How to Avoid Holograms When Polishing – Smooth, Streak-Free Results
Think your polish job looked perfect—until you saw it in the sun? That’s a hologram. Here’s how to prevent and fix them the right way.
What Are Holograms?
Holograms are faint, 3D-looking streaks or trails in your paint. They’re often visible only under sunlight or LED lighting—and they ruin a detailer’s day. They're usually the result of:
- Too aggressive a pad or polish
- Rotary polishing with poor technique
- Not finishing properly with a soft pad
Why They Happen (Even with DAs)
While dual action polishers are much safer, you can still create light holograms if you:
- Use too firm of a pad on soft paint
- Don’t refine your finish enough
- Leave behind oils that flash unevenly in the sun
How to Prevent Holograms
- Use the least aggressive pad and polish combo that works
- Switch to a soft finishing pad for the final step
- Slow your machine speed and lighten pressure when finishing
- Wipe with a clean towel like the Softer Than Soft Towel
- Inspect under multiple light angles before applying protection
Fixing Holograms the Easy Way
If you already have holograms, use Picture Perfect Polish with a soft pad on your DA. Light pressure, slow passes, and finish down clean. The polish will remove light marring and fill in optical inconsistencies.
Pro Tip: Always Re-Wipe After Leveling
Oils can create fake gloss—until the sun exposes trails. Use a panel wipe or IPA solution before coating or waxing.
Final Thoughts
Holograms can sneak up on anyone—especially on black or soft paint. The key is proper finishing technique: softer pads, less pressure, and a polish that finishes clean. One quick final pass could save your whole job.
👉 Eliminate Holograms with Picture Perfect Polish
