Washing cleans paint. Polishing actually changes how it looks: machine polishing refines the clear coat, reduces light swirl marks and haze, and brings back deep gloss and sharp reflections. Mobile polishing starts at $280.
What polishing fixes
- Light swirl marks from automatic car washes and bad drying
- Dull, hazy or faded-looking paint
- Light surface marring and water-spot etching
- Weak gloss before a sale, event or photoshoot
What it can't fix
Scratches that go through the clear coat (you can catch them with a fingernail) can be made less visible, but not removed by polishing. We'll be straight with you about what's realistic before we start.
Polishing vs full paint correction
A one-step polish improves gloss and removes lighter defects — that's the $280 starting service. Heavier swirls or neglected paint may need multi-step correction, which takes much longer and is quoted after we see the car.
Polish first, then protect
Polishing leaves paint at its best — the ideal moment to lock it in with a ceramic coating. If you plan to coat, tell us and we'll quote the combination.
Where we work
Polishing needs a covered or shaded spot — a garage, carport or covered driveway works best, especially in summer sun or cold weather. We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.