Before polishing, wash the vehicle thoroughly. Rinse away loose dust and grit, then use a clean wash mitt with automotive shampoo. Pressure is not a substitute for dwell time and suitable chemistry.

A careful hand wash reduces the risk of adding new marks, but no contact wash is automatically scratch-free. Clean tools, frequent rinsing and a clear top-to-bottom sequence matter.

After washing, remove bonded contamination where necessary and inspect the paint under direct light. Tape sensitive edges and trim before testing the least aggressive pad and polish combination in a small area.

A variable-speed dual-action machine is often more manageable for beginners than a rotary, but every machine can damage paint if held on an edge, used with a dirty pad or worked beyond the product's limits. Hand polishing is slower and generally suited to light refinement.

Prime the pad as the product manufacturer recommends and add only the working amount required. Section size depends on machine, pad, compound, temperature and panel shape rather than one universal 40-by-40-centimetre rule.

Keep the machine flat where possible, use controlled passes and inspect temperature and residue. Clean the pad regularly so removed paint and spent abrasive do not accumulate.

Remove residue with a clean, paint-safe microfibre towel and inspect under more than one light source. Do not machine-polish unpainted plastic, glass or delicate trim unless the tool and product are approved for that exact surface.

Protection can follow once the paint is clean and free from polishing oils. Choose wax, sealant or coating according to the finish, maintenance and realistic durability you need.

Stop if paint thickness is unknown around a repair, colour transfers unexpectedly, an edge becomes hot or the defect does not improve safely. AVP can assess deeper scratches and previous bodywork before more material is removed.