What is metal polish
Written by: Vinnie van Rooij
There are several different types of metal polish in the huge world of automotive detailing. Apart from the polish for paintwork there is also polish specifically for metal. These are mostly used for chrome bumpers, chrome trims, metal hubcaps, untreated metal wheels, exhausts and even engine parts.
Contents
The different types of polishes
The biggest difference between the polishes are:
- Chemical polishes
- abrasive polishes
Both of these can be done mechanically, but only chemical polishing can be done passively. While polishing metals the aim is to remove oxidation and sometimes to correct certain surface imperfections. Oxidized metal looks very dull, grey, very bad reflection and stains easily. A metal polish is a specific product aimed at restoring gloss, reflection, shine and a smoother microscopic surface. After polishing the metal can be treated with a protective product, maintaining the “like new” look longer.
Chemical polishes
Chemical polishes are products that have an effect on the evenness of the surface via a chemical process. These are often a bit easier to use, but provide less correction. Good for adding gloss and mirror-like finish, but less effective on corrosion or surface imperfections such as scratches.
This can be combined with mechanical polishing (i.e. movement), but in some cases can also be done by submersing the object in a series of bath with different chemicals. This process however is usually only done by specialist chemist, and rarely by a detailer himself.
abrasive polishes
A slightly more traditional type of polish, which uses very small abrasive parts that actually remove a very microscopic layer of surface to achieve correction. While removing a very fine layer of the surface, you also remove any surface oxidation. This type of polish is very effective on correcting any surface imperfections, but also requires much more mechanical cleaning. The polishing can be done by hand, by machine (like a rotary or DA), but can also be done by immersing the object in a vibrating bath or polishing cones. Although this last type of polishing is less likely to be done by a detailer.
The reason to polish metal
Apart from getting dirty, metal is very sensitive to oxidation. Metal reacts with oxygen (like aluminium reacts to create a very thin layer of alumium oxide on the surface) and water (most famous example is iron that forms iron oxide (rust)). One of the reasons why cars got painted, was to protect the metal used to form the body and it’s components. Metal can obviously also get damaged by hitting it with an object. Apart from the risk of creating a dent, it might scratch the surface.
A metal polish will help to remove the layer of oxidation and to bring back the shine.
Difference in results
Metal polish can be used on many different types of metal, but it might give slightly different results depending on the material. Softer metals might be easier to correct, while harder metals can be easier to get maximum shine from.
The way of polishing can also make a difference, which can be read in the: how to polish metal. Different metals might also require different products. Some manufacturers make polishes that can be used on all kinds of metals, others try to perfect their product for a certain metal.
- A pad washer (or pad washer) is a tool that helps to clean polishing pads without removing them from the backing plate. The tool rinses out the pad so it can be used again while detailing. This is often quicker than changing the pad and eliminates the need for a second set of polishing pads....
- There is a lot of confusion between detailing and valeting. Some people think there is a certain difference, other people think they are the same. The difference between these 2 has always been a big part of discussion....
- Farecla is a manufacturer of detailing products located in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. The company has a range of products aimed at refining and perfecting surfaces in several different ways....
- Smart Polish Pro is an English manufacturer of detailing products with a strong aim on environmental-friendly products that do not require the use of water. The company is fairly young, but has been growing in popularity in only a few years....
- Colad is part of the EMM company, along with Hamach and Ronin Tools. The headoffice is based in The Netherlands and aims at any sector that works with colored coats such as automotive paint. They offer a very wide range of products such as measuring cups, tools and ventilation....
- Torque Detail is an American manufacturer of detailing products, established by Frank Mitchell. The company creates products such as Mirror Shine and Ceramic Shine since 2009 after a carreer in flipping cars and detailing vehicles....
[…] on the brand, metal polish comes with different abrasives (fine or coarse). It is best to use a fine one as it will not damage […]