HOW TO POLISH YOUR CAR: For Beginners & Enthusiasts (Step by Step)

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At 48 Detailing Co. We are the premiere automotive detailing service in the state of Arizona. Our professional team are industry experts when it comes to paint correction , ceramic coatings, PPF, window tinting, interior detailing, leather reconditioning, and customer service.

48 Detailing Co. in partnership with CarNewba Media also provides original auto and car detailing how to, tips, tricks, reviews, and expert car detailing videos for the automotive industry.

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[jamesosborn]

Soo I've been stupidly taking my new black Durango to the new auto carwash up the street cause it's convenient. but now all I see is swirls galore and whatever wax coating (lava shield is what they call it) is visible on the glass so im sure it's thick across the whole vehicle... Any words of wisdom to remove this crap so I can compound and polish the swirls out? Planning on ceramic coating it when I get it all cut and clean... Awesome vid btw it's giving me alot of confidence in a harbor freight DA and my ability... TIA for any advice!

[homerthompson]

1. wash - washes off surface dirt
2. clay - gets off embedded dirt in paint
3. compound - gets out big scratches and very dull paint (can be skipped if car has smaller scratches and newer paint)
4. polish - makes the car shine
5. wax - protects the car paint

[napamoonlight]

Thank you for saying "gals" because I am a grandma getting ready to tackle an older Subaru, with your help. Like another commenter, I have watched multiple videos on this but yours gives more detailed content and more visuals. THANKS MUCH.

[doug]

Just purchased a black car. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I've been reading and studying up on detailing for the better part of a year before I try to remove the swirls. The amount of knowledge you can accumulate on something seemingly as simple as cleaning a car is staggering.

[raymondtuckerjr]

BY FAR....the BEST paint correction/instructional videos on many spend the video building monuments to THEIR skills. So refreshing to encounter some humility and some appreciate for "everyman"....I'm subscribing RIGHT now....hoping for similar experiences. Thank you.

[Mr.BustaNutt]

I finally found a video where they dont skip the product and how they do it, thank you man 🙏🏻

[cic]

Thank you for including us girls!!! We love detailing just as much as you guys do to! so yeah you are the first one to include us.

[GrimmReaper]

I’ve watched your video multiple times. It has made it easier for me to get my show truck, cleaned up and stand out. Thank you

[SaskGirlLovesToFish]

I've been learning and trying products over the last couple years, detailing my truck. The tip you gave about always wiping in one direction was something that I didn't know. All this time I have been wiping in a circular motion and undoubtedly undoing some of the work that I've been doing. Thanks

[kelly]

Great video. I can't tell you how many times I stood in Harbor Freight and tried to determine what I needed to polish our cars. This video explained it all. Thanks!!!

[OCDRex]

Been creating my own anxieties over cutting and buffing my Corvette. I come from all hand-everything as I am older but, being 45, I am not too old to want to make things easier.

I have used this exact setup on an old Miata and it was flawless. I assumed that my Corvette needed something magical and was about to pull the trigger on Rupes gear, or even Griott's setups. It isn't about the money but I kept remembering the Harbor Freight DA and looked it up on YT. When I found this video I knew that was my path. You relieved my woes as I know that my Corvette isn't "that special" to where a DIY'er needs a Rupes setup. Yes I love my car but I am not about that life. I want to get the 19 year old paint bright and swirl free and this will be the path.

Thanks for making me remember I can do anything without spending the $$$ on top tier stuff.

[heavymechanic]

I tried using a DA polisher and its slower than the second coming of christ, the Rotary at Harbor Freight (advertised for 29 bucks) works very well for the money. I did buy a 5-inch backing plate and use 6-inch premium pads from China. It would be helpful for you to identify the one-step polish and where you get your buff pads because there are so many options and every product is different. SPTA pads range from very soft to firm and the quality of foam can vary between styles. I like the Diamond pattern from SPTA and ZFE - T-60 & T-40 for general polishing but these are hard to find since it was removed from Amazon a long time ago (foam material is made in Germany).. Just pointing this out because any beginner is overwhelmed with the many choices and deceptive descriptions used in marketing detailing products.

[julietarr]

Noticeable difference, I'm so HAPPY that someone can finally explain every step completely. TTHANKS SO I will try that.

[ewpachecosr]

This video answered all my basic questions I had about prepping the paint, buffer machine, and saving myself time working the paint. Thank you for all the info...

[thomasmoeller]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you explaining the basic without overdoing it. Especially for a beginner like me it’s important to keep it simple but essential. So many people explain but are getting too expert minded or too simple with a lot of questions left. In addition, you take the time to answer questions and provide further insight if needed. Thank you so much for your time and efforts! Now, I am going to tackle my 20 year old S500....not that have to but I am looking forward to the process. Should be quite an experience with a deep burgundy almost black metallic paint which I thought looks decent but have been shown that it can be improved significantly. Keep up the excellent work. I’ll be watching !

[danielruiz]

Dude your explanation was just on point…you did a fantastic job I’m going out to get my car prepped and waxed my self because you broke it down so perfect in the vid…thanks from LA, CA

[kellyngrey]

Thanks for including the ladies! I've got a 2009 black Honda Civic that I've been working on diligently to restore the paint. I get odd looks from the guys at the autoparts store or from neighbors when polishing or getting under the hood of my car.

[stewardship]

Great instructional video simplifying the necessary products needed to do a great job on personal vehicles...without “pushing“ overpriced products down your throat. Thanks!

[paulbrantley]

After hours of video watching I stumbled on your video. Best basic guidelines for beginner so I feel more confident to tackle the job. Thank you so much.

[tillmandetailing]

This Arizona girl is about to get water spots out of some paint and windows. I’ve been brushing up on some videos I had saved, and this is a good one! 🙂 Thank you for including us women in the conversation as well.