After "how much does a wrap cost", the question we get most at D8 Wrap is how much it costs to polish a car. The honest answer: it depends on the state of the paint. This guide explains what pushes the price up or down, with real 2026 figures for Lisbon.
What drives the price of polishing
- Paint condition — light micro-scratches come out in one stage; oxidation and deeper marks need several.
- Number of stages — each stage is another full pass over the car with a different compound and pad.
- Car size — a city car takes fewer hours than an SUV.
- Colour — black and dark colours show everything and demand a stricter finish.
Reference prices (2026)
| Work | Price |
|---|---|
| Gloss polish (single stage) | from €150 |
| Multi-stage paint correction | up to €800 |
Every car is assessed before we start — we measure the clear coat and tell you the result we can actually guarantee. Ask for a free quote with photos.
Does polishing remove automatic car wash scratches?
Yes. The spider-webbing left by automatic washes is exactly what polishing fixes. Scratches you can feel with a fingernail go through the clear coat and may not come out entirely — in those cases we say so up front rather than promise the impossible.
What about the headlights?
In a full polish yellowed headlights are done along with the paint. It is not a separate service or an extra on the invoice.
Polish before ceramic or PPF
This is the part many people learn too late: a ceramic coating and PPF film lock in whatever state they find the paint in. Sealing over micro-scratches makes them permanent for years. That is why correction always comes first.
How often should you polish?
A full correction is a once or twice a year job at most. Clear coat is thin and every polish removes a minimal layer — over-polishing ruins the very thing you are trying to protect.
Want to know what polishing your car costs? See the polishing service and request your quote at D8 Wrap in Lisbon.