To Machine Polish Or Not To Machine Polish.

[Turbobear]

So, I've been hunting round for the next things I want to do to my DS3. I've been looking At having it it
Detailed and I've found a place in Barnsley that would do inside and out for £165. Including a machine
polish, that I want, so I get all the paint swirls out of the black paint.

Anyway, been looking online and I can buy all the equipment I need, clay bar, spray detailer, machine polisher, polish, microfiber towels for about £100,

So I'm considering doing it myself, but then how often would you machine polish your own car? Is it worth it or should I just get it done by the professionals ? what do you think ?

[chiefnerd]

I still haven't noticed any swirls in my paint- I'm not overly observant though.

That sound like a damn good buy although I would personally be tempted by the detailer- I'm bone idle

[chiefnerd]

I think this is more in line with what you fancy- http://www.autocleanngleam.co.uk/newcar.html

I may go for that

[Turbobear]

I've found these guys near me http://www.autoreflectionsvaleting.com/index.htm

[chiefnerd]

I just like the fact that they do a specific package for new cars to get the most of the paint. I'm new to all this detailing palava, luckily my local carwash do a claybar thingy and wax for 60 quid which is as far as I would normally go. Very interesting to find out more on how much time and equipment is involved in bringing the paint up to scratch and amazed at how much of a difference it can make.

[Turbobear]

Yeah I'm all new to it, but i find it quite therapeutic to wash and clean my car... So kinda interested to see if I can learn to do it myself.. The right way.

[chiefnerd]

I never have the time to give it a proper going over, something would always come up as soon as I started it. Problem with my business is that it never stops and I always get an email or call at the worst possible times so it's easier for me to just let someone else do it. I'm a Jeremy Clarkson anyway, more interested in the engine than the bodywork

[CliveP]

Well guys as you know I'm well into my detailing, so if I may offer my opinion......I machine polish for fun....

The thing you have to watch for, is there's machine polishing 'workshop style' where time of the essence, i.e. a quick whizz round without 'finishing down' properly - this makes a massive difference. On www.detailingworld.co.uk you'll see numerous examples where people have had 'cheap' (read 'rushed') machine polishes and then needed a real pro to correct it.

I did a Maxda MX-5, two stage machine correction, and it took me 23 hours - the owner was delighted. I use paint depth meters so I know how much paint and likely clearcoat I have to play with and I never remove more clearcoat than is necessary (a lot of 'cheap' approaches use too harsh polishes, even if they finish down correctly (and if they don't know what that term is, walk away is my advice) - whilst you can get still get a fantastic result they've removed much more than is necessary.

On a lot of cars you might not notice swirls, etc without inspection lamps - so you think 'well Clive if I can't see them without an inspection lamp, what does it matter?' - the answer is maybe it doesn't to most people, but where it does make a difference, is the level of 'glossiness' and 'depth of reflection' is greatly dictated by those swirl marks as they cause the light to reflect off your paintowkr in such a way it robs your car of that depth of shine and reflection.

Detailing 'kit' in my opinion is relatively inexpensive - you can get very capable 'dual-action' or 'rotary' machines, along with a set of pads and polishes for between £120 to £200 ish....the really expensive machines are no more capable, but can go all day every day and are better balanced in terms of weight, etc (believe me after 23 hours machine polishing, I need well balanced machines!)....

The real skill, like anything to do with a 'craft' is the skill to use it correctly - get it wrong and you'll go through your paint (unlikely unless you go mad!), but more than likely get a poor finish - I've learnt things called Zenith techniques and other things so I can, if I feel like it, chase out most blemishes to perfection. That also brings me onto what 'level' of 'correction' you're after - correction is the term used to 'correct' the swirls and other marks (there's a whole string of terms) inflicted typically by poor wash and drying techniques. So I can do an 'enhancement' detail which means judging the most appropriate pad and polish combination for the car with 'one' pass - i.e. doing the hole car just once with the machine. This will give a '98%' correct result. 100% (if such a thing exists) might take 3 or even 4 passes - different polishes ...etc....

I could go on, like I say it's my hobby and I get asked to do a lot of them for people who've seen my work - however I don't do too many, just when I feel like it and I can. I do help with a 'back to basics' course where we teach correct wash technique to try to help people not inflict the marks in the first place...

Sorry, I'm waffling, my advice if you do it yourself, make sure you get some training and/or practice, and if you go to a 'pro' make sure you know what you're getting.....otherwise your £150 plus could go straight down the drain!

Here's some of my work:
A3 Single stage correction:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=217977

My DS3 Enhancement detail:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=226370

Maxda Correction Detail (extremely thin paint):
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=234592

Best Regards,
Clive.

[Lawrence41]

Machine polish is an effective method for restoring the shine and clarity of your vehicle's paintwork. This technique uses specialized machines and polishing compounds to eliminate imperfections such as swirl marks and light scratches. The result is a smooth, glossy finish that enhances the overall appearance of your car. Regular machine polishing not only improves aesthetics but also provides a layer of protection against environmental elements. For more information on how to achieve professional results and keep your vehicle looking its best, click here. Embrace the benefits of machine polishing for a stunning shine!