Questions about car polishing

How long does the abrasive paste have to dry?

The drying time of automotive abrasive paste can vary from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the specific type of paste and environmental conditions. To correctly calculate how long it takes for the abrasive paste to dry, it is good to keep some factors in mind:

Manufacturer's Instructions : The sanding paste comes with detailed instructions for use, including drying time information. It is essential to follow these instructions for best results
Environmental conditions : Drying time may vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. In hotter, drier conditions, pasta tends to dry more quickly than in cold, humid conditions
Application Thickness : The thickness at which the paste is applied can affect drying time. A thicker layer may take longer to dry completely
Ventilation : The area where the paste is applied and the effectiveness of ventilation can affect drying time. Good ventilation can speed up the process
Touch test : One way to test whether the dough is dry is to touch it gently with your finger. If the paste behaves like a fine powder or flakes, it is probably dry

In general, it is important to ensure that the abrasive paste is properly dry as hasty removal could compromise the result of the polishing or repair process.

The abrasive pastes from The Care collection are specially formulated to make application quick and easy. Try them in the two versions: the universal one Rubbing Compound white and the one specific for dark or black surfaces Rubbing Compound black .

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How long does the polish last?

The durability of the polish on the car surface is influenced by various factors:

Type of polish : duration varies depending on the type of polish used. Some high-quality polishes are formulated to last longer than basic polishes
Environmental conditions : Exposure to UV rays, weather and the surrounding environment can affect the life of the polish. A car parked outdoors and subject to heavy sun exposure may require more frequent applications
Car use : Frequent car use, including regular washing, can shorten the life of the polish as the paint is exposed to greater stress

In general, car polish such as Scratch Remover , T47 or T57 can last from several weeks to several months, depending on these factors. Periodic maintenance and observation of the condition of your paintwork are key to determining when you need to reapply polish to maintain the appearance and protection of your paintwork.

Find out how to properly maintain your car with our dedicated guide.

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How to apply polish?

The application of polish to eliminate small imperfections from the car's surface is a crucial phase in the car detailing process as it significantly influences the final results.

Here's how to apply the polish correctly:

Prepare the substrate : Before starting, make sure the surface is clean and dry. The presence of dirt or contaminants on the paint can prevent the polish from adhering properly and obtaining a uniform result. Avoid applying polish in direct sun or on hot surfaces
Apply the product : pour a small quantity of polish such as T47 or T57 onto a manual pad or polishing machine and proceed to apply with circular or straight line movements. Always make sure to apply moderate pressure to avoid damaging the paint
Go section by section: Work on manageable sized areas to ensure even product distribution
Leave to dry : after applying the product it is essential to respect the drying time. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and let the polish dry for the indicated time. This step is critical as it allows the solvents in the polish to evaporate, leaving behind the active agents that improve the paint
Remove excess product : after drying you can remove excess product with a clean and dry soft microfibre finishing cloth , using circular or straight line movements

When choosing the polish to apply to the bodywork it is essential to consider the specific needs of the surface before applying the product. Not all polishes are suitable for all surfaces: T47 , for example, is a universal polish unlike the T57 variant which is specific for dark or black cars.

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How to apply the scratch remover?

The Scratch Remover is a fantastic product capable of eliminating all the swirls from the car bodywork (for larger scratches we consider the Compound more suitable, as it is capable of eliminating deeper scratches).

Materials needed:

Scratch Remover or Scratch Remover – Make sure you use a high-quality product to remove scratches and blemishes from your car
Sponge cap : the product is convenient to apply thanks to the Sponge Cap , which makes it easy to use on your car's paintwork
Hand pad : for more complex applications, for larger areas or for the most difficult to reach points it is preferable to use a manual pad such as Hand Pad which will make the application of the product easier to guarantee optimal results
Microfibre cloth : it is always advisable to also have a cloth such as Microfibre Cloth gold for the final removal of any excess product

You can then proceed as follows:

Prepare the product : remove the plastic cap cover by pointing the Scratch Remover with the sponge upwards. Then press on the tube of Scratch Remover so that the product comes out forming a drop of approximately 1/2 cm in diameter
Apply the product : apply the product with the part of the sponge sprayed with material on the surface to be treated by carrying out rotary movements and light pressure for approximately 15/30 seconds in the desired area
Remove excess : remove excess product with a microfibre cloth
Repeat the operation : repeat the operation, increasing the pressure each time until you are satisfied with the result

The use of Scratch Remover does not damage the paint if correctly applied and its application can be repeated unlike Compounds which eliminate portions of material during use.

The application process with Hand Pad is the same, applying the product on the sponge pad rather than on the supplied dispenser. If the product applied as follows does not resolve the problem being treated, we recommend using abrasives following a correct evaluation of the scratch. Scratches that are too deep and have now reached the paint layer require different treatments.

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How to use abrasive paste?

Car abrasive paste is a product used to remove scratches, RIDS, dullness and wear from car paint, helping to restore the original finish and bring new life to the paint. Here's how to use abrasive paste on your car correctly:

Materials needed:

Car abrasive compound : Make sure you use a product specifically designed for removing scratches
Manual swab and microfiber cloths : for applying and removing the paste
Water : to moisten the area to be treated (if requested in the manufacturer's instructions)
Nitrile gloves (recommended) : to protect your hands during application
Protective glasses (recommended) : to prevent the product from coming into contact with the eyes

Procedure:

Clean the surface : Before applying the abrasive paste, make sure the surface of the car is clean and free of dirt and dust. Proceed to wash the car and dry it thoroughly
Prepare the product : shake the abrasive paste well before use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you are using
Moisten the area to be treated : Spray or moisten the area of the car where you intend to apply the abrasive paste. This, if suggested by the manufacturer, will help minimize friction during application
Apply abrasive paste : Put a small amount of abrasive paste on the scratched or dull surface of the car, use a hand pad or soft microfiber cloth to apply the paste to the affected area. Use circular or linear motions, applying light to moderate pressure depending on the intensity of the scratch. Work on an area a few inches at a time
Check the area : During the process, regularly inspect and check the area to see if the scratches or cloudiness are improving. Continue working until you get the desired result. If scratches persist, repeat the process until you achieve the desired results
Clean : Remove excess abrasive compound from the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth
Polish and protect the surface (optional) : after removing the abrasive paste, you can polish the area with a specific car wax to obtain an even brighter and more uniform finish

Remember to work carefully and with delicate movements, avoiding applying too much pressure, so as to avoid damaging the car paint. To obtain surprising polishing results, we recommend the abrasive pastes from The Care collection, specially formulated to remove imperfections and scratches, while remaining delicate on surfaces. Try the abrasive pastes in the two versions: the universal one for surfaces of any color Rubbing Compound white and the specific one for dark or black surfaces Rubbing Compound black .

A special mention goes to The Care abrasive pastes specifically designed for the nautical sector to make all marine surfaces subjected to aggressive external agents such as salt water and the most varied climatic conditions shine again. Also in this case, the abrasive pastes and The Care products of the Marine System line are available in two versions: the universal white one Rubbing Compound Marine System white which can be used on all bases, and the black one Rubbing Compound Marine System black ideal for black or dark.

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What scratches does abrasive paste remove?

Car abrasive paste is mainly used to eliminate RIDS and wear marks from the paint surface. These imperfections may include:

Deep Scratches : Abrasive paste is effective in removing deep scratches
RIDS : RIDS are deep scratches caused by contact with hard or abrasive surfaces
Paint defects : These include small signs of aging or imperfections in the paint that can be removed or improved with the use of an abrasive paste
Paint dullness : the abrasive paste can help eliminate the superficial dullness of the paint, giving the car a shiny and shiny appearance

It is important to note that abrasive paste is designed to remove scratches and RIDS. Even deeper scratches or severe paint damage often require additional repair steps or more specialized work.

To obtain surprising polishing results, we recommend the abrasive pastes from The Care collection, specially formulated to remove imperfections and scratches, while remaining delicate on surfaces. Try the abrasive pastes in the two versions: the universal one for surfaces of any color Rubbing Compound white and the specific one for dark or black surfaces Rubbing Compound black .

A special mention goes to The Care abrasive pastes for the nautical sector, specially designed to make marine surfaces subjected to aggressive external agents such as salt water or adverse climatic conditions shine again. Also in this case, the abrasive pastes and The Care products of the Marine System line are available in two versions: the universal white one Rubbing Compound Marine System white which can be used on all bases, and the black one Rubbing Compound Marine System black ideal for black or dark.

In the field of car detailing, the abrasive paste is used in the fourth phase, i.e. polishing.

Find out more in the following guides: What is car detailing - the complete guide to car care and DIY car polishing - complete guide for a perfect result .

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When to apply polish?

Car polish is an essential product for keeping the car in optimal conditions and preserving the bodywork for a long time.

Let's see together when it is necessary to apply car polish:

After scratch correction : If you have corrected scratches, marks or imperfections in the paintwork, polish can be applied to eliminate any residual marks left by the correction and restore the shine
Before polishing : Polish often precedes polishing. The polish process is aimed at improving the condition of the paint, while polishing aims to give it a high shine. By applying polish before buffing, you can maximize results
To remove surface imperfections : the polish is ideal for eliminating surface imperfections such as swirl marks, holograms or water spots. These imperfections can affect the overall appearance of the paint and the polish can remove them effectively
In case of dullness or loss of shine : Over time, the paint may become dull or lose its original luster due to exposure to environmental elements. Applying polish can freshen the appearance and bring life back to the paint
As part of maintenance : Using polish regularly as part of your maintenance routine to make your car look good is crucial to maintaining the condition of your paintwork. Periodic application helps protect the paint from bad weather and atmospheric agents

Professional polishes, such as the universal one T47 and the specific one for dark and black cars T57 , give an impeccable shine to the treated surfaces. However, for even more surprising and long-lasting results, it is always recommended to use them in combination with suitable accessories, such as the Hand Pad and the microfibre finishing cloth .

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When to apply the scratch remover?

The scratch remover is the ideal product to apply when you want to eliminate superficial scratches from the car paint. It has a very light abrasive power that does not damage the treated surfaces.

You can apply the scratch remover in the presence of:

Light Scratches : If the painted surface of the car has superficial scratches or signs of wear, the scratch remover can be applied to try to attenuate or eliminate these imperfections
Swirl marks : If your car's paint has "swirl marks" or spiral scratches caused by improper washing procedures, the scratch remover could help improve the overall appearance
Washing Scratches : If you notice scratches caused by scouring sponges or rough towels during washing, the scratch remover can help reduce these marks
Light Signs of Wear : If your car shows light signs of wear due to aging, such as surface scratches or discoloration, the scratch remover can be used to improve the aesthetics

The application of Scratch Remover is very simple and effective against superficial scratches. Its delicately abrasive nature allows it to be reapplied until the expected result is achieved, using its integrated sponge applicator or a manual pad such as the Hand Pad .

What becomes fundamental when talking about car polishing is to identify the type of scratch to be removed, so as to choose the most suitable product to obtain the desired result: it could be a scratch remover as described so far, but for less superficial scratches the use of abrasive pastes or polish may be necessary.

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Where to apply the polish?

The polish can be applied to a variety of car surfaces, including paint, but also to other surfaces such as metal.

Here are some of the areas where you can apply polish:

Paint : This is the main place where polish is used to correct imperfections, swirls, scratches or holograms and improve the shine of glossy painted surfaces. It is used to eliminate mechanical polishing marks, to eliminate oxidation and for polishing and finishing operations. Whether it is a neutral polish for light colors like T47 or one suitable for dark colors like T57 , it easily and quickly eliminates small imperfections in the painted surface, restoring its original brilliance. Compared to abrasive pastes, polish contains abrasive agents in smaller quantities, making it easy to apply and with notable polishing power through a light abrasive action.
Chrome and metal : polish can be used to revive and remove stains from chrome details and other painted metal surfaces, paying great attention to the application as the abrasive action derives from the pressure exerted. It is useful and effective for restoring them to their natural shine and brilliance, even removing annoying and unsightly blooms on the metal parts.

It is important to consider the type of polish and the specific needs of the surface before applying the product. Not all polishes are suitable for all surfaces; therefore, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Used with the correct accessories, such as the Hand Pad application pad and the microfibre finishing cloth , the polish guarantees flawless and long-lasting polishing results.

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Where to apply the scratch remover?

The Scratch Remover is a product created for the treatment of painted surfaces, acting on the layer of gloss normally applied as a surface layer.

Its format is ideal for treating small areas thanks to the supplied Sponge Cap sponge pad which allows it to be used and applied in less than 1 minute.

The areas most frequently treated by detailers are:

Under the handle : where scratches are created by rubbing with nails, rings, keys, etc.
Side bands : where the plants may rub on the bodywork, creating very superficial scratches
Mirrors : for removing scratches from rubbing or paint swaps
Canopy : for small marks due to small shrubs and similar falling from trees or bad weather

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Answers to questions about how to polish your car

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