Cut polishing removes a thin, top layer of clear coat allowing for the removal of sun fade, oxidation, surface imperfections, swirl marks, holograms (if any) and scratches. This is the foundation for a brilliant shine on any vehicle. No to be confused with the sealant and waxing stage, where you are adding a level of protection to the paint system. Polishing rids the car's surface of everything that takes a way from the vehicles natural beauty. An important term to remember when it comes to cut polishing is "Accuracy of Reflection." Dramatically improving this is how you bring your vehicles paint system back to life!
This classic Mercedez 190E pictured above had been left in the garage for quite some time and was the perfect candidate for a Podium Machine Cut Polish. Notice in the top-right picture the "cut line" down the middle of the trunk lid that divides non-polished vs. polished. There is a very distinct difference of colour and shine between both sides.
This is common for vehicles that have been on the road for a number of years and directly affects your visibility and night vision. Here are a few reasons why this happens.
Oxidation - Acrylic headlights oxidize when exposed to UV light. Headlight lenses come with a clear top coat to help prevent this, but eventually, the coating wears off, and sunlight turns the hard plastic yellow.
Flying debris - Your headlights take a beating from gravel, road salt, and other debris that gets kicked up as you cruise down the road. This wears down the top coat and creates pits and scratches on your headlights, adding to their cloudy appearance.
Dirt and chemicals - After several years on the road, a thin layer of dirt and chemicals form on the lenses. This opaque layer dims the beam coming from your headlights.
Water - Headlights are manufactured with a watertight seal, but wear and tear can cause this seal to break. Condensation then forms inside the lens where you can’t wipe it away. The water droplets scatter the beam of light, further impairing nighttime visibility.