How to Prep Your Car for Polish Like a Professional
Polishing can transform your car’s paint—but only if your prep game is solid. Skipping proper prep leads to clogged pads, uneven results, and wasted effort.
Here’s how professional detailers prep their paint before breaking out the buffer—so you get swirl-free, glossy results with every polish.
Step 1: Wash Thoroughly
Your prep starts with a wash. But not just any soap will do—you need something that’s ceramic-safe and strong enough to break loose the first layer of grime.
- The Super Soaper – High-foaming, safe for pre-polish washing (Amazon)
Use a foam cannon or pump sprayer, let dwell, and gently hand wash to avoid new scratches.
Step 2: Decontaminate the Paint
Washing isn’t enough. Contaminants like brake dust and sap bond to your clear coat—and will clog your polish pad if not removed.
- Use a clay mitt or bar with proper lubrication to remove embedded particles.
- Use an iron remover if you see orange specks (especially on white cars).
Step 3: Dry Thoroughly
Before polishing, the surface must be completely dry. Water in cracks and crevices can sling during polishing and affect pad rotation.
- Massive Drying Towel – Super absorbent for one-pass drying
Step 4: Inspect the Paint in Direct Light
Move the car into the sun or use a swirl finder light to identify:
- ✅ Swirl marks
- ✅ Oxidation
- ✅ Water spots or staining
This tells you where to focus and what pad/product combo to use.
Step 5: Tape Off Sensitive Areas (Optional)
If you’re using a machine polisher, masking rubber trim, emblems, or vents can prevent sling and protect edges.
Step 6: Choose Your Polish (Coming Soon)
Stay tuned for the release of Picture Perfect Polish—our pro-grade one-step polish that cuts and finishes in a single pass with no dust, no drama, and stunning results.
Step 7: Prime Your Pad
Add 4-5 pea-sized dots of polish and spread it on the paint before activating your machine. This prevents dry buffing and pad skipping.
Related Posts for the Full Process
Recommended Prep Products
- The Super Soaper – Preps paint without stripping protection
- Massive Drying Towel – Perfect for fast, safe drying
- Everyday Microfiber Towels – For wipe-downs and final inspection
Conclusion
Polishing is where the magic happens—but only if the prep is done right. By following this process, you’ll set yourself up for amazing results, longer-lasting protection, and less frustration along the way.
Get the full prep system at Jimbo’s Detailing and be ready when Picture Perfect Polish drops.
