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Want to make your car shine again without spending a fortune? Discover how to do an efficient homemade polish for less than R$40. Understand the details now
Polishing your car at home doesn’t have to be expensive. For around R$50 per application, you can get excellent results, leaving your car with a professional shine.
To do this, invest around 200 reais in products, which yield approximately five polishes, resulting in an average cost of 40 reais per application.
This savings makes the process much more accessible for those who want to keep their vehicle looking good without spending a fortune.
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Keeping your car shining and looking impeccable doesn't have to be an expensive or complicated process.
With the right products and following a few simple steps, it is possible to perform an efficient homemade car polish, protecting the paintwork and leaving your vehicle with an incredible shine.
Necessary materials
Before you begin polishing, gather the following materials:
- Car shampoo with wax (2L) (R$ 35,00)
- Soft sponge to spread the shampoo (R$ 10,00)
- Microfiber drying cloth (R$ 15,00)
- Automotive decontaminant (decontamination clay) (R$ 40,00)
- Clay lubricant (can be a solution of water and car shampoo) (R$ 0,00 if homemade or R$ 25,00 ready-made)
- Automotive liquid wax (R$ 50,00)
- Foam or sponge applicator for wax (R$ 10,00)
- Extra microfiber cloths for finishing (R$ 15,00)
- Total: R$ 180,00 (or R$ 200,00 with ready-made lubricant)
Step by step guide to homemade polishing
Complete vehicle wash
The first step to effective polishing is a thorough car wash. Follow these steps:
- Park your car in a shaded area to prevent water and chemicals from drying out quickly.
- Dilute the car shampoo with wax according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Use the soft sponge to spread the shampoo around the car, starting from the top and working your way down to the bottom.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt and product residue.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to absorb excess water and prevent stains on the paint.
Paint decontamination
After washing, the paint may still be contaminated with dirt particles, soot and residue that cannot be removed by washing alone.
The use of automotive decontaminant (decontamination clay) is essential to prepare the surface before applying wax.
- Spray the lubricant on the area to be worked on.
- Rub the decontamination clay over the lubricated surface in straight strokes.
- Continue the process until the surface is smooth to the touch.
- Use a microfiber cloth to remove excess lubricant.
Application of liquid wax
Now that the surface is clean and decontaminated, it's time to apply liquid wax to protect the paint and intensify the shine.
- Shake the wax container well before use.
- Apply a small amount of wax to the foam or sponge applicator.
- Spread the wax across sections of the car, ensuring a thin, even layer.
- Wait for the drying time indicated by the manufacturer (generally until an opaque layer forms on the surface).
- Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove excess wax using circular motions to ensure an intense shine.
Additional tips for efficient polishing
- Wax selection: Depending on the color of your car, some waxes are more suitable. Waxes specifically for dark cars help to enhance shine, while waxes for light vehicles protect and provide a more reflective finish.
- Polishing frequency: To maintain shine and protection, the ideal is to repeat the process every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the car's exposure to sun, rain and dust.
- Using a microfiber cloth: Always use clean, dry microfiber cloths to avoid scratching the paint.
- Do not apply excess wax: Applying too much wax will not improve the result and can make it difficult to remove. A thin layer is enough to provide shine and protection.
Benefits of home polishing
Polishing your car at home not only reduces the cost of professional services, but also provides a series of advantages, such as:
- Protection of paint against UV rays and external agents.
- Easy to remove dirt during future washes.
- Intense shine and renewed appearance of the vehicle.
- Greater paint durability, preventing premature wear.
Polishing your car at home is a simple process that only requires patience and the right products to achieve a professional result. By following these steps, you will ensure that your car always remains shiny and protected from everyday wear and tear. Invest a little time in this practice and see the difference in the appearance of your vehicle!
