Why Compounding Your Car is Essential and How to Do It Right
No matter how careful you are, paint damage to a car may eventually occur. The car's exterior is continuously exposed to elements that erode its protective layers, such as the sun's strong UV rays, acid rain, dirt, and road grime. Many opt to fast remedies, like waxing or using polishing chemicals, when little problems like scratches, swirl marks, or dull areas arise. These techniques can improve the appearance of your car temporarily, especially when used in conjunction with a buffing or polishing equipment, but the results are temporary.
Polishing and waxing simply address the paint's surface. When scratches are deep, they can temporarily conceal the damage but cannot address the underlying issue. Compounding your car comes into play here. Compounding is more than just superficial treatment. It levels the surface and gets rid of deeper blemishes and defects by removing a very thin layer of paint using an abrasive material. When carried out properly, this method restores the paint's gloss and smoothness and offers a far more durable solution than waxing or polishing. Compounding is a crucial step if you want to genuinely preserve and protect the paint of your car.
What is Car Compounding?
A specialized method called "car compounding" is used to repair a car's paint and remove scratches. By slicing through the paint's clear coat layer, a compounding ingredient is used to balance out uneven surfaces. Some people could mistake it with polishing, which is a broader word for sanding off flaws in the paint and covering it with sealants or wax. Compounding, on the other hand, requires more labor since it functions more like liquid sandpaper, removing clearer layer to smooth out defects.
Benefits of Compounding Your Car
- Removes Paint Defects Permanently
Waxing and polishing are surface treatments; compounding is deeper. Because it eliminates the damaged paint layer, blemishes and defects won't resurface after a few washings. Paint repair is permanent once compounding is completed.
- Removes All Pollutants
Compounding eliminates ingrained impurities like dirt, tree sap, bird droppings, and other things that might eventually harm the paint in addition to removing scratches. The surface of your car will be smooth and clear of dangerous particles thanks to this comprehensive cleaning.
- Brings Back a Shiny, Smooth Finish
Your car will gleam and be smooth again after compounding. The procedure takes away flaws and dullness from the paint, giving it a vibrant, new look as if it had just been taken off the showroom floor.
- Provides a protective Layer
It is imperative to apply a coat of wax, polish, or paint sealer after the compounding process. These extra precautions assist to keep the freshly created surface by offering additional protection from damaging elements including UV radiation, acid rain, and other environmental variables.
How to Properly Compound Your Car
It is recommended to do car compounding twice a year in order to promptly handle minor damage and stop scratches from getting worse. The procedures for a correct car compounding are listed below:
1. Cleaning and disinfecting the car
Make sure the car is completely clean before starting the compounding process. Wash it to get rid of dust, grime, and other impurities. Then, use tar remover or detailing clay to remove any imbedded materials that washing won't be able to remove. Dry the car fully after cleaning it to prevent water stains that might impede the compounding process.
2. Applying the Compound
Select a compounding agent according on the degree of paint damage on your vehicle. Super Micro Abrasive Technology (SMAT) and Diminishing Abrasive Technology (DAT) are the two primary categories of compounding agents. Choosing the appropriate one is essential to getting good results because they all have various methods for eliminating scratches. Use a machine polisher or an applicator to apply the compound by hand. Choose the appropriate pad while operating a machine to provide uniform pressure and regulated abrasion. Always use equal, steady strokes while applying the compound to prevent paint damage.
The applicators will gather detritus during the procedure, so make sure to rinse them frequently. When using a machine polisher, be careful not to overheat the paint by causing friction. This might lead to further damage.
3. Rinsing and Drying
Rinse the car's surface with clean water to get rid of any leftover compound after compounding the whole thing. Rinse the car thoroughly, and make sure it is completely dry to avoid water stains on the freshly cleaned surface.
4. Waxing and buffing
It's time to buff the surface of the car to bring out the shine after it has been cleaned and dried. Using a microfiber towel or foam pad, apply a coat of wax or a fine finishing polish. To maintain the smooth and protective finish of your car's paint, let the wax dry completely before using a microfiber cloth to remove any leftover residue.
5. Retouching the Paint
Touch-up paint may be necessary if compounding removes too much of the clear coat due to deeply etched scratches. If required, use touch-up paint to return the afflicted portions of the paint to their former appearance.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if your car needs compounding or just a basic polish. Dullness, scratches, or other damage might require a professional’s eye to fully assess. At Wink Car Detailing, our team of experts can evaluate condition of your car’s paint and recommend best course of action. Whether your car needs compounding or just a touch-up, we’ll help you restore its original gloss and shine. Call Wink Car Detailing today and let us bring your car’s paint back to life.
