Yes, you can apply car polish with a microfiber cloth, and it's a common method for hand-polishing small areas or touching up spots on your car. While using a dual-action (DA) polisher is generally more efficient for larger areas and offers more consistent results, a microfiber cloth works well for those who prefer hand application or don’t have access to a machine.

Steps to Apply Car Polish with a Microfiber Cloth:

1. Prepare the Car Surface:

• Wash the car: Before polishing, make sure the car is thoroughly washed and dried to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants that could scratch the paint during polishing.
• Clay the surface (optional): For better results, consider using a clay bar to remove any remaining contaminants on the surface.

2. Choose the Right Polish:

• Select a polishing compound that is appropriate for the condition of your paint. For light scratches and swirl marks, a finishing polish is best, while a cutting compound might be necessary for deeper imperfections.

3. Apply the Polish to the Microfiber Cloth:

• Use a small amount of polish (about the size of a dime or quarter) on the clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Fold the microfiber cloth to create a soft, flat application surface.

4. Work in Small Sections:

• Divide the surface into small sections, usually 2x2 feet. This ensures you can properly work the polish into the paint without it drying too quickly.
• Use circular motions or back-and-forth motions with light to moderate pressure as you apply the polish. Be consistent in your movement to ensure even coverage.

5. Buff the Surface:

• After polishing, use another clean microfiber cloth to buff away the polish residue.
• Use light pressure to avoid scratching the paint and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.

6. Inspect the Area:

• Once you’ve buffed off the polish, inspect the area to see if the imperfections have been removed or if additional passes are needed. If necessary, apply more polish and repeat the process.

7. Apply Wax or Sealant (optional but recommended):

• After polishing, it's important to apply a layer of car wax or paint sealant to protect the freshly polished surface. This will seal in the shine and provide protection from the elements.

Benefits of Using a Microfiber Cloth for Polishing:

• Gentle on Paint: Microfiber is soft and less likely to cause scratches or swirl marks compared to other materials like terry cloth.
• Cost-Effective: You can achieve good results without needing specialized equipment.
• Control: Hand polishing with a microfiber cloth gives you control over pressure and allows you to focus on specific areas with more precision.

Limitations:

• Labor-Intensive: Hand polishing with a microfiber cloth can be tiring and time-consuming, especially for large areas.
• Inconsistent Results: Compared to a machine polisher, hand application may not produce the same level of consistency or high gloss, especially on larger surfaces.

Conclusion:

Yes, you can effectively apply car polish using a microfiber cloth, especially for small areas, touch-ups, or if you don’t have access to a machine polisher. However, it requires more manual effort, and the results may not be as consistent as with a machine, particularly on larger sections of the car.