Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

[Alonso225]

I have a 2005 Renault Megane in orange pearlescent clearcoat. Paint condition: good but with slight swirlmarks

To ‘cure’ the above, Ive tried with several passes (12+ combined?) of Meguiars #80 and #83 with a PC (6" pad) and then P21S wax, but I havent been able to completely remove swirl marks... Ive tried moderate pressure, little pressure, fast passes, slow passes, very slow passes, overlapping vertical, horizontal, diagonal. My test-bed has been only the bonnet for now and even though Id say 80-90% of the swirl marks have gone, I wouldve thought that with the above "ingredients" the results wouldve been different... Ive got some pics but they dont show the problem too clearly.



Ive read most of the threads regarding using the PC and your guide about Meguiars polishes and their difference in use and application... but nothing that relates to my specific problem...

Is there a thread you know that discusses this? if not? what do you think I should try?

[SL1CK]

You havent tried ScratchX have you? Try Meguiars ScratchX with an applicator pad. Remember to work the product in! That should do the job. The swirls are not that bad tho, other products claim to remove minor swirls, such as DC1 and ColorX. There are some in the professional line as well.

[matt colvin]

Are you making sure that you keep your pads clean?

[96Lude]

I understand your frustration. I am in the same situation as you, trying to buff out some swirls marks from my dad's car and the #83 with the PC did almost nothing. They look identical to the ones on your car.

I am begining to think that to really remove scratches on a modern clear coat finish, you need really agressive compounds like #85 or #84 with at least a maroon cutting pad. I don't see how a product such as #83 that feels like a hand lotion between your fingers can possibly cut into the surface of a clear coat that is as hard as glass. Can using this product with a rotary make that much of a difference?

[Alonso225]

Originally posted by SL1CK
You havent tried ScratchX have you? Try Meguiars ScratchX with an applicator pad. Remember to work the product in! That should do the job. The swirls are not that bad tho, other products claim to remove minor swirls, such as DC1 and ColorX. There are some in the professional line as well.

No... No scratchX. I need to do the whole care... Yes, the swirls are not bad.... but they're all over the place... ScratchX comes only in tubes and its quite agressive...Isnt it? I would hate to destroy my clear coat....

[Alonso225]

Originally posted by 96Lude
I am begining to think that to really remove scratches on a modern clear coat finish, you need really agressive compounds like #85 or #84 with at least a maroon cutting pad. I don't see how a product such as #83 that feels like a hand lotion between your fingers can possibly cut into the surface of a clear coat that is as hard as glass. Can using this product with a rotary make that much of a difference?

I agree re. the modern clear coats....

They say that #83 really makes coats come to life with a rotary...but thats something im not willing to try... already got my PC and feel quite "safe" with it! I mean... the paint looks very good! 43 passes of #80 and #83 make a difference....its just that I am aiming at NO swirls... Melted plastic/wet look... And i cant seem to be able to achieve that...

There are still a couple of things I need to try: AutoGlym's Super Resin Polish (have some left) and a 4" pad... Ill post my results after that...

[Alonso225]

Originally posted by matt colvin
Are you making sure that you keep your pads clean?

I wash them by hand and running water after every use... No caking anyway......

[SL1CK]

Originally posted by Alonso225
No... No scratchX. I need to do the whole care... Yes, the swirls are not bad.... but they're all over the place... ScratchX comes only in tubes and its quite agressive...Isnt it? I would hate to destroy my clear coat....

ScratchX is only as aggressive as you make it. For example, you won't get as much worked into the clearcoat if you apply 5lbs of pressure than if you applied 15lbs of pressure, get what I'm saying?

[mavrick]

Re: Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

HI,I had the same thing,i used #9 swirl remover,worked great.95% of what you got was gone. i"ve got a 06 black focus.i ,oh i only have rotory also set at 1000-1500rpm i beleive #9 is less agressive than 80&83 good luck!

[Coupe]

Re: Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

I havent met a swirl mark that i couldnt get out with #83 and #80. I only use a PC. I do a big no no though, i use a cutting pad with #83 when i come accross swirls that arent coming out with a polishing pad and #83.

[SL1CK]

Re: Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

I do a big no no though, i use a cutting pad with #83 when i come accross swirls that arent coming out with a polishing pad and #83.

And how does it come out? Like, does it work good? Does it mess up the paint? etc...whats it like?

[Coupe]

Re: Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

Well the down side ive found of doing this is the cutting pad gets clogged up quick. I can get a door and a fender then i have to switch to a new cutting pad. While im using the new cutting pad my previous one is soaking in a bucket with dawn. Then when my pad gets clogged i clean out the previous one and spin it dry at 3 for a split second and get back to work.

Another down side is it hazes the paint pretty bad. No biggie i just follow up with #80 and a polishing pad.

I use sonus DAS pads BTW.

Here is a few pics with this combo:



before:

After:

[Prairie360]

Re: Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

Those swirl marks do not look bad at all. I wish my swirl marks were that bad from my dealer!

Good luck with the removal, as they look like it shouldn't be that hard to get them all out.

[noswirler]

Re: Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

" While im using the new cutting pad my previous one is soaking in a bucket with dawn. Then when my pad gets clogged i clean out the previous one and spin it dry at 3 for a split second and get back to work."

TRUST ME ON THIS ONE DONT WASH YOUR PADS BRUSH THEM WITH A STIFF BRUSH, AND RUB EM OUT WITH A CLEAN TOWEL. SOAKING THEM BREAKS THEM DOWN AND ALLOWS THE CRUD TO GO EVEN DEEPER INTO THE PADS. ITS A SPONGE IT ABSORBS.

[Darren F]

Re: Stubborn Swirl marks on new clear coat

why dont you try ColorX if you think ScratchX is too agressive?