Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

[DNC]

Hello everyone,
I have a black 2006 Lexus LS430 that has terrible swirl marks and scratches all over the car. In the shop under fluorescent lights and in daylight the car's finish appears perfect; looks like glass. But in the evening when the sun is shinning at an angle the car begins to look bad. In headlights from another car or under incandescent lights the finish is terrible!
I spent most of last night going through past postings but due to the age of some postings I found I thought it might be wise to post this in a new thread. Not being an expert in paint correction in general, I am wondering what would be an appropriate approach for the paint on this particular car. Some suggestions as to a starting point would be greatly appreciated. I have both a dual action polisher and a rotary buffer for those of you who may suggest products and pads to be used with a buffer.
I thank you in advance for your efforts.

[Murr1525]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

What kind of products have you used so far?

Generally, SwirlX would be the starting point, with Ultimate Compound if you needed something stronger.

Though there would be nothing wrong with using the #80 in the threads you have been reading.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

Generally, SwirlX would be the starting point, with Ultimate Compound if you needed something stronger.

Though there would be nothing wrong with using the #80 in the threads you have been reading.

Matt's correct. Pick up a bottle of each and that way you can test SwirlX first and if it's not working fast enough or effective enough you can then try the Ultimate Compound.

Be sure to wash and dry your car's paint first, then inspect to see if it needs to be clayed.

After that do a test spot before trying to do the entire car and inspect you test spot in two kinds of light.


TEST SPOT

Doing A Test-Spot

Before going over the entire car, see if you can make just one small section look good, that is apply the product you're planning on using over the entire car to just one small section about a foot squared or so. Work it in and then wipe it off, then apply the polish, work it in but not as much as the compound because now you're not trying to remove paint, just spread the product out, then immediately wipe it off, then apply the wax and let it fully dry and then wipe it off.

Now inspect our results. Make sure you can make one small section look GREAT before going over then entire car. If you can't make one small section look GREAT you won't be able to make the entire car look GREAT.

Make sense?

It should look like this,




And if you're having any problems, the post back here after the test section and we'll help you tweak your technique to insure you get it right.

[xantonin]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

I've got a similar issue with my car, not to steal the thread or anything but how potent is M80?

I prefer sticking with the consumer line but I think SwirlX may be too aggressive, they're really minor scratches here and there.

[Megafast13]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

Excellent car by the way!

1. Wash: 2 Buckets, GC Wash, Grit Guards, Microfiber mitt

2. Clay: Smooth Surface Clay Kit

3. Ultimate Compound

4. SwirlX

5. NXT 2.0 Tech Wax

Start out with SwirlX and do a test spot. If it removes all of the swirls then stick with it. If not, move to Ultimate Compound.

[jeffct63]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

Matt that sound great I have a black Silverado same fisnish trouble,Im going to use a g110 how about speed and pad use to appliy and remove Thanks

[ghaines]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

I had a very similar issue with my 08 MDX. Looked great until the lights exposed it or you got really close to the finish. Take Mike's suggestion if you feel ANY surface roughness post wash/dry and clay your car. The end result of claying alone is amazing! #80 was not enough to remove my swirls (and it's only 5 months old). I tested both #83 and Swirlx on two sided-by-side sections. Both delivered similar results but SwirlX seemed to be easier to work with via my DA and during removal. I followed up the SwirlX with #205 and NXT (x2), but I'm not sure the #205 was necessary. Half day of work but the end result was worth it. I'd also highly suggest a two bucket wash system (gritgaurd.com). If you're like me you're thinking this is crazy in excess. Most if not all the swirl marks are coming from auto washing or normal one bucket washing. Also invest in a high quality lambs mitt. This system will keep your newly corrected car looking its best. Hope it helps...

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

how potent is M80?

Check out the picture in this thread,

Aggressiveness Order for New Consumer Products - This will surprise you!

[DNC]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

Thank you to everyone who responded to my post. Your responses have been both helpful and encouraging.
If I am understanding the advice given and the product information it seems I would do best starting with the Ultimate Compound, followed by the Swirl X, followed by Speed Glaze, then wax. Using the cutting pad (W7207) and polish pad (W8207)

[Murr1525]

Re: Black Lexus with scratches and swirl marks

You would want to start by trying SwirlX with a polishing pad on a test spot. See if it works. If so, great.

If not, then you try Ultimate Compound o na test spot with the polishing pad. See if it works. If not, come back here and ask some more ,show pics, etc.