Which buffing or polishing service do you need?
There are three main levels of buffing and polishing. The right choice depends on your car’s paint condition. Select the option that best matches what you want to fix.
Scratches & swirls? → Paint Correction
Removes scratches, swirl marks, and visible paint defects by correcting the clear coat and restoring a smooth, clean finish.
View Correction Page
Want more gloss & depth? → Paint Enhancement
Improves gloss and clarity by refining light swirls and haze. Results depend on paint hardness, with the focus on shine, depth, and reflection. Safe for thin paint, PPF, and ceramic coatings using dedicated products.
View Enhancement Page
Quick fix? → Glaze
Masks minor defects to improve shine without removing paint. Ideal for thin paint and quick visual improvement.
View Glaze PageExterior Detailing in Cape Town
ProTouch Car Care is a specialist detailer and paint repair shop based in Lansdowne, Cape Town. Since 2006, we’ve built a reputation for precision and meticulous attention to detail — backed by our Google and Facebook reviews.
Every car is different, and so is every owner’s goal. That’s why we offer a free pre-inspection to assess your paint and recommend the right service for your needs and budget.
Below you’ll find an overview of our exterior detailing services, recent work, and answers to common questions about buffing, polishing, and paint correction.
Frequently Asked Questions – Terminologies
What is Detailing?
Car detailing is the thorough cleaning, restoration, and protection of a vehicle inside and out. In terms of restoration; that may include buffing, polishing, sanding, up to paint repairs.
Unlike a normal car wash, detailing focuses on the finer details, takes more time, and uses higher quality products applied with greater technical expertise.
The goal of car detailing is to improve the appearance and condition of the paint, interior, wheels, and trim, helping the vehicle look better and last longer.
There are 5 major steps to a Car detail:
- Exterior washing, cleaning and related detailing
- Interior cleaning and detailing
- Paint Decontamination
- Paint Restoration
- Protection
What is Buffing and Polishing
Buffing is the first stage of Paint correction. Using a compound, also known as a rubbing compound or cutting cream, and cutting pad, it removes clear coat layer scratches and swirls as well as other defects.
Polishing is the second stage of Paint Correction. Using a mild to ultra fine polish and polishing pad, it can remove swirls, micro swirls, haze and in crease shine and gloss. Gloss is depth of colour and reflectivity.
What is Paint Correction
Paint Correction is Buffing AND Polishing
What’s the difference between One, Two or More Step Paint Correction?
A One Step Paint Correction is when Buffing and Polishing is done in one process, product in terms of polish and pad and pass over a vehicle.
A Two Step Paint Correction is when Buffing and Polishing is done in two separate processes, product and passes over a vehicle.
Three or more, also known as multi step correction is usually when there extra Buffing steps done. It could entail multiple Polishing steps to but not usually the case.
What is Paint Enhancement
Paint Enhancement is where only Polishing is done.
What is Glazing?
When we do a Glaze we use a polish that fills or masks imperfections rather than cut them out. This is beneficial for cars with thin paint or in scenarios you dont want to cut the paint or time is an issue.