Vehicle Polishing
Mitcham
Machine polish, swirl mark removal, and full paint correction by IQ Tyres. Every service begins with a decontamination wash and clay bar — because polishing over contamination creates more damage than it removes.
Why Machine Polishing Matters
Washing removes surface dirt. Polishing removes the damage caused by washing. Every car on the road accumulates swirl marks, water spots, and micro-scratches that dull the clear coat over time — machine polishing is the only way to remove them.
Swirl Mark Removal
Automatic car washes and poor washing technique leave fine circular scratches across the clear coat. Machine polishing removes them permanently rather than masking them.
Paint Protection
A polished surface with a quality sealant is far more resistant to UV fade, bird lime etching, and water spotting than bare or waxed paint alone.
Resale Value
Paintwork condition is the first thing a buyer notices. A professionally polished car commands a measurably higher trade-in and private sale price.
Gloss Depth
Machine polishing removes the micro-scratches that diffuse light and make paint look dull. The result is a deep, wet-look gloss that waxing alone cannot achieve.
Polish Packages & Pricing
We match the polish level to your paint condition. There is no point in paying for a full correction if a maintenance polish will achieve the result you want — we will advise honestly after assessing the paintwork.
Maintenance Polish
A light machine polish with an all-in-one product to remove light swirls and apply a protective layer. Ideal for well-maintained vehicles wanting a refreshed gloss.
- Decontamination wash
- Clay bar
- One-step machine polish
- Wax finish
Enhancement Polish
A two-stage machine polish using a cutting compound followed by a finishing polish. Removes moderate swirl marks, water spots, and light scratches for a significant gloss improvement.
- Full decontamination
- Clay bar
- Cutting stage
- Finishing stage
- Paint sealant
Full Paint Correction
Multi-stage correction targeting deep swirls, scratches, and oxidation. Each panel is measured with a paint depth gauge before and after. The closest result to a new-car finish without respraying.
- Full decontamination
- Clay bar
- Multi-stage correction
- Panel-by-panel inspection
- Premium sealant or ceramic coating
Prices are for standard-size cars. SUVs, vans, and larger vehicles are priced on assessment. All prices include decontamination wash and clay bar.
What's Included in Every Polish
Every vehicle polishing service at IQ Tyres starts with a proper decontamination stage. Polishing over bonded contamination — iron fallout, tar, rail dust — causes scratching. We remove it all before a pad touches the paint.
- Pre-wash and decontamination wash
- Iron fallout and tar remover treatment
- Full clay bar decontamination
- Machine polish (single or multi-stage)
- Swirl mark and light scratch removal
- Paint sealant or carnauba wax finish
- Panel wipe and final inspection
- Before & after comparison
Polish vs Wax: What's the Difference?
An abrasive process that removes a microscopic layer of clear coat to eliminate scratches, swirls, and oxidation. Corrects the paint surface. Results are permanent until new damage occurs.
A protective coating applied over polished paint. Adds gloss, repels water, and protects against UV and contaminants. Does not remove scratches — it temporarily fills and masks them.
You need to polish first, then protect. Waxing without polishing is like painting over rust.
Our 4-Step Polishing Process
Every step is non-negotiable. Skipping decontamination or clay bar to save time creates more swirl marks than it removes.
Decontamination Wash
A thorough two-bucket wash, iron fallout remover, and tar dissolvent strip the paintwork of all bonded contamination before any abrasive contact.
Clay Bar Treatment
A detailing clay bar glides across the surface to remove embedded rail dust, industrial fallout, and micro-particles the wash cannot dislodge — leaving glass-smooth paint.
Machine Polishing
A dual-action or rotary polisher with the correct pad and compound combination removes swirl marks, light scratches, water spots, and oxidation to restore gloss depth.
Paint Sealant or Wax
A professional-grade paint sealant or carnauba wax is applied to lock in the finish, protect against UV, and add a hydrophobic layer that repels water and dirt.
Why Choose IQ Tyres for Vehicle Polishing?
Paint Depth Gauge Used
We measure clear coat thickness before every correction to ensure we never remove too much material.
Dual-Action & Rotary Polishers
We use both machine types — DA for safe swirl removal, rotary for heavy correction where needed.
Professional Compounds Only
We use professional-grade compounds and pads, not consumer products that leave holograms or buffer trails.
All Makes & Colours
From black cars (which show every swirl) to pearl whites and metallic silvers — we have the right product for every finish.
Honest Assessment
We will tell you if a maintenance polish is all you need rather than upselling a full correction you do not require.
Combined Services Available
Book a polish alongside headlight restoration, paint protection, or a tyre check for a complete car care visit.
Related Bodywork Services
Looking for paint care advice? Read our Car Bodywork Care Guide for tips on maintaining your finish between professional polishes.
See the Difference for Yourself
Drag the slider to reveal the transformation. Every result below was achieved by our technicians at IQ Tyres, Mitcham.
Swirl Mark Removal — Navy Blue Bonnet
Oxidation Restoration — Red Door Panel
Full Paint Correction — Black BMW
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a vehicle polish take?
A maintenance polish typically takes 2–3 hours. An enhancement polish takes 4–6 hours. A full paint correction can take 8–12 hours depending on vehicle size and paint condition. We always give a time estimate before booking.
Will polishing remove all scratches?
Machine polishing removes scratches that are within the clear coat layer — typically anything you cannot feel with a fingernail. Deeper scratches that penetrate the base coat or primer require paint repair or touch-up before polishing.
How often should I have my car polished?
For most daily drivers, a maintenance polish once or twice a year is sufficient. If you use an automatic car wash regularly, an enhancement polish every 12–18 months will keep swirl marks under control.
What is the difference between polishing and waxing?
Polishing is an abrasive process that removes a microscopic layer of clear coat to eliminate scratches and swirls. Waxing is a protective coating applied over the polished surface. You must polish before waxing — not instead of it.
Can you polish a car that has been resprayed?
Yes, but we always measure paint depth with a gauge first. Fresh respray paint is softer and needs time to cure (typically 30–60 days) before polishing. We will advise you on timing during the assessment.
Do you offer ceramic coating after polishing?
Yes. We can apply a professional ceramic coating after a full paint correction for longer-lasting protection (2–5 years vs 12 months for a sealant). Ask about our combined polish and ceramic package when booking.
Vehicle polishing from our Mitcham garage, serving South London including: