Working with a Pure Polish

Polishing is the third step in Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.  However, it's an optional step.  The classic definition of a polish is a product that is used to create added brilliance.  In other words, pure polishes are specifically formulated to create high gloss, not to provide protection.  Rather than coat a paint finish with long-lasting, high-gloss, durable protection from environmental hazards and road contaminants, pure polishes penetrate, rejuvenate and literally polish out every minute surface imperfection to create a dazzling, mirror bright finish.  Think about polishing as it relates to a diamond.  When a diamond is polished, the process is not being done to protect the diamond, but rather to bring out its brilliance--to make it look better. The same is true with the paint finish on a car; a polish is used specifically, and solely, to make it look better.

As initially mentioned, this is an optional step because it is not for everyone. This step is for those who have dark colored cars and want them to look their absolute best.  It's for those who polish their cars at least once a month and want to avoid wax build up.  Polishing is also for those who have had their cars repainted and are in the 90-day waiting period when they are not able to apply wax to the newly painted surface.

Oftentimes there is confusion over the word polish because many products on the market incorporate polish in their labeling.  Don't confuse a pure polish, such as Meguiar's Deep Crystal Polish which is non-abrasive and contains no ingredients to abrade or clean the paint, with a polishing compound that is extremely abrasive.  Polishing compounds are generally recommended for removing defects from the finish but because they rely on sharp, hard mechanical abrasives to do the abrading work, they often inflict scratches in the process.  Compounds of all types should be avoided and best left to be applied by professionals who know how to use them in conjunction with a high-speed buffer to achieve the desired results.

Meguiar's Deep Crystal® Polish is formulated with rich feeder oils that nourish the paint, keeping it healthy and bursting with color and is amazingly effective on dark-colored cars.  These polishing oils are also important for maintaining the original condition of the paint by filling in the naturally occurring microscopic pores and surface imperfections caused by age and day-in, day-out wear and tear.  The oils help to prevent substances such as water, or acid-rain, from entering into these microscopic surface imperfections and creating an environment in which deterioration caused by oxidation, staining and chemical etching can take place. 

For optimal results when working with a pure polish, the painted surface must be clean, defect-free and as smooth as glass. This is accomplished by performing the necessary surface prep work, such as claying with Meguiar's Quik Clay Detailing System to remove above surface bonded contaminants, and/or using a paint cleaner like Meguiar's ScratchX" to remove any below surface paint defects like swirls and scratches. 

How to apply, work-in and remove a pure polish.

Step 1 - Shake the bottle well before using; this insures a uniform consistency in the formula for best results.

Step 2 - Apply about a teaspoon of polish to a clean, Meguiar's Hi-Tech Applicator Pad or Even Coat Applicator.

Step 3 - Apply the polish to a small section at a time--about 12 to 16 inches square.  Work the polish firmly, but gently, into the paint somewhat like working skin lotion into dry skin.

Note:  Circles or Straight Line Application?

When applying a non-abrasive polish with a clean, high-quality applicator pad, the direction in which the applicator pad is moved over the surface is not important because neither the product nor applicator will be inflicting scratches or swirls into the finish.  However, some panels lend themselves better to straight line motions, while other panels lend themselves better to circular motions.  For example, many people find that it's easier to apply products in circular motions to large panels such as the hood of a car. The reason for this is because circular motions act to help spread the product out over large areas more evenly and thoroughly.  Circular motions also tend to help to work the product into the finish.   Applying products using straight-line motions is more difficult on larger panels. This motion seems to work best on small panels and sections that are longer in one direction while narrow in the other.

Step 4 - Once the polish is evenly distributed, wipe off and remove any excess using a clean, soft premium quality microfiber polishing cloth, such as Meguiar's Supreme Shine" Microfiber.  Remove the polish before it dries.  Unlike wax, pure polishes do not need to dry. 

Step 5 - Move on to an adjacent section and repeat the above steps until all painted panels have been polished.

Remember, polishing is the required step in the process towards achieving the brilliant high gloss and vibrant color seen on show cars such as those displayed at the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, California, where in 2005, 24 out of 27 "Best of Class" winners used Meguiar's products to create their trophy-winning show car shine.  Polishing alone will not provide protection against the elements, such as the damaging effects of the sun. It is important to apply a coat of protective wax, such as Meguiar's Gold Class Wax or NXT Generation® Tech Wax 2.0 to protect the paint and lock in the high gloss results that have been attained.  Then, maintain that show-car shine on a regular basis with Meguiar's Quik Detailer® to keep it looking great every day.