What is Paint Enhancement - 1 Step Polish

Paint Enhancement, also known as 1 step polishing, is a cutting process on the clear coat layer to create a smooth surface, thus enhance the aesthetic look of an auto vehicle.

A modern vehicle exterior usually has about 5 key layers.

• The steel or aluminum hood panel: This is the foundation layer which take on the shape of the vehicle.

• Electrocoat Primer: Also known as the E-coat is the first layer of protection applied on top of the foundation layer, this keep the metal from getting rust as it is corrosion-resistant.

• Primer-Surface: Another primer would get apply on top of the e-primer to smooth out imperfections and provide additional corrosion protection. This also assist with the adhesion of the base coat.

• Base Coat: Also known as the car paint or the color coat. This coat is applied on top of the primer. This also gives the vehicle the aesthetic color look. This coat is visually pleasing but is very sensitive to UV damage and chemical damage.

• Clear Coat: The last key layer and also would considerably the most important as it provides the biggest protection against the outside environment. This coat is transparent and provides protection for the base coat from UV radiation, chemical, scratches and minor abrasion damages. It also gives the car the glossy finish look.

Why paint enhancement?

The general paint thickness of a modern OEM automotive paint systems typically around 95 to 125 microns (about 5 mils - roughly 0.005 inch) in total thickness. Approximate 20 microns is E-coat, 30 microns is Primer Surface, 15 microns for base/color coat, and lastly 40 to 50 microns for the clear coat. The goal of Paint enhancement / 1 step polishing is

• Not having to cut too much clear coat off.

• It is most suitable to use on cars that does not have too deep of a cut.

• Even with a heavier scratches and swirled car paint, paint enhancement would remove about 60-70% scratches.

• It is a perfect cost-effective method and very beginner friendly who does not want to spend too much in exchange for significant improvement.