If you’re looking to give your car a fresh new look, then polishing is an essential step in the detailing process. But when it comes to polishing, you’ll hear terms like “1 step” and “2 step” thrown around. So, what do these terms mean, and which one is right for your car? Let’s take a closer look at the difference between 1 step and 2 step polishing.
1 Step Paint Correction
As the name suggests, 1 step paint correction involves a single step. It’s a process that involves using a polishing pad and a polishing compound to remove light scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections from the paint. The polishing compound contains abrasive particles that work to smooth out the paint’s surface, leaving behind a glossy finish.
1 step polishing is best for cars that don’t have severe paint defects. If your car has light swirl marks or minor scratches, then 1 step polishing is a good choice. It’s a faster and easier way to bring back your car’s shine and make it look like new again. Our goal when one step polish is shine vs correcting all the scratches and blemishes on your vehicles paint.
2 Step Paint Correction
2 step paint correction, on the other hand, involves two steps. The first step is similar to 1 step polishing, but a polishing pad that produces more of a cut is used and paired up with a compound are used to remove medium scratches and swirl marks. However, in the second step, a finer polishing pad and a polishing compound are used to remove any remaining defects and produce a higher level of gloss.
2 step correction is best for cars that have more severe paint defects. If your car has deep scratches or severe swirl marks, then 2 step polishing is the way to go. It’s a more time-consuming process, but it produces a higher level of gloss and leaves your car looking better than ever. We’re looking to make your car as perfect as we can, meaning all scratches that are in your vehicles clear coat.
Which one is right for your car?
Determining which polishing process is right for your car depends on the condition of your car’s paint. If your car has light swirl marks or minor scratches, then 1 step polishing is a good choice. However, if your car has deep scratches or severe swirl marks, then 2 step paint correction is the better option. Keep in mind that both vehicles featured look great, but the Tahoe was fairly new (~6 months) and the Nissan is several years old.
In conclusion, polishing is an essential step in the car detailing process, but choosing between 1 step and 2 step polishing depends on the condition of your car’s paint. If you’re not sure which one is right for your car, give us a call and we can help you determine the best course of action.