I've been fortunate enough to work on some interesting projects and "save" a lot of damaged paint. Here's an extreme example of what I can accomplish with my electric polisher, compounds, polishes, waxes, and sealants:

The oxidized paint on this trailer first had to be buffed away without removing the healthy paint. The fine scratching caused by compounding had to be removed with polishing. Swirls and other defects were then removed with further, fine polishing. And finally, the finish is sealed with a wax. The result: the trailer looks virtually new!

Here's a more common example of what you may see on your own vehicle:

The swirling and fine surface scratching of this black paint is usually caused by improper car washing: automated car washes, dirty wash clothes, and coarse drying cloths. Especially on dark cars, these defects cause the paint to have a "spider webbed" effect in bright light.

After polishing the damaged paint with the correct combination of polishing speed, duration, pad, and polishing liquids, the result is dramatic: the paint reflects light like a mirror.

You simply have to see professionally polished paint in person to believe it. Most of the time, I exceed the expectations of even my most demanding customers.

More photos of my work: