Polishing Outside? Risks and Alternatives

Polishing a car outside in the elements doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. However, there are restrictions that limit people from adhering to best practices. So how do we make the best of the situation?

What to do Before You Polish a Car

The two main steps to prep a car to be polished are clean and decontaminate.  Cleaning is obvious, but decontaminating is sometimes sorely missed. You can decontaminate the paint in various ways. If the paint is in good shape, you may only need a good paint cleaner to remove surface embedded contaminants. For anything more, you’ll need to clay the car.

There is a reason why you decontaminate the paint EVERY TIME before polishing with a machine. The rotary forces of the machine can and will snag the contaminants embedded in the paint and “swirl” them around the paint everywhere you go. This is how textbook “swirl marks” are created. You need to remove these contaminants from the surface before you start.

What Happens When You Polish Outside in the Wind

When you’re polishing outside, however, even if you’ve completely decontaminated the paint before you begin, you’re working against mother nature. Wind and other environmental factors can kick things like dust up onto the paint while you’re polishing. These seemingly innocuous particles can severely diminish the quality of your efforts.

The Three Best Ways to Beat the Wind

1. Move into the garage and work. Wash the car outside and then bring the car inside to decontaminate.

2. Get a tent with side drapes to put around the vehicle in the driveway or outside. This will limit the amount of stray contaminants getting to the paint by blocking the wind.

3. Work in small areas. Instead of working on entire panels, maybe work on half or quarter panels at a time. Completely wipe the surface before you begin and then work quickly and for short periods. This will help you remove any contaminants as you go.

Other Factors with Polishing Outside

1. Sunlight and Heat: Can cause your polish to dry on the surface making it difficult to remove. It can also spread thinner as it may flash, risking dry buffing and damaging the paint.
2. Cold Temperatures: Cold temperatures can make polishing more difficult as the clear coat is less malleable and possibly harder to cut with colder temps.

Whether you’re a mobile guy, a detail shop with limited space, or an at home enthusiast, understanding the dangers of the job is key to getting better at your craft.