Holograms are the term car detailers use for a specific type of paint defect. These often look like strange shimmering patterns (hence holograms) on the surface of the paintwork. These holograms can either run in straight lines or in random patterns which is far worse.
What Causes Holograms in Car Paint?
Holograms are caused by inexperienced or rushed machine polishing. Sadly, these are most often caused by panel beaters, staff at the car washes or worst case the ‘detailer.’ The polishing machines and using the wrong combination of their equipment such as pads or products is a large factor in causing holograms.
The main causes include:
- Improper Machine Polishing – Using the wrong pads and products or machine speed. These can lead to uneven abrasion on the paint surface.
- Rotary Polisher Use – Most holograms come from a rotary-style polisher. This can be heavy and powerful. It is also difficult to control. So it leaves behind trails of fine scratches when used incorrectly. These catch light and create the hologram effect.
- Rushed Work – Rushing through a polishing job. Using excessive pressure. Not finishing with the right refinement steps. These can all cause polishing holograms. These are often issues you will get from inexperienced detailers.
Combine these together and what’s the result? An unbalanced work creating buffer trails as it moves across the paintwork
Why Do Holograms Look Worse in Sunlight?
Holograms may not always be noticeable under artificial lighting. But they become far more prominent under sunlight. The fine scratches left by incorrect polishing reflect light in different directions. Creating a wavy or distorted appearance. This effect worsens if the clear coat is damaged. Or if it’s unevenly polished.
Car owners often mistake holograms on car paint for dust or residue. Only to realise that wiping doesn’t remove them. This is because they are not surface-level marks. But actual imperfections embedded in the paint.
How to Remove Holograms from Car Paint
The good news is that incorrect polishing or lazy polishing causing the holograms can be fixed. While the holograms are relatively superficial, proper paint correction needs to be performed in order to permanently remove them.
The Paint Correction Process
The paint correction will level out the surface and polish away the holograms. However, please be careful to make sure the car detailer carries the work out properly, otherwise the holograms could get worse or maybe you will even get new holograms in the paintwork.
Using a proper dual-action machine will also assist in removing the swirls caused by a rotary-style polisher. These machines are more modern and with the newest innovation from companies like Rupes or Flex, removing the holograms and leaving a relatively swirl-free finish is achievable.
Alternative Methods for Hologram Removal
Paint correction not an option for you? There are temporary solutions that can help:
- Glazes and Fillers – These products can fill in the fine scratches left by holograms. Temporarily masking their appearance. But, regular washing can strip the glaze away. The same is true when using strong chemicals. This will reveal the holograms on your car paint once again.
- Hand Polishing with Finishing Compounds – Is yours a mild case? Then a fine finishing polish applied by hand can help reduce the severity of the holograms. But this will not fully correct them. So it’s best to visit a trusted car detailer when you can.
Preventing Holograms in Your Car’s Paint
The best way to deal with polishing holograms is to avoid getting them in the first palace. Here’s how:
- Choose the Right Detailer – Not all detailing services are the same. Some put more thought into what they do. Following the steps faithfully to achieve stellar results. Look for a professional car detailer who also specialises in paint correction.
- Avoid Cheap Car Washes – Many automated or hand car washes use low-quality polishers. They also use improper techniques sometimes due to lack of training. This increases the risk of holograms on car paint.
- Regularly Maintain Your Car’s Paint – A well-maintained clear coat is less prone to holograms. So keep your car waxed and sealed. You can also opt for ceramic coating or PPF. Most especially, choose a trusted studio for these services.
- Request Dual-Action Polishing – Does your car need machine polishing? Ask if the detailer uses a dual-action polisher. Opt for that instead of a rotary one.
Why Choose a Professional Car Detailer?
Holograms can be tricky to fix. What happens if they’re not handled properly? They can reappear or worsen. A skilled detailer ensures paint correction is done evenly and professionally. Using the right tools and techniques. Opting for professional help also helps you understand better what went wrong. Helping you avoid such issues from happening again in the future.
But remember, getting paint correction isn’t the end of it. Experts can also give your car the right type of paint protection. Keeping your car’s revived shine from getting damaged once more. Curious about what kind of paint protection to get? There are many kinds available on the market. But make sure you go for the modern ones. As they’re formulated to be stronger and more long-lasting. They also come with a bunch of perks. Ask your detailer which one to get so you get the best value for your money.
Would you like to learn more about PPF? What were the earliest versions? What kind do we have now? Read our blog on the evolution of paint protection films.
Final Thoughts
Holograms may look like harmless patterns at first. But they are actually fine scratches that do more harm than good to your car paint. Whatever the cause, they degrade your car’s appearance. Lowering your paint quality over time.
Do you notice holograms on your car paint? Don’t ignore them. The best solution is professional paint correction by a trusted car detailer. They understand how to do it the right way.
If you would like more information regarding holograms on your paintwork or to discuss how paint correction can improve your paintwork, contact us
We at Detail Artist are experts at paint correction and often encounter holograms in the paintwork of cars we work on.
