How often to polish

[chrisbothwell]

I am confused about polishing, specifically how many times you can do it before there is no CC left. I just bought a late production 2004 truck from the dealer that sold it new and it is obvious that the previous owner was not as picky as I am. I see scratches in the paint that look like someone washed it with a dirty rag, I have only been able to see them when looking hard and when it has been parked in my shop (even in direct sun I cant see them). I doubt that the truck has ever had a through polish, probably just a crappy dealer detail when it was traded back in. All of that said, I ordered the pinnacle twins (swirl remover, finishing polish, and orange pad) but now I am concerned about taking off too much CC. Also note, the truck is going to sit outside all the time in Seattle and I want to maintain a nice CC so that it will look new in 10 years. It seems optional to polish now but i would like to if it not going to compromise the CC too much. How many times can you do this type of polish job on a car before you get through the CC?

 

[DM1506]

Chris??
Most of the guys say they polish about twice per year. The CC is not removed easily. Just don't use heavy compund types of polish with heavy cutting pads too often. Most claim that polishing moderate to light twice per year wiil never damage a clear coat over a long time. In between, washing and drying techniques as well as properly sealing the paint becomes very important.
David

 

[chrisbothwell]

Alright. I ordered sealant with the Pinnacle twins. Sounds like I should be ok. Thanks.

 

[ScottB]

polishing should only be done when needed, thats why a paint cleaner is also available. For times when the paint needs cleaning, or previous wax needs removing, yet finish is in great condition.

 

[99 hardtop]

polishing should only be done when needed, thats why a paint cleaner is also available. For times when the paint needs cleaning, or previous wax needs removing, yet finish is in great condition.

:iagree: :iagree:

 

[Mr Dream Machines]

I'm in the same boat. Got a nine year old car with paint in better condition than most cars in the car shows here in SA

I've machined the paint heavily once, then lightly with Dinitrol (2000 grit polish) and 106FF twice and will not be machine polishing any longer
have moved to using pure glazes that are also sealants to permanently fill in and level out the baby swirls that it gets once a year

I reckon you could machine a paint finish two to three times with a three or four step process before you have to think about chemical polishing, using pure glazes and cleansers.

My process has been once a year, give it a going over with 106FF (my paints medium soft) and then glaze and seal,