Polish away scratches
Scratches on paint, metal or plastic can be frustrating and unsightly. But with the right techniques and tools, you can polish away scratches and restore the shine to the surface.
Preparations for polishing away scratches
Assess the damage:
Start by inspecting the scratches to determine how deep they are and how much surface area they cover. Deep scratches, which are through the clear coat, cannot be polished out and need to be painted to be properly repaired.
Choose the right tool:
For superficial scratches, which only affect the surface of the paint, you can use a polish and a soft cloth or polisher. A polisher makes polishing more efficient and produces a smoother result. The polish removes the top layer of the clear coat and reduces the scratch. If the scratches are deeper, you may need to use finer sandpaper to smooth the surface before polishing. Choose a coarser polish for deeper scratches and a finer polish for superficial scratches.
Cleaning:
To avoid superficial scratches and to achieve the best results, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface where the scratch is located. Use a mild detergent to remove all superficial dirt, grease and any polish residue from previous treatments. Then dry the surface thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth.
By carefully following these preparations, you create optimal conditions for successful polishing and restore the shine to your surface.
Polishing
Now it's time to give your surface a new shine! Follow these steps to polish away scratches and restore shine:
Application :
Start by applying a small amount of polish to a (soft cloth or) polishing pad. You need a slightly coarser polish (Heavy Cut) for the polishing to be effective. A harder polishing pad has a higher removal rate than a soft one. Use a sparing amount of polish to avoid smearing.
Polishing :
Polish the surface in circular motions with moderate pressure. You don't need to press too hard, let the machine do the work.
Drying :
Once you have finished polishing, wipe away any excess polish with a clean microfiber cloth. Use a circular motion to pick up all the polish.
Repeat :
For deeper scratches, you may need to repeat the process until you are satisfied with the result. Be patient and don't give up!
Frequently asked questions about polishing and scratches
Do you have any questions about polishing scratches or would you like more information?