Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

[Jeopardy]

Hood, fenders, and bumper were done about 2 weeks ago. After washing the car and drying with a MF, there is a large amount of swirls on all 4 pieces.

PC w/orange 5.5 and M80 - removes 99% of the swirls after buffing with a MF bonnet on a slower speed.

PC w/grey 6.5 and M21 - haven't figured out a way to remove this without putting swirls back into the paint.

I know it's going to take awhile before the clear hardens, but I should still be able to get a swirl-free buff.

Any suggestions?

[MyFirstES300]

Re: Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

For starters, watch what you use to wash your car. Whether it be a sponge, mitt or other item, always make sure it is clean! Examine it frequently for evidence of debris that could cause swirls or scratches. Others will tell you to use grit guards and the two bucket method (1 with soap, the other for rinsing).

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

Sounds like you have very soft paint. Have you tried stowing the DA and applying the sealant by hand instead? Try it out on a test panel and see how it works for you.

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

You got to wait atleast 30 days! If not 90,

[Jeopardy]

Re: Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

You got to wait atleast 30 days! If not 90,

That's what I've been told, that it will take some time before the clear hardens completely, but looking at this detail,

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31959

I didn't think it would be impossible to not have swirls in new paint.

That's why I was trying to get some feedback on what the best way is going to be to keep swirls out of my paint when washing and atleast trying to put on some sealant.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

That's what I've been told, that it will take some time before the clear hardens completely, but looking at this detail,

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31959

I didn't think it would be impossible to not have swirls in new paint.

That's why I was trying to get some feedback on what the best way is going to be to keep swirls out of my paint when washing and at least trying to put on some sealant.

You can polish fresh paint, it's done everyday in body shops.

If the paint is scratching and swirling easily just by gently washing the paint then you want to hope as the paint dries and hardens that this problem gets better as this is paint related.

For now, maybe just polish with a light cleaner/polish and then for the final step hand-apply either M80, M81 or M09

All three of these products are safe for fresh paint and if gently applied and wiped-off the paint you should be able to create a beautiful, swirl-free finish.

[ColonelCash]

Re: Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

Best way to keep it swirl free is to avoid touching it!

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Best way to keep swirls out of new paint?

I wanted to add that you can polish as soon as it's dry
It's just better to wait 30 days to let it harden enough to work with
When I had my Benz done a few months ago I waited 90 just to be sure