Polishing Calculator

Calculate time, materials, and costs for professional paint polishing and correction projects

Step 1 of 425% Complete

Surface Type & Area

Total surface area to be polished

Paint Polishing Guide

Problem Background

Paint polishing is essential for removing defects, restoring gloss, and achieving professional-quality finishes. Different surface types and defect levels require specific polishing stages and techniques for optimal results.

Understanding surface hardness, defect severity, and polishing methods ensures efficient correction while minimizing the risk of damage or burn-through.

Calculation Principles

Our calculator uses industry-standard factors based on:

  • • Surface hardness multipliers (0.3x to 0.8x base time)
  • • Defect severity factors (1.0x to 2.0x)
  • • Polishing stage time adjustments
  • • Method efficiency multipliers
  • • Environmental condition factors

Operation Examples

Light Correction

50 sq ft automotive clearcoat with swirl marks using dual action polisher. Time: 2 hours, Cost: $280 including materials and labor.

Heavy Correction

100 sq ft single stage paint with deep scratches using rotary polisher. Time: 8 hours, Cost: $920 including wet sanding and compounds.

Show Finish

75 sq ft ceramic coating with jeweling finish using hand polishing. Time: 12 hours, Cost: $1,200 including premium compounds.

Supplementary Information

Polishing Safety Tips

  • • Always wear proper eye and respiratory protection
  • • Monitor surface temperature to prevent burn-through
  • • Use proper lighting for defect inspection
  • • Test technique on inconspicuous areas first
  • • Maintain consistent pressure and speed

Quality Tips

  • • Work in systematic 2x2 foot sections
  • • Use proper overlapping technique
  • • Clean pads frequently during use
  • • Remove all residue between stages
  • • Inspect progress under proper lighting
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