STOP Making These 5 Polishing Mistakes! (Fix Your Finish Fast)
Getting a perfect finish doesn’t have to be complicated—but it’s easy to make costly mistakes. In this post (and video), Jim (@detailgypsy) and I break down the top 5 polishing errors we see all the time—and how to fix them.
1. Using the Wrong Pad for the Job
Different paint systems and levels of damage require different pads. A cutting pad on soft paint might leave hazing. A finishing pad on hammered clear coat might do nothing. Know your surface and match accordingly.
2. Using the Wrong Machine
Rotary vs. dual-action isn’t just a preference—it affects the final result. Using the wrong machine can leave holograms, swirls, or worse. Stick with a DA for most paint correction unless you’re experienced with rotary tools.
3. Rushing Through the Process
We get it—you want results fast. But rushing leads to uneven results, pad hop, and missed defects. Take your time, slow your arm speed, and let the machine and product do the work.
4. Skipping Proper Paint Prep
You can’t polish through dirt. Always start with a solid pre-wash using The Super Soaper, followed by decon with clay or iron remover. Clean paint = clean correction.
5. Using Dusty, Outdated Polishes
Old-school polishes leave dust and require multiple passes. Modern formulas like Picture Perfect Polish give you cut + finish in one step, with zero dust and no drama.
Our Favorite One-Step Polish for Fast, Flawless Results
Picture Perfect Polish is the ultimate solution for fixing common polishing mistakes in one pass:
- No dust, no staining, no drama
- Heavy cut with a flawless finish—DA or rotary
- Pad-dependent: cut or finish based on your setup
If you want to save time and get perfect results—this is the product to use.
Watch the Full Breakdown
Want to see the common mistakes in action—and how to fix them? Watch the full video above for the exact techniques we use on real cars, every week.
Grab your bottle of Picture Perfect Polish and take your paint correction to the next level.
