Your car goes through harsh conditions and traffic every time you use it. Rain, snow and summer heat coupled with the occasional accidental bumps and scrapes can affect its appearance. It’s only a matter of time before your once vibrant car paint becomes dull and full of scratches. Fixing minor paint damage like scratches or paint dullness is done by applying rubbing compound and polishing. But for more serious damages like dents or scratches that cut deep into the paint layers, you need professional car care experts to assess and repair them.
What Is a Rubbing Compound?
A rubbing compound is a pasty substance that has an abrasive quality. It is used for correcting paint scratches during buffing or polishing. It acts like a liquid sandpaper that removes a very thin layer of the top coat. This remedies paint scratches and uneven surfaces, making the paint smooth and shiny.
Covering a painted surface with rubbing compound does not actually fix the paint job. This happens when the rubbing compound is wiped off either by wiping with a microfiber cloth or with a polisher. The rubbing compound softens the topmost paint surface, evens it, and removes contaminants during polishing.
Using Rubbing Compound in Auto Detailing
Auto detailing is the extensive cleaning and preservation of a vehicle. Detailers pay particular attention to small parts and hard-to-reach places. They clean air conditioning vents, consoles, pocket containers, and dashboard crevices. Carpets, mats, and covers are all removed and cleaned. Detailers also do minor repairs on gauges, lights, knobs, and vinyl or leather surfaces. Yellowish headlights are restored to a like-new state. They treat your car’s exterior with rubbing compound and do polishing and buffing. This removes paint blemishes and scratches to make your car paint trade-show worthy. After buffing, waxing and polishing, paint sealant will be reapplied to provide extra protection to the surface.
Using Rubbing Compound in Auto Reconditioning
Detailing cleans and preserves the car’s exterior and interior. But if it needs major repairs, auto reconditioning is the better option. Reconditioning is a service to restore your car to its pre-damaged condition. Auto reconditioning is only on an as-needed basis such as:
After Collision to Fix Damages
Collision can cause major dents and scratches. If the accident is severe, there may be damage to the engine, interiors, windshield, and windows. And the best way to resolve it is by performing auto reconditioning.
Before Selling a Car to Increase its Value and Price
Reconditioning a car before putting it up for sale will add to its resale value. Any scratch, dent, burn, and upholstery stain will drive your car’s value down.
To Fix Wear and Tear
The hot rays of the sun, snow, rain, and storm winds wears down your car’s paint and metal finish. Dents and scratches from rocks and other objects will also pile up. These dents and scratches will cause rust if left untreated. Auto reconditioning can fix all these damages.
If You Want to Restore a Vintage or Classic Car
To restore a vintage or classic car to either sell or keep it as part of a collection. If you are planning to sell the vintage car, reconditioning will add a hefty price on the resale value. If you are a collector, then reconditioning will make it a worthy addition to your collection.
For any of the above scenarios, you will need auto reconditioning professionals. They will remove dents, repair exterior and interior damages, and other detailing services.
After body repairs, washing, paint correction and restoration follows. The rubbing compound plays a vital role and you should generously apply it on all problem areas. The abrasive nature of the compound acts like very fine sandpaper and grinds uneven surfaces and scratches during buffing.
If your car’s paint has many scratches or seems dull when compared to other cars, it may be time to consult with a professional who can assess the paint condition. They can determine the severity of damage that most car owners fail to see. Call DetailXPerts now to have your car checked. Our team of detailing experts will discuss with you whether your car is in need of auto reconditioning or not and how your car can have a renewed gloss and shine.
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