’s completely dry, wipe.
5. Wax on, wax off
To preserve all your hard work, use another applicator pad to apply a film of cream or liquid automotive wax. Spray waxes are also available, and these can be spread across the paint surface with a microfibre cloth. Unlike polish, let the wax dry before wiping it off. Read the instructions on the label because each product could have a different application procedure and drying time.
IMAGES: Getty.
Is it time to give your car a shine?
RAA members get a 5 per cent discount on almost everything in-store and online at Repco. Visit raa.com.au/repco
