How long does machine polishing last?
Quick answer: It lasts until new defects return — mainly wash marks and oxidation. Longevity depends on how you wash and what protection you use (wax/sealant/ceramic). With careful washing and good protection, the finish can last many months or longer; a harsh forecourt wash can mar it in one go.
It will last until the paintwork gets scratched and oxidized. This will depend on how much punishment you put your car through and what level of protection you have on it.
A few years ago, we polished a car for a customer, who then, a few days later, took it to one of those hand car washes on a forecourt where you pay in cash. They washed it down with a dirty brush and put scratches all over every panel. Because the car had been particularly shiny, this damage stood out particularly badly, which brought him rushing back to us.
Luckily, old Jaguars have quite good paint, and we were able to rectify the damage, and Jim never went back to that hand car wash again. Instead, he takes his cars to the Meadows, where they do a great job. The moral of the story is to either clean your car yourself (having learned proper techniques such as the two-bucket method. Alternatively, take it to somebody you can trust. Modern car washes aren't too bad either. They are not as good as handwashing, but if you have good protection on your car then a soft-wash is okay and a touchless wash is even better.
All washing will introduce some level of wash marks, not matter how careful you are, so it's a trade-off. The more carefully your car is cleaned, the longer the shine will last.
Some people will do more millage than others and be out in all weathers, this will cause more wear on your paintwork and will mean more washing. Some cars, unfortunately, have softer lacquer than others and are more prone to scratches. In either case we recommend protecting your paintwork with a ceramic or graphene coating.
Can you keep polishing it every year? A better approach is to polish once, protect, then maintain. Clear-coat is finite; we’re careful, but repeated heavy corrections aren’t the plan. Light refining years over the years is fine; routine abuse and repeat heavy cuts aren’t good.
Bottom line: polishing resets the clock; protection and good habits keep it there. Do that, and your car will look “new again” for the long haul — and every time you walk up to it, you’ll feel right.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 22/09/2025 15:25