Do cars need to be polished?

Yes, cars may need to be polished, but not as frequently as waxing. Polishing is used primarily to restore and rejuvenate a car’s paintwork, rather than to protect it. Here’s why and when polishing might be necessary:

1. Removing Surface Imperfections: Over time, a car's paint can develop swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation, and other imperfections. Polishing helps to smooth out the surface by removing a very fine layer of clear coat, which eliminates these defects and restores the paint’s clarity.

2. Restoring Shine: If a car’s paint has lost its shine or looks dull, polishing can bring back its glossy, reflective appearance by leveling out the surface.

3. Pre-Waxing Step: Polishing is often done before waxing, as it prepares the surface for wax or a sealant by removing old wax residues and contaminants, allowing the protective coating to bond better.

For car detailing enthusiasts, polishing is a must in any detailing regimen. For most car owners, on the other hand, polishing is often neglected and overshadowed by waxing and sealants, but is by far the most beneficial step in maintaining the pristine appearance of your car's paint finish.

We are often asked this question.

Many of our new clients will bring their brand-new cars to us saying something like, “I’m not sure if it needs any work, but could you take a look at it?” Knowing that this is a question that so many people have, we wanted to address it in a blog post.

As with the answers to most good questions, there is no single “right” answer. There are so many variables in play that each vehicle needs to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. That being said, here are some guidelines for you to think about.

Vehicle Condition

Most people think that all new cars arrive in absolutely immaculate condition. Sadly, this is not the case. Most cars that come straight from the factory have a small amount of swirling, buffer holograms, and sometimes even sanding marks. Vehicles that receive a “dealer prep” are often in worse shape. Dealer prepped vehicles usually have significant swirling and buffer holograms, and often have wax stuck in edges and crevices.

If you are purchasing a new vehicle, do your best to have it delivered straight from the factory to your door. You can ask the dealer not to do any washing or detailing so that work can be done yourself, or by a quality detailer.

Client Expectations

At Island Detail & Colour, we believe in complete transparency and communication. When we take a look at your vehicle, we will point out everything we find so the client can decide the priorities for themselves. This open communication with our clients ensures that everyone that walks through our doors receives the services they want and need. We are always happy and enthusiastic to offer suggestions about what should be done, but we want the vehicle owner to feel empowered.

Vehicle Type and Intended Use

A big factor in deciding which services to get (regardless of the age of the vehicle) is the type of vehicle and its intended use. It is obvious that the owner of a brand-new Ferrari that will be driven on summer weekends will probably want different services than the owner of a brand-new Honda that is to be used as a daily driver.

In general, the answer to this question is “yes”. However, each case must be considered individually as no two cars or owners are completely alike. Most new vehicles should receive some amount of polishing, but it isn’t always necessary to do it immediately. If you have just received your new vehicle, bring it by or give us a call and we can take a look together. We will discuss any areas for improvement and come up with a plan that is best for you.

However, polishing should not be done too often, as it involves removing a small amount of the clear coat each time. It is recommended only when the paint has visible imperfections or dullness that cannot be fixed with washing or waxing alone. For regular maintenance, waxing is enough.