Car Paint Defects and How to Find Them

Sometimes, it’s just nice to drive out to your favorite spot on a weekend and enjoy a cup of joe, leaning against your car, not a care in the world. The scene is very relaxing—that is, until you spill some of that coffee onto the car’s paintwork.

Did you know that the acidity in coffee and most sodas is high enough to
strip away the clear coat of your car’s paint job?

For car aficionados like us, it’s important to understand the signs and causes of the most common car paint defects for us to avoid or fix them. This article will discuss the different kinds of paint defects in cars, what they look like, how to spot them, how to avoid them and how to fix them.

Why Should You Be Interested in Car Paint Defects?

If you’re on our website in the first place, it means you value your vehicle to a certain degree. Whether you drive a sleek sports coupe, a luxury SUV or a vintage piece, you don’t want anything spoiling its paint job.

Not only is fixing these defects tedious and potentially costly, but it can be upsetting seeing the paintwork damaged, especially when you’re trying to preserve its appearance.

This is why it’s critical that you are not only well-versed in engines, suspension kits, interior finishes and the like. You should also have a good understanding of your car’s paintwork and how it can be damaged. Recognising and identifying what paint defects are present on your vehicle helps you determine how to address them and what practices you should avoid to prevent them from happening again.

With the right information about car paint defects, you can choose the kind of procedure, equipment and product to use to repair them.

What is a Paint-Thickness Gauge?

From the name itself, this is a device used to measure the thickness of your car’s paint. It typically uses mil as the unit of measurement. One mil is equal to one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 in) or 0.0254 mm. Some devices have the option to switch to microns as the unit. One micron is one-millionth of a meter or 1/1000 of a millimeter, which is significantly smaller than a mil.

A paint-thickness gauge is essential to establish the severity of paint defects accurately. This information is used to determine the extent of the detailing needed to fix it.

For example, polishing or buffing is only usually done on the car’s clear coat, which is about 50 microns thick or about as thick as two sheets of cigarette cellophane wrappers. Dealing with these kinds of thicknesses requires the precision of the paint-thickness gauge.

While you can definitely tell which scratches are deep and shallow by feel alone, the paint-thickness gauge gives you additional confidence when identifying defects and their corresponding fixes.

What are the Types of Paint Defects?

Bonded Contaminants

Sand, road debris, soil and other tiny particles may get stuck in the clear coat of the car’s paintwork. Sometimes, they become embedded deeply enough that no amount of scrubbing during a typical carwash can get them out. They are also invisible to the naked eye most of the time.

Here are the common examples of this kind of car paint defect:

• Dirt/Debris – This can be identified by rough, irregular areas on the paint that can be felt by hand. In some cases, the particles can be embedded in the clear coat and even covered by film. Dirt and debris can get trapped when the washcloths used are not clean or when not all the contaminants have been removed before respraying.
• Overspray – When the panels are poorly masked during spraying, paint particles adhere to the surface of the film. They appear as granular areas of color on top of the clear coat.
• Contamination – These are spots or speckles staining the paint surface. These defects may be caused by metallic particles becoming stuck on the surface of the paint and oxidising. They can also result from salts left behind when liquids have evaporated.

Topical Paint Defects

“Topical paint defects” is a broad term that describes milder scratches and marks on a car’s paint job. They usually only occur above or on top of the clear coat. These defects can also typically be corrected using traditional methods like clay bar scrubbing or light polishing.

The following are the most common topical paint defects in cars:

• Polishing Marks – These are usually shallow marks caused by abrasive brushing, compounding or polishing, especially before the surface layer has fully hardened. It can also be caused by using too much pressure on the machine polisher or pads that may be dirty or too harsh. We’ve discussed machine polishing at length in another article. It should help you avoid these marks.
• Fine Scratch – This is a general name for shallow cuts that only penetrate up to the car’s clear coat. Fine scratches can be caused by anything from brushing into bushes to clothing buttons abrading the paint’s surface. These can also be addressed using machine polishing techniques.

To prevent topical paint defects, extra care should always be taken. To add another layer of protection, we suggest covering the car’s paintwork with paint protection film or PPF. This layer absorbs the most common types of impact and abrasions from everyday use.

Deep Paint Defects

As the name implies, these defects occur deeper than the car’s clear coat. This makes it difficult, and often, costly to address these. While chemical decontamination may work on some of these defects, heavy machine polishing is also usually required. In some cases, a respray may be the only way to correct these issues.

Here are some of the common deep paint defects:

• Stone Chips – These are damaged or broken parts of the paint film with varying depths, based on the extent of the impact. These are usually caused by a strong impact like a stone flying from loose road surfaces. Most of these chips happen when the car is driving at high speeds. However, falling debris can also cause these chips on stationary or slow-moving vehicles.
• Flaking – This happens when parts of the paintwork lose adhesion and lift from the underlying surface in smooth flakes. The flakes are easily broken or peeled away from the surface. The most common cause of flaking is the contamination of the underlying surface through corrosion or other chemical reactions.
• Cracking – These can be seen as crevices or breaks in the paint film. Cracking is usually caused by inherent problems during the paint application process that have been made worse by the elements.

It’s crucial to correctly determine whether the defect reaches deeper layers of the paintwork before a fix is decided on. The experienced eye of a car detailing specialist may be needed to find out whether polishing or respraying is in order.

Chemical Issues

Certain chemical reactions or agents can cause issues in the car’s paint job, whether during the application process or even after years of use. These are often magnified by hot or cold weather, especially if the car is frequently exposed to the elements. Many protectants on the market today, like ceramic coating, PPF or some waxes, have properties to shield cars from these issues.

These are the most common chemical car paint defects:

• Acid Reaction – These appear as patches of roughened or discolored paint surfaces that also appear stripped. In some cases, there may also be cracking on the surface. This is usually caused by spillage of acidic or corrosive substances like brake fluid, battery acid and even sodas and coffee.
• Chalking – A chalky, dusty or powdery paint surface is often associated with ageing paintwork, when the binding agent or the pigment layer starts to degrade. However, chalking can also be caused by defective or incompatible materials within the paint mixture.
• Yellowing – While most paintwork on today’s cars has some kind of UV protection, acid rain, engine heat and other causes may weaken the clear coat enough that oxidation happens in the mixture. This results in yellowing of the surface. Thorough washing, clay bar scrubbing and machine polishing can address this issue.

Application or Detailing Issues

Some issues are caused by poor application or detailing practices. Even newly bought vehicles are not necessarily free from these issues. Some new car paint defects are subtle and need a certain degree of knowledge in the matter to find.

Here are the most common paint defects that come from application or detailing:

• Slow Drying – Slow drying defects are parts of the paintwork that noticeably have not dried out completely. This happens when the paint applied is excessively thick. Poor conditions like coldness or humidity during paint application can also cause this problem. In some cases, a coat of paint may not have been given enough time to dry before the next one was added.
• Sanding Scratch – During a respray, if the metal substrate has not been sanded smooth, the paint may show dips that follow the contours of the scratches made to the underlying surface. This can also happen if the abrasive used on the metal substrate is too coarse.
• Blooming – This can be seen as a white or milky haze on the surface of the paint. It’s usually caused by inferior thinner quality or poor practices when using thinner. It can also be a result of humid, wet or cold conditions during paint application. Using the right grade thinner and avoiding non-ideal conditions during application can prevent this.

Takeaway

While the vehicle paint defects included in this article are only the common ones, there are many more kinds. PPG Industries prepared a comprehensive list of these defects for further information. Understanding how these issues occur can help you address them and prevent them from happening in the future.

If you’re unsure whether there are paint defects in your car’s paintwork, it’s best to have professionals at RR Purity take a look. We’ll be happy to give you advice or even better, we can address any kind of paint defect and restore the shine of your car’s paint. We also offer car paint protection services.

You can request a quote from us or get in touch by calling 07930042042.

Before we get into the topic of how to identify and fix car paint problems, it’s worth appreciating that your car is the culmination of a century’s worth of innovation—from the carbon fibre interior trim and the sleek, aerodynamic body to the pneumatic tyres.

Even your car’s paintwork has been through so much evolution. What began with Henry Ford’s famous black paint which was based on a natural linseed oil resin and took a week to apply, has now evolved into a solvent-based coating designed to be applied in hours using electrostatic spray guns.

Despite the significant durability improvements of car paint, it’s still not immune to damage. Owners still go to painstaking and costly lengths to correct common defects like chips and cracks.

This article will discuss how to fix paint chips on cars and other similarly bothersome issues with your car’s paintwork.

Single Stage vs. Two-Stage Paintwork

Having a working understanding of car paintwork is the first step in determining the types of defects that can occur and how to address them. Almost all the cars out there will have either a single stage or two-stage paintwork out of the factory.

Single Stage Car Paint

If a car has a single stage paint job, it means it only has a primer and a colour or basecoat on top. This style is more common in cars made before the ‘80s.

Paint defects on cars with single stage paintwork affect the basecoat and sometimes even go deeper, down to the car’s metal panel.

Two-Stage Car Paint

In the 1970s, clearcoat technology improved and began to be used in automotive paint. This is why the overwhelming majority of cars made since the 1980s feature clearcoat. That is what differentiates two-stage paintwork.

Cars with two-stage paintwork have a clear coat layer on top of the basecoat. This increases the thickness of the paint job and also adds a more durable and reliable layer of protection.

Shallow defects on two-stage paint jobs are relatively easier to deal with because they only affect the clearcoat. However, even cars with this kind of paintwork can have damage that affects not just the paintwork but also the vehicle’s body.

Common Car Paint Problems

To properly address any car paint defect, you need to be able to identify it and understand its cause. With this information, you’ll also be able to prevent similar issues in the future. The following are the most common problems of automotive paintwork:

Abrasion and Impact

Issues with the car’s paintwork can result from abrasion or impact with hard materials like rocks and keys.

Fine Scratches

These defects are shallow cuts to the clear coat. They can be caused by anything from buttons to bushes that scratch the car. Thankfully, these shallow defects can be addressed straight away just by using finishing polish, which can easily be done at home. We have a comprehensive guide to machine polishing vehicles.

Deep Scratches

These defects are deeper compared to fine scratches. They are often caused by heavy abrading of the paintwork. Scratches are classified as deep when they penetrate past the clearcoat. They may even reach the car’s panels. Depending on the severity of the scratch, it may be best to visit a professional detailer for a more lasting solution.

Buff Marks

These defects are also referred to as swirl marks. They are usually caused by poor cleaning or buffing habits. These circular scratches usually only affect the clear coat. If that is the case, these marks can easily be addressed by polishing. Use this waxing and polishing article as a reference.

Application

Some common issues with the paint are caused by the imperfect application of the paint. When paint is not applied correctly, the following problems will arise sooner or later:

Chips

Chipping happens when bits of the car paint come off or lose adhesion from the substrate. This usually happens if there are issues in the application process, including the use of incompatible materials, improper mixing of materials, inadequate preparation of the metal substrate and failure to seal. If left unaddressed, small chips can grow larger and cause the paintwork to peel.

If the problem is small enough, fixing chipped paint on a car can be a relatively easy task. You will need to remove the finish around the chip and reapply paint. Make sure to degrease and clean the substrate, mix materials properly and follow the specified drying times.

When fixing larger paint chips on a car, you can also use a similar process. Note that if the paint job is not perfect, it will be more noticeable because of its size.

You can also take the car in, and we’ll happily fix the chipped paint and make sure that the respray is uniform throughout. We’ll also apply the right type of protection to ensure the longevity of your paintwork.

Cracks

Also called crazing, this condition is marked by visible lines of varying lengths and directions on the car’s paintwork (spider cracks). These are usually caused by the uneven or excessive thickness of the topcoat or undercoat when it was applied. Crazing also happens when too much hardener was used for either the paint or the primer.

The best way to fix spider cracks on car paint is to completely strip the affected area and refinish it. Again, depending on the extent of the damage, you might want to consider having professional detailers work on your car to ensure lasting results.

Blistering

If the metal surface is not prepared well before painting, tiny air bubbles may get trapped inside the paint. These bubbles might eventually pop during sanding or when the paint is exposed to heat. Once this happens, crater-like openings will develop on the surface of the paintwork.

To fix blistering, the affected area should be sanded until smooth before applying paint again. It is also important to follow the instructions regarding proper mixing ratios and waiting times.

Natural Causes

Weathering

Years of use and exposure to the harsh elements can thin or strip the clearcoat and significantly reduce its ability to protect the basecoat. Oxidation then occurs in the car’s paintwork, which results in a faded or milky appearance. This phenomenon is more easily visible in cars with red paint, as they tend to turn pinkish.

Fixing faded paint on cars requires the following solutions:

• If the fading is not heavy, you can use a finishing compound to polish the affected area.
• If the fading is extensive, you may need to sand down the area to remove the weathered paint and refinish.

Take your car in so we can assess the extent of the oxidation and recommend a lasting fix.

Yellowing

Your car’s paintwork is usually resistant to UV rays from the sun. However, acid rain, engine heat and even dirt that’s left on too long can weaken the clear coat, cause oxidation in the paintwork and eventually turn the surface yellowish. This is more noticeable on white cars.

You can address this problem by giving your car a thorough wash. Use a clay bar to remove all the dirt and grime that may have stuck to the paint. From here, polish your car’s paintwork to bring back its original colour.

Preventing Further Car Paint Problems

Without taking the proper preventive steps, you are bound to encounter these defects again. These steps include good cleaning practices and protectant application.

Proper Cleaning

Adopting good cleaning habits can go a long way in preserving the shine of your car’s paintwork. These include:

• Using the right cleaning materials like microfibre cloths, a clay bar and car shampoo
• Removing dirt that’s stuck to the paintwork.
• Always drying the car thoroughly before applying wax or other protectants
• Washing the car regularly. For example, when you encounter bird droppings or chemical spills, you should clean your vehicle’s exterior as soon as possible.

Protectants

Improve the resilience of your car’s paintwork by applying protectant. You can choose from the following options:

• Wax – Waxes are easy to use and inexpensive, but they are also easily affected by heat and water. This means you will need to wax your vehicle several times a year. Waxes also attract dirt that may end up adhering to the paintwork, eventually causing scratches.
• Ceramic Coating – Durable acrylic elements and other polymers form a protective layer that repels water and dirt. This protectant can last anywhere from six months to more than a year, defending your paintwork from oxidation, minor scratches and other forms of damage. This option is pricier than waxes.
• PPF – Paint protection film is our protectant of choice here at RR Purity. It offers the strongest protection against abrasion and can heal itself after impact. Also, PPF’s protection can be further enhanced by applying ceramic coating on top. While this is admittedly a costly option, it will save you money on detailing services.

Conclusion

While your car’s paintwork is the result of a century of automotive innovation and designed to be resilient, it is still vulnerable against defects and paint problems. You can address these issues armed with a working understanding of the paintwork and the types of defects you are likely to encounter.

Fixing car paint issues like chips, cracks and fading can involve anything from polishing to refinishing. You can consult us to determine the type and extent of work that needs to be done.

Find out more about fixes to common paint issues or get information on other car detailing subjects by calling us at 07930042042. If you want your car paint problem addressed as soon as possible, request a quote from us today.

In 2019, Iseecars.com executive analyst and automotive enthusiast Karl Brauer published an article on Forbes calling paint protection film or PPF an investment for car aficionados like himself. His only regret was that the technology didn’t come sooner.

Brauer was referring to the fact that PPF has evolved so much in the last few years that any car detailer or even enthusiast today will agree—it is the most important paint protection step one can take right now.

So, if it’s so amazing, why don’t all car owners have it done? Well, because of the cost. The price of paint protection film is a barrier to entry for many, especially if, like Brauer, they still recall the issues this technology had early on. However, it may be time for a change of heart.

So, is paint protection film worth it? This article will look at today’s PPF technology, its cost and whether or not it’s the right investment for you and your car.

Paint Protection Film 101

PPF is a transparent urethane material used to cover and protect a car’s paint job. It is also sometimes referred to as clear bra, wrap, or clear mask. PPF typically has an overall thickness of around 0.7 to 0.8 mils. The film is used to shield the paint surface from scratches, road debris and rock chips.

Most PPFs are made of three layers:

• Acrylic Adhesive – This is the layer that comes into contact with the car’s paint surface. It measures around 1.6 mils or 0.04 mm. It provides adhesion for the film to the paintwork.
• Polyurethane – This middle layer makes up the bulk of the thickness of the film at around 6.0 mils or 0.15 mm. The strength of polyurethane has long been established, ever since it was first used in the aerospace industry. It is light, flexible, transparent and resistant to impact and abrasion.
• Clearcoat – Similar to a car’s paint job, the outermost layer of the film is called clear-coat. It’s around 0.5 mils or 0.013 mm thick. This material also allows other protectants to bond to the PPF.

In the past, car enthusiasts like Brauer were hesitant to use PPF because of its tendency to yellow and bubble, especially after a couple of years. Some also believed that the film left a troublesome residue after removal.

Today, world-renowned luxury car brands like Porsche and Lamborghini offer PPF installation as a factory option when buyers purchase new vehicles. This is a testament to how the technology has improved over the years.

At RR Purity, we use industry-leading XPEL products that are virtually invisible. With the proper care, these films can last well over ten years without yellowing or cracking.

Paint Protection Film Cost

In the UK, PPF application can cost anywhere between £500 and £5000. The reason there is such a huge difference is because this service is dependent on three main factors: the condition of the existing paintwork, the coverage of the film and the difficulty of installation. In fact, it isn’t a stretch to say that each car has unique conditions that affect the price of PPF installation.

Condition

Like with installing any kind of protectant, the car’s paintwork needs to be in absolutely flawless condition. This ensures that the film adheres perfectly to the surface and does not trap or worsen any kind of paint defect. Even newly purchased cars straight out of the dealership may need some work done before PPF can be installed.

Because of this, PPF installers often need to do the prep work themselves. This can involve anything from a comprehensive wash to machine polishing the vehicle. This, of course, adds to the cost.

At RR Purity, we also offer machine polishing services that can return any car’s paintwork to pristine condition. Our clients can choose to have PPF installed as part of the package as well.

Coverage

Paint protection film can be installed to cover the entire vehicle or just specific, high-risk locations on the paint job. The amount of film used directly affects the cost of the service. PPF installers usually offer three standard options to car owners:

• Partial Front – This option is the cheapest one because it uses the least amount of film. It covers the front of the bonnet, front of the wings, front bumper and mirrors. In other words, the film is only applied to areas that are more likely to encounter road debris.
• Full Front – This option uses a little more film to cover the whole front part of the vehicle—the entire bonnet, front bumper, wings and mirrors. It follows the same logic as the previous option by protecting the parts that are most exposed.
• Complete Body – This option uses the most film and is usually the most expensive one. It covers all the external painted panels. It offers complete protection, not just from road debris but also from side scratches.

Aside from the three options above, RR Purity also offers custom PPF application, allowing the customer to choose specific parts of their car’s paintwork to be protected. For example, a car owner can choose the partial front option and add protective film to the rear wheel arch trim, where rock chips are also common.

Difficulty

Car panels are never flat. The more dramatic the folds and creases and other panel design features, the more difficult it is to apply PPF. Remember that the effectiveness of PPF relies heavily on how flush it is to the paint’s surface. The film must be molded and shaped to cover the curves and contours of the panels.

This factor may also impact the PPF installation cost because of how different one car’s difficulty can be from another. The more difficult the car’s design is to cover, the more time is needed for the job and the more costly it may be.

At RR Purity, we use a brilliant software from XPEL that has a database of car panels and the cuts of film needed for each. This makes the overall process easier and more efficient. It also allows us to estimate how much work is needed quickly.

Paint Protection Film Benefits

Since PPF is not exactly inexpensive, it’s important to look at its potential benefits to determine whether the investment is worth it. The following are the most valuable advantages of paint protection film.

Protection

The main purpose of PPF is right in its name—protection. And it protects very well. The film is often thick and tough enough to be virtually unscathed despite exposure to rock chips and road debris, even at high speeds. The option to cover the side panels also protects the car from scratches caused by clothes, plants and even keys.

PPF does scratch protection better than all other protectants in the market. This includes sealants, ceramic coatings and waxes, which are often not nearly as thick or durable as PPF. Even vinyl wraps are inferior in terms of protective potential.

Modern PPF options also protect against UV exposure, acid rain, mineral deposits and the infamous bird droppings.

Cost-Saving

This may seem like a stretch after just reading about the cost of PPF application; however, it is also a cost-saving measure, especially in the long run.

Car owners who are interested in PPF are most probably enthusiasts who value the condition of their car’s paintwork. They are also likely the ones who often take their vehicles in for polishing or even respraying. Those costs can quickly add up.

With PPF, the car’s paintwork remains in pristine condition even after years of use. This reduces the need for additional detailing services and associated costs.

It also ensures a higher resale value for the car.

Versatile

PPF offers a lot of versatility in terms of additional features, like the ability to ‘self-heal.’

Some films, like the ones we use here, have a layer of elastomeric polymer on the surface that can recover its original shape after getting scratched. This keeps the car’s paintwork looking great even after abrasions or impacts. This video explains how this self-healing phenomenon happens.

The longevity of PPF can also be extended by applying a protectant over the film. While this may sound redundant, PPF acts much like the car’s paintwork. For example, adding a protectant such as ceramic coating does not further enhance the protection PPF offers but makes it easier to keep clean.

Is Paint Protection Film Worth It?

The answer is a resounding yes. Even if the cost of paint protection film seems high, there is no other product on the market right now that offers the kind of protection it provides. It is the best way to shield a car’s paint job from the elements and road debris. It preserves the surface’s condition and the car’s value along with it.

The issues that previously worried car owners with this technology no longer exist. Also, modern PPF options even offer additional features that make them an even more cost-saving long-term investment.

For car owners who value the appearance and overall condition of their vehicle’s paintwork and exterior, applying paint protection film is the most critical step to take.

To request more information about PPF or any other detailing service, give us a call at 07930 042 042 or visit our contact page. If you want your car protected with PPF as soon as possible, request a quote here.

However much you take care of your car, it will eventually get scratches. In fact, some scratches actually come from cleaning the surface too harshly.

And It’s not like a car respray is always a viable option. In the UK, it can cost anywhere from £500 to well beyond £2000. Even when you take on the respray job yourself, you will still need to invest a lot of time, work, and money.

Thankfully, you can machine polish your car to get rid of these scratches and other paint defects without breaking the bank or your back. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the car machine polishing process.

Understanding the Process

Polishing simply means removing the defects on a car’s paint job. These include different types of shallow and deep scratches, etchings, marks, and other defects.

Polishing is accomplished with the help of abrasive compounds that smooth out the surface until it becomes flatter, and you can no longer see or feel the defects. These compounds are placed on a pad which is rubbed repeatedly against the target surface until the desired results are achieved. In machine polishing, a polishing machine is used to perform this task.

Machine polishing is superior to hand polishing because it delivers visibly better results. It also saves significant time and effort.

You will encounter terms like cutting and refining when researching polishing. While they refer to the same process, you can think of these terms as descriptions of the degrees of abrasion needed to smooth out defects.

While there is a real possibility of damaging your car’s paint job if you go too far in polishing, it’s important to note that the abrasion process happens microscopically. Learning more about this process will help mitigate the risks when you’re first figuring out how to machine polish your car.

On that note, you also need a working understanding of your car’s paintwork and the types of scratches it may have.

Understanding the Paintwork

There are two main types of paintwork in cars: single stage and two stage.

Single stage paintwork simply means the car’s paint job only has a primer and a base or colour coat. This is more common in vehicles made before the 1980s. When polishing these kinds of cars, you will be working directly on the colour coat.

The vast majority of cars fall under the two stage paintwork category. This means the outermost surface is a clear coat or lacquer protecting the colour coat underneath. When polishing two stage-painted cars, you will mostly be working on the clear coat.

On average, cars with two stage OEM paintwork will have a paint thickness between 100 and 180 microns. The clear coat is harder and often about twice as thick as the base coat. Some lacquers can be as thick as 70 microns. To put that number into perspective, that is about as thick as a strand of human hair.

But even with heavy polishing, you will only likely be abrading around 5–6 microns, which still leaves a lot of protective clear coat underneath.

Understanding the Scratches

Knowing what kind of scratches you’re trying to smooth out will drastically make your polishing job more efficient and effective. It will help you choose the right types of materials and methods to use, lessen the risk of damaging your paintwork, and ultimately reduce the price of machine polishing your car.

Scratches are generally classified by how deep they are and what caused them. The following are the most common scratches or paint defects you will encounter:

• Fine Scratches – These defects are very fine and shallow. They are commonly caused by clothing or plants lightly brushing against the paintwork. They are noticeable because they refract light randomly. A good polish can get rid of most, if not all, fine scratches.
• Deep Scratches – These defects are deeper and heavier. While fine scratches only affect the lacquer, these can penetrate up to the primer. There are DIY remedies to deep scratches, but it’s best to visit a professional for a lasting solution.  
• Swirl Marks – These are essentially fine scratches caused by poor cleaning habits. Wiping down the surface without first removing dirt and grime completely, for example, can result in swirl marks that often look like webs. Using dishcloths or other coarse materials not designed for wiping cars can also cause swirl marks.
• Water Spots – Tap water contains all kinds of minerals and impurities that can leave spots on your paintwork if left to dry. You can prevent these spots by drying your car properly after every wash. If your vehicle already has these marks, polishing can get rid of them.
• Etching – Some corrosive materials like acid rain and bird droppings can eat into the lacquer and cause marks. These can also be safely addressed when you know how to machine polish your car.
• Oxidation – Oxidation happens when the oxygen in the air reacts with the car’s paintwork. This often results in a faded or milky appearance. This phenomenon is most noticeable in red vehicles, as oxidation results in pinkish areas on this colour.
• Buffer Marks – Bad polishing habits can also result in scratches to the clear coat. These often look like dull trails where the paint surface was previously buffed. Fortunately, the right polishing technique can also easily deal with these defects.

For the most part, you can tell what kind of scratch you’re dealing with just by look and feel. If you’re having some trouble, especially when determining the depth of the scratch, you can use a paint or coating thickness gauge. Here is a list of gauges and their key features to help you choose.

Understanding the Tools

The following are tools you will use when machine polishing your car:

• Polishing machine – The two most common kinds of polishing machines are rotary polishers and dual-action polishers. For inexperienced users, using rotary polishers results in a higher risk of burning the paintwork or leaving unwanted marks. Dual-action polishers are easier and safer to use overall.
• Pads – Pads can be made from wool, foam or microfibre. You can also choose how abrasive they are. With foam pads, for example, you can choose one for cutting (getting rid of deeper scratches) or for finishing (smoothing out shallow scratches). Here’s a short video explaining the pros and cons of each pad material.
• Polishing Compound – Choosing your compound ultimately depends on the paintwork on your car. There are several considerations, including the hardness of the paint, the composition of the paint, and the extent of the damage. See this guide or consult our detailing specialists if you’re having difficulty deciding on the most appropriate compound.
• Protectant –Kinds of protectants include waxes, sealants, vinyl, ceramic and PPF or paint protection film. At RR Purity, we use either ceramic coatings or PPF because we’ve found that they offer the most reliable protection to paintwork. We lean more towards PPF because it provides excellent protection, durability and self-healing properties. Learn more about PPF and its key features here.
• Clay Bar – This resin compound is used to remove dirt, dust and other contaminants from your car’s paintwork before polishing.
• Coating Thickness Gauge – As mentioned earlier, this tool is used to measure the depth of scratches or the thickness of the paint surface of a vehicle. It can also be used after polishing to find out how much of the paint material was abraded.
• Cleaning Materials – These are common cleaning materials that are specifically designed for cars. These ensure a clean and safe wash.

Preparing the Car

Here are the essential preparatory steps before you machine polish your car:

• Location – Your car needs to be parked in an area away from wind and direct sunlight. The wind may bring all kinds of debris during the process, damaging your paintjob further. The sunlight may cause the compounds and protectants to dry up too quickly, making them difficult to work with.
• Washing – Using the right car cleaning materials, wash your car thoroughly, making sure to remove all traces of loose dirt or debris.
• Clay Bar – Use the clay bar to remove dirt that may be stuck on the car’s paint. Remaining contaminants in the car’s paint may come loose while polishing and cause more damage to the paintwork.
• Drying – Completely dry the car using the right materials. Aside from this being a necessary step for the polishing compound to adhere to the paint job, it is always a good practice.
• Masking – Cover the areas of the car that may be damaged by the pads or may cause damage to the pad. These include areas with chrome and plastic trim like door handles and side mirrors.

Machine Polishing the Car

Depending on the extent of damage to your paintwork, you can either do a single stage or two stage polish. With the former, you only use finishing compounds and pads to smooth out shallow defects. Two stage polishing involves cutting or correcting deeper scratches before eventually moving on to finishing.

Whether you’re doing a single or two stage polish, the following tips will apply:

• Work on small areas. Divide your panels into smaller, workable areas so you can work on them one at a time. Doing so makes the process easier and ensures that the polishing compound does not dry up before you can buff it out.
• Change pads regularly. Your pad can get dirty or accumulate too much compound as you use it. Prepare replacement pads or at least clean your pad before using it again. Changing to smaller pads is also recommended for parts that may be harder to access.
• Start slow. Set your machine polisher to a lower speed when you start and increase it as you make your passes. Around 4 or 5 passes in an area are the acceptable standard in the industry.

For a step-by-step guide to polishing and waxing your car, refer to this article.

Protecting the Car

Applying protectant is as important as the polishing job itself. This step ensures that your (now-thinner) paintwork is safe from further defects. As mentioned earlier, we at RR Purity prefer ceramic coating or PPF as they offer more reliable protection. However, these options require additional knowledge and training to apply correctly and safely.

It’s also important to remember that some protectants are incompatible with certain polishing compounds, so choosing your protectant ahead of time is best. Ceramic coating, for example, cannot adhere properly to the clear coat if you’d used a polishing compound that includes wax.

The combination of compounds and protectants can also impact the cost of machine polishing your car.

Takeaway

Machine polishing your car’s paint job is a relatively easy and cost-effective way to get rid of scratches and restore its former shine. To properly polish your vehicle, you need a working understanding of the polishing process, the scratches, the paintwork, and the necessary tools. Follow this guide for your polishing project and ensure a safe and beautiful job.

For more information about machine polishing or other car detailing subjects, give us a call at 07930042042. Or better yet, let us take care of the machine polishing for you. Request a quote here.

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Just like you, many individuals consider their vehicle to be an investment; you’ve spent money on it and now want to make sure it looks great and lasts a long time.

In terms of the latter, sticking to routines such as tire rotation and oil changes is important. However, periodically waxing and/or polishing your car is one of the most effective ways to keep it shining and turning heads.

However, car polish and wax are not the same things. This article will define the meaning of “polishing” and “waxing” and whether to polish or wax first. We’ll also discuss the steps of the two practices and how often you should do both.

Polish vs. Wax: Which Comes First?

Maintaining your car’s shine after a full wash is a primary responsibility. Aside from ceramic coating and PPF (Paint Protection Film), you might be thinking about whether you should polish or wax your car first or whether you should do both.

Some people are confused about which procedure is best for their car and frequently ask, “What’s the difference between waxing your car and polishing it?”

Car polish helps remove surface scratches, oxidation, swirls, dirt, and other minor imperfections. Thus, the polish should be applied before waxing since it helps restore oxidised auto paint. It does this by scraping a very thin layer of paint from the surface, reducing the look of scratches as they settle into the coat.

On the other hand, a car wax improves and protects the appearance of a car’s paint surface. After cleaning and polishing your car’s paintwork, it’s a good idea to apply wax to make it shine.

This is done by applying a protective coating to the painted surface, which smooths out swirls and scratches. Instead of removing a fine layer of paint like polish does, car wax coats the surface with a smooth covering.

To put it another way, polish removes impurities while wax smoothes them out. Now that you know which step should be done first, let’s look at how to polish a car and how to wax a car.

Step-by-Step Guide in Polishing Your Car

If you polish a car by hand

Step 1: Remove any objects that don’t need to be polished, such as decals from the area.

Step 2: Wash your car. Make sure that dirt and debris are removed. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a microfibre towel to get rid of moisture.

Step 3: Apply a tiny amount of polishing compound using the applicator pad. Keep a few extras on hand in case you misplace the pad, or it becomes too dirty.

Step 4: Start working in small sections, spread or rub the polish into the paint in smooth, circular motions.

Step 5: Use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe the remaining residue.

If you polish a car with a rotary polisher 

One of the best ways to polish a car is by using a machine polisher.

Step 1: Before you use the car polisher, the first thing you should do is clean everything by washing and rinsing it thoroughly with water. Any dirt or debris left on the paintwork may cause it to scratch even more.

Step 2: Do not dry the car. Even the slightest moisture on your paint can prevent any sort of polish from bonding evenly.

Step 3: Apply about 10 small drops of polishing compound on the polishing head and then spread it throughout the paintwork to be polished.

Step 4: Spread the polish compound around the area you’re working on using the rotating polisher. Set the speed to slow for gentle application.

Step 5: Keep the spinning wheel as near to the surface as possible. Exert even pressure to the paintwork while moving, and lightly press down on the buffer so that the paint and the buffer are not damaged.

The clear coat on the car will heat up and become warm to the touch. Scratches and other damage will start to fade at this point. When the polishing compound is absorbed by the car and the residue has been removed by the pad, the newly polished paint will finally show. As soon as this happens, move to a new section and repeat the process.

Step 6: The polishing pad may become caked with polish and other dirt as you move from section to section. It is best to rinse the pad after each section or two to eliminate all the residue and dust that has accumulated on the pad surface.

Step 7: Slowly move the buffer over the section to create a haze effect. It’s possible that you’ll need to check sections more than once.

Step 8: After that, rinse and wash your car with a polishing microfibre towel to remove any remaining residue.

Make sure you don’t skip these steps as you polish your car. At RR Purity, we polish a car and fix those unattractive scratches that have been bugging you. Using a machine polisher, we can remove several flaws, such as swirl marks and surface defects from your car.

Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Car Waxing

Step 1: Before applying wax, either take your car to a car wash or wash it yourself. It’s important to start with a clean car since any dirt or dust left on the surface will scratch the paint’s top layer while applying the wax.

Step 2: Apply a few drops of wax straight on the waxing pad, which is enough for two coats for complete coverage. It’s crucial to start with a small amount of wax paste or liquid paint sealant for both. The pad will become more saturated with substance as you continue to wax the vehicle, so you won’t need to apply as much wax at first.

Step 3: Apply the wax using a circular motion.

Start with one section of the car and work your way to the next. The front bumper panel, which is positioned on both sides of the automobile above the front wheels and continues to the front of the vehicle, is an excellent place to start. From here, you’d go around the vehicle, finishing each section until it was completed.

It’s ideal to wax your car in sections, so you remember where you put the wax, and the wax doesn’t remain on the car for too long and dries out. When you keep wax on your car for an extended period, it becomes hard to remove. It won’t harm your car’s paint, but it will make wax removal extremely time-consuming and difficult.

Step 4: Remove the wax from your car’s surface with a microfibre towel, chamois, or other soft fabric. Begin with a light pressure and rubbing it in a circular way to wipe off the excess wax.

After the visible wax has been removed, buff the car with a mircrofibre towel or foam applicator pad in a quick circular motion to enhance the gloss and lustre. The surface of your car should be glossy after the wax has been removed.

However, if you’re not satisfied with the benefits of car waxing, you may opt for a Paint Protection Film, which can offer incredible protection to your car. Check out our article – What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)? – for more information.

How Often Should You Wax a Car

There is no definite answer when it comes to how often you should wax your car. In certain circumstances, once or twice a year is enough.

Others require waxing every three to four months or when the seasons change. Elements such as rain, snow, street salt, UV radiation, bird droppings and tree sap are also factors to consider when determining how often you should have your car waxed.

The intensity of the environment in which the car is parked or stored has a lot to do with the time interval as well. Waxing is necessary less frequently for vehicles that are stored in climate-controlled garages. Vehicles parked outside the house or on the street and exposed to severe winter weather or year-round direct sunshine require more regularly scheduled waxing.

On top of that, applying wax is an essential part of maintaining a car’s exterior in the finest possible condition while keeping its worth.

Conclusion

One of the nice things about car polishing and waxing is that it’s the easiest way to achieve significant results quickly. So, when you notice potential issues such as scratches and swirls, you should take immediate action to restore the shine of your car.

You can use a car machine polisher or polish your car by hand. If you don’t have prior knowledge and competence with some types of machine polishers, you could end up causing more harm than good. Overall, if your paintwork requires a thorough polish, machine polishing will provide far better, faster results.

For more enquiries on machine polishing or other car detailing topics, you may check out RR Purity’s services to find solutions to your needs. We can professionally handle the machine polishing for you to the highest possible quality. Contact us today.

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Sometimes, people underestimate the importance of vehicle maintenance, even for seemingly minor car features or parts. Having your car detailed regularly is the best way to keep it looking sharp, but car detailing by RR Purity goes beyond just preserving your vehicle’s appearance. This article lists four good reasons to choose this service.

1. Keeps You and Your Vehicle Safe

Safety benefits are not usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about car detailing, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

For example, glass coatings drastically improve visibility through rain or fog. Rainwater will bead off easier over coated windscreens. The glass will also remain cleaner since dirt and contaminants won’t be able to stick properly.

Headlights can also fade and become cloudy over time. This can limit the brightness of your headlights when you’re driving at night. Headlight coating and restoration can be applied to help improve night-time driving safety.

2. Prevents Potential Health Hazards

Bacteria, viruses, and allergens can build up inside your car for a lot of reasons. People, pets, and food can carry these health hazards in your car interior.

Although they’re not visible, airborne chemicals and pathogens present in your car are potent health threats, especially today. You and your passengers can contract Covid-19 in your car if you’re not careful. Studies from Harvard University published in USA Today found that Covid-19 can build up in cars if the windows are closed.

These can be prevented simply by performing regular interior detailing. Thorough cleaning with a vacuum, steam, and sterile wipes can get rid of particles and germs.

3. Contributes to Vehicle Longevity

A car’s exterior is constantly exposed to the elements when out on the road. Dirt, rocks, sand, and rain are just some of the things your car’s exterior deals with regularly.

Car detailing goes further than just cleaning. Machine polishing work removes small scratches in the paint and waxing gives your car that glossy shine.

More layers of protection can be added, such as PPF or paint protection film. PPF is a thin polyurethane film that protects the car paint from rock chips, UV light, small scratches, acid rain, and more.

You can lengthen the life of your car’s lustre by removing road contaminants and having additional protection to your car’s surfaces.

4. Increases Resell Value

A vehicle’s condition is one important factor in determining the price of a used car. Vehicle pricing experts like Autotrader consider a car’s interior and exterior condition as a key element in maintaining its value.

A car coated in grime or an interior filled with stains could push potential buyers away. Car detailing protects your investment. Not only does it contribute to the value of your car, but it also makes your car attractive to buyers. Proper detailing and cleaning show potential buyers that you take good care of the vehicle, and it’s worth the price.

Protect Your Car Today With Our Premium Car Detailing

Keep yourself and your vehicle safe, prolong its useful life, and increase its resale value with regular car detailing. At RR Purity Car Detailing, it’s our passion to provide exceptional care for your vehicle. Our team understands the detail and attention each car demands.

For excellent detailing and paintwork protection, give us a call today!

When it comes to protecting your cars’ paintwork, there are a range of different options available to you. In recent years the demand for Paint Protection Film (PPF) has seen something of a dramatic increase due to its unique properties. But what it exactly is PPF and how does it protect your vehicles paintwork?

What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

PPF is an ultra-thin polymer, or polyurethane, that can be applied to the bodywork of a car to help protect it. When applied over the paintwork of a vehicle it creates a transparent surface layer that protects it. This “disposable skin” helps to protect the clear coat of a car, as well as the paint underneath. PPF shields the outer appearance of a vehicle from UV exposure, surface scratches, acid rain, hard water deposits and any number of environmental impacts.

How does Paint Protection Film work?

Essentially, PPF provides a protective barrier between the paintwork of the car and any external elements that can harm it, including loose stones that can cause chips. It is recommended to wash a vehicle in the normal way to help protect the PPF, but caution should be exercised when using polish and wax products as polish can be abrasive and wax build up, particularly at the edges of the film can cause issues.

XPEL Ultimate Plus

In 2011, XPEL created Ultimate Plus™, the first self-healing paint protection film. This is a product which revolutionised the industry. The product, just one of the range that XPEL have on offer, offers a high gloss finish that is unparalleled, and offers a greater degree of impact protection over paintwork that does not have a protective film.
Over time, most PPF films should not yellow, but in fact XPEL suggest that their PPF film will last for 10 years before drivers will notice any such issue – longer than many people keep the same car. The film can be removed if needed and it should not affect the paintwork underneath due to the quality of the cure and prep work carried out during the car detailing process carried out before application.

Expert PPF Application

Due to the intricate nature of the application process, it should be applied by a professional, preferably one who is an specialist in car detailing or vinyl installation expert. Badly applied PPF will not offer the same level of protection as it should.
Because RR Purity are XPEL factory trained and approved Paint Protection Film (PPF) installers, we can professionally install Paint Protection Film to the highest possible standard.