Typically speaking, polishing a car adds that spark that asks for detailing at its core. This stems from the reason that polishing a car comes with plentiful benefits. Its countless advantages not only make a car sleek at the utmost but also contribute towards its longevity.
However, if you are the one whose car is not wrapped by a clear coat, the obvious question arises whether polishing can be done or not. Because, probably the worst thing you can do to your car is decolourise it while polishing. To avoid such mishaps, in this blog, we will be covering points that can help in answering such questions in detail. We will be talking about the polishing process in length to unveil its realms.
Understanding Polishing
To know the vitality of polishing for the longevity of a car, it is important to know what car polishing means. Car Polishing is a process of removing the damage to a clear coat using abrasives and chemicals. As mentioned about car polish in detail, we have explained how car polishes work.
There are innumerable benefits of using car polish to maintain the sleekness of a car. Underneath, we have breakdown few of the benefits of car polishing:
- Ensures smoothness: Car Polishing makes the car smooth as silk. It smoothens the surface of paint which enhances its beauty.
- Rejuvenates the look: Another purpose of the car polish is that it brings up the car’s gleam again by giving it a glossy finish.
- Protection: Working as a shield, it protects the car from external perils like dust, UV rays, corrosion, etc.
- Improves Visibility: It removes scratches, swirl marks, minor imperfections, etc.
Can we polish a car without a clear coat?
Well, it is advisable to always apply polish on a clear coat. However, one can still apply polish without a clear coat. But, a meticulous approach is extremely vital for it to make it possible. A gentle consideration is needed because a car without a clear coat has only a single layer of paint. This means that there is no direct layer for the protection of the car. Doing anything with a single layer of paint increases the risk of cars getting damaged.
To understand this context, let’s understand the layer-by-layer explanation of the car layer:
- Metal Panel: The first layer of the car is the metal frame of it.
- Primer: It is applied on the metal panel of the car as it works as a binding adhesion for paint and metal.
- Base Coat: This is the actual hue of the car which is applied.
- Clear Coat: It works as an outermost layer responsible for giving the finished touch to the car paint.
A comprehensive guide to the polishing process
Now that we know the possibility of cars getting polished without a clear coat needs a keen approach, here we will dive deeper to find out. Within the lower part, we will learn the step-by-step procedure to polish the car:
- Park the car in a shaded area
The first and foremost thing is to place the car in a cool and shaded area. If the car gets heated up, the polish dries up. This leads to the sticking of polish on the car paint surface. To get out with the stain is not easy to remove on a glossy surface and is even more difficult to remove on a non-glossy surface.
- Wash the Car
Car washing is important before starting the polishing procedure. This is because an even surface is necessary for polishing. Washing a car removes all the grime, dust, and dirt away.
Ensure to follow a detailed process of washing the car before polishing it.
Read Sleek with Shine: Explore the Impact of Car Wash Shampoo
- Check the paint thickness
The worst thing you can do to your car is to burn the primer of the car frame during the polishing process. The worst nightmare! The width of the car thickness is a dependable factor for car polishing. To avoid such mishaps, it’s advisable to determine the car paint thickness with a gauge.
Also, the older the car, the more the chance of a thin layer of car paint. So underdetermine the thickness with logic, if the gauge machine is not available. Also, please note that car thickness is irregular at the edges. So to avoid discoloration, mask them off with tape.
- Choose your polish and pad
Now, move to the next important step i.e. choose your polish and pad. Use a car polish and pad that best suits the car. Before polishing, first try the polish and pad in an inconspicuous area to know what can go best. Try using different combinations of polish and pads. If your car has a thin paint layer, it is advisable to go with a manual polishing process as the pad might remove the paint.
- Application Process
This is where the game starts. Dampen your pad in the car polish and start applying it all over your car. Use a soft microfiber cloth and foam car polish for gentle procedures to take place. Keep using a controlled circular motion and avoid putting too much pressure as the pain can be cast away.
Well, it is said, that the faster the process of polishing, the better the results. However, what’s more necessary here is to be judicious rather than quick. While polishing, ensure to rub one area until it starts shining. If the traces of paint come out with a pad, remember to keep a handful of new pads ready to quickly replace it.
- Post-Polishing Care
Though the step is optional, going with applying a wax or sealant can be a good option. Apply a non-abrasive wax or sealant as an extra layer of protection. This will be helpful in maintaining the polish of the car for a longer run.
Tips to Consider while Polishing
Here, are a few important tips to consider while polishing a car without a clear coat:
- Use a polish that is suitable for single-layer paint and is mild in nature.
Read Different Types of Car Polish and Their Various Benefits to know about types of car polish
- While applying the car polish, ensure not to exert much force and focus on circular motion.
- Try out the polish in an inconspicuous area. Work out in a small section to understand the best polish for the car.
- Don’t forget to buff off the extra polish after the process is done.
- Ensure to regularly maintain your car to preserve its luster.
- Ensure to inspect your car after polishing to see whether all the imperfections are even out.
A Final Word
By finally coating our words, within this article, we have traversed through a layered journey of polishing a car without a clear coat. In the end, what really matters is how you maintain your car for a longer run to preserve its elegance and gleam. Remember, by following the steps carefully as mentioned in the blog, you can end up polishing your car methodically.
