Originally Posted by MoeMistry

What do you think happens when there's paint oxidation? Why does polishing the paint, or compounding, to remove the "dead" paint reveal the healthy and glossy paint?

Alcohol quickly flashes and removes the oils from the polish or compound. I could be wrong, but it's not strong enough, or sticks around long enough, to penetrate the pores of the paint and dry out the paint.

I just never understood why you needed dish soap. By the time you've clayed the car and polished it, you will have removed most, if not all, the wax or sealant previously applied to the car's surface.

I do see your logic in that long-term use of soap is damaging and not the once or twice a year use. But it just goes back to the logic of why use dish soap in the first place.

Hope that makes sense.

Originally Posted by TOGWT

Paints require oils to feed / nourish them

This is based upon oil-based paint, nitrocellulose lacquer or enamel and older technology paints on classic vehicles that required oils to keep them from becoming too brittle and cracking, water-based high solid/low solvent and urethane paints only require protection
Covered leather upholstery requires regular conditioning

As the top surface has polyurethane finish over pigmented finished leather, creams, oils or conditioners should not be used. Reminder; you are dealing with the finished surface coating and not with the leather itself.