Does car polishing make deep scratch less visible?

Car polishing can improve the appearance of deep scratches but may not completely make them disappear, especially if the scratches are severe and extend beyond the clear coat into the base paint layer. Polishing is primarily effective for addressing surface imperfections, swirl marks, and light scratches.

Here's how car polishing works and its impact on deep scratches:

Surface Smoothing: Polishing involves the use of abrasive compounds or polishes to remove a thin layer of the clear coat. This process helps smooth out the surface by leveling minor scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections.

Enhanced Reflectivity: As the surface becomes smoother, the reflection of light improves, enhancing the gloss and appearance of the paint. This can make shallow scratches and minor defects less noticeable.

Limited Impact on Deep Scratches: While polishing can improve the overall appearance of the paint and minimize the visibility of some scratches, it may not be sufficient to completely eliminate deep or severe scratches. If a scratch has penetrated through the clear coat into the base paint layer, polishing alone cannot restore the damaged paint.

For deep scratches, additional steps may be required:

Touch-Up Paint: If the scratch has exposed the bare metal or base paint, applying touch-up paint that matches the car's color can help conceal the damaged area. This method is more effective for small, localized damage.

Professional Paint Correction: For more extensive or severe scratches, seeking the expertise of a professional paint correction specialist may be necessary. This involves a more comprehensive process of polishing, compounding, and potentially wet sanding to remove or minimize deeper scratches.

It's crucial to note that attempting DIY polishing on deep scratches without the necessary knowledge and tools can lead to unintended consequences, such as removing too much clear coat or causing further damage. If you're dealing with deep scratches, especially on valuable or high-end vehicles, consulting with a professional detailing or paint correction specialist is recommended for the best results. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate steps to address it effectively.