Polishing in three steps: cutting, refining, and protection.
From defect to gloss: what each step does, and which polish and which pad correspond to it.
Polishing is removing surface defects from the paint —sanding marks, orange peel, fine scratches, holograms— by removing a minimal layer of clearcoat, and then restoring its gloss and protecting it. It is done in steps, from more to less abrasive.
1. Cutting
An abrasive polish (compound) with a wool or hard foam pad. It removes sanding marks and the more pronounced scratches. It is the step that removes the most material: it is worked in small areas and with the machine in motion, without dwelling on one point.
2. Refining
A fine-grain polish with a medium foam pad. It removes the micro-scratches left by cutting and brings out the gloss. On soft paints or with a rotary polisher, this is where holograms are removed.
3. Protection
A wax or a sealant on the clean surface. It corrects nothing: it protects the achieved gloss from water, dirt, and UV rays, and makes subsequent washing easier. Before applying it, the polish residues are removed with a panel wipe.
What determines the result
- The paint. There are hard and soft clearcoats; the same polish behaves differently on each. It is tested on a small area.
- The pad. Wool and hard foam for cutting; medium and soft foam for refining and finishing. A dirty pad scratches.
- The machine. Rotary for cutting, dual-action for refining and finishing. With dual-action there is less risk of holograms and of burning the paint.
- The control. With directed light and after cleaning the area: wet polish hides defects.
Each polish specifies on its data sheet the pad and the machine it is intended for.
