|
Many people assume that polishing
and waxing are the same. But, the two are different processes.
Properly cleaning and polishing makes a world of difference to
the outcome and gloss duration of the paint. Waxing over
surfaces that need polishing or compounding will only create a
temporary gloss. Polishing actually deep cleans the paint by
removing oxidation, scratches, spotting, old wax, swirl marks,
and other minor paint defects. Polishes work with abrasives
and/or chemical cleaners to flatten, or level, the surface.
Waxing with waxes, polymers, and/or paint sealants provide an
extra level of paint protection while yielding a high gloss
finish.
|
|
Recommended
Polishing Procedures: |
|
STEP 1:
CLAY THE SURFACE, "PAINT CLEANING"
After properly washing
your vehicle, spray Auto Magic® #49-Body Shine® or Clay Magic® Clay Lube onto a 3' X 3' section of the
vehicle's painted surface. Clay the surface with #CM-2200 Clay
Magic®. For more info on claying, see
Using Detailing Clay. |
DETERMINE THE PAINTED CONDITION
Each vehicle may require a different process for compounding,
polishing, and waxing. This process depends upon the condition of
the paint. Some vehicles may only need a protective layer of wax
while others may require compounding and polishing. Use the
Paint
Condition Chart to help determine your paint condition.
|
|
FOLLOW THE PAINT CONDITION CHART PROCESS
After you choose your paint condition, follow the recommended repair
with the product choices listed on the
Paint
Condition Chart. Refer to each product technical bulletin for
additional usage and helpful tips. |
|
STEP
2: POLISH (For Hand Application)
For machine application, see below
If you have a Type B Paint Condition, polish the area by hand.
Follow the recommended steps below for proper polishing procedures. |
STEP 2A:
APPLY POLISH
Apply a thin, straight line of polish directly to the paint to be
corrected. Refer to the
Paint Condition Chart for help in determining
the correct product for application. Do not polish in direct sunlight.
If you can't get indoors, get into the shade. |
STEP 2B:
HAND BUFF
Use a micro fiber towel or applicator pad to polish the paint. Hand
buff in small sections at a time, body panel by body panel. Rub the
polish into the paint using circular, overlapping motions. Let dry,
then remove with a clean, soft micro fiber or terry towel. |
|
STEP 2C:
WAX (optional)
If you want further surface protection and ultra long gloss, wax
your polished finish with a premium Auto Magic wax, polymer, or paint
sealant. For more info on waxing procedures and waxes, see
Waxing.
|
STEP
2: POLISH (For Machine Application)
For hand application, see above
If you have a Type B Paint Condition, polish the area by hand.
Follow the recommended steps below for proper polishing procedures. |
STEP 2A:
CENTER THE PAD
Properly center the pad with a #1002C pad centering tool.
Keep compounding pads separate from polishing or waxing pads. Inside
the pad, write a C for compounding pads, and a P
for polishing or waxing pads. |
STEP 2B:
"SPUR" THE PAD
"Spur" the pad with a #1002 pad cleaning tool. Spur it often to keep
it clean. A good practice to remember is after each panel, hood, or
deck lid, spur the pad. |
|
STEP 3:
POLISH
Check the abrasive level on the product. Typically, the lower the
abrasive content, the more wax the product has. Some higher wax
content products may not require the next step 4 wax process. Apply a
thin line of polish directly to the paint. Buff the product
immediately at low rpms. Keep the surface "wet" and cool while
buffing. Wipe with a clean soft terry or microfiber towel. |
STEP 4:
WAX (optional)
If you want further surface protection and ultra long gloss, wax
your polished finish with a premium Auto Magic wax, polymer, or paint
sealant. For more info on waxing procedures and waxes, see
Waxing. |
|
For more thorough detailing training
& tips,
buy the new Auto Magic
6 Stages of Reconditioning Training Manual!
Click here for more info |
|
Know Your Product's
Abrasive
Content Before You Polish
The Auto
Magic® Abrasive Meter is an exclusive quick reference guide to the
aggressive nature of products in the Waxes, Glazes & Compounds
category. Products listed in the green area are mostly waxes or
sealants and are not aggressive. Products in the yellow area contain
mild abrasives. Compounds are the most abrasive and are located in
the red zone. |
Recommended
Auto Magic®
Polishes:
| Contact your local
Auto Magic®
Distributor for sizes larger than 16 Ounce and additional products.
Click here to find your local Auto Magic®
distributor. |
|
