Product Directional Application Methods

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A Guide to Product Directional Application -

Product Directional Application:

  • Polish- these products contain abrasives and should be applied in straight-line motions (Forget what Mr. Miyagi was teaching the Karate Kid) circular motions will cause circular directional marks (swirl marks) When an abrasive is applied by hand the pressure applied is uneven and the reflected light highlights the paint films surface peaks and valleys differently.


  • Sealant, Glaze or Wax- these products are all non-abrasive so direction of application won’t cause directional marks to the surface. If you find micro-marring on your paint surface the problem is more likley to be either insufficient surface preparation or dirt / grit debris on your applicator


  • Machine application-although a machine applies product in circular motions the pressure applied is very even (unlike a hand application) so the light is reflected evenly.


  • Optimising light refraction - apply product in ‘direction of airflow’, paint horizontal surfaces hood to trunk, vertical surfaces front to back. This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimising the surface light refraction as paint is applied in a side-to-side motion not circular, it also highlights the reflectivity of the bodylines and contours of the vehicle


Information resource -

  • "Automotive Detailing Inside & Out, A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist"– by Jon Miller
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