Paint Inspection Lights

An inspection light shows up the swirls, holograms and fine scratches that garage lighting and cloudy daylight hide, so you can see what needs correcting and whether the polishing has removed it.

How to use it

• Before you start: shine it on the paint and look at the reflection. Swirls show as a web of fine circles round the bright spot, holograms as hazy trails. What you see decides the compound and pad.
• Move the light and your head: a defect that is invisible from one angle is often obvious from another.
• After each section: wipe it with Panel Wipe & IPA before you judge it. Polishing oils fill fine swirls and hide them until they wear off, often after the first wash.

Good to know

Check the finished car under more than one light, including daylight: each shows defects a little differently.

Do I need a paint inspection light to polish a car?

It makes the job far easier. Garage lighting and cloudy daylight hide swirls and holograms, so without a focused light you cannot see what needs correcting or whether the polishing removed it. Wipe each section with panel wipe before you judge it, and check the finished car in daylight too. Our compound vs polish guide explains what removes what.

Related: Preparation & Accessories, Compounds & Polishes, Polishing Pads, Masking Tapes. Popular brands here: Maxshine.