SwirlX Problems

[k3ith]

Guys, this SwirlX application is giving me fits. Last week I posted about product being thrown off the PC and received helpful feedback. I procured a heater and raised the temperature in my garage to over 55 f. There is still some throw off but I am not worried about it anymore.

The problem I am having now is that the SwirlX is difficult to remove. Granted it is white on white so I am missing some spots. However I am having to apply so much pressure on the MF during removal I am scared I am creating more micro-marring than existed before I started. Seriously, I think the hood may be worse off.

Here is my process:

1. Apply bead of SwirlX around the outside of the white Lake Country 5.5" pad and a drop in the middle.

2. With the PC DA off, spread the SwirlX around the roughly 16x16 area.

3. Turn the PC on speed 3 and work at a moderate pace over the area; a couple of times, side to side, with overlap.

4. Increase PC speed to 5 and work in very slowly applying pressure to the PC to the point where it almost stops circling but does not stop.

5. Wipe of SwirlX with MF minutes after using the PC.

I have also tried using more and less SwirlX on different sections. Do you think I am overworking the SwirlX? Could the SwirlX be "bad" now because it was stored in my garage where it got down to maybe 40 f? Does SwirlX just generally take some elbow grease to remove? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Keith

[k3ith]

Re: SwirlX Problems

5. Wipe of SwirlX with MF minutes after using the PC.

This is done by hand - thanks.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: SwirlX Problems

Hey Keith,

A couple things I want to point out, and get clarification from you on:
1.) I would suggest a single pass with speed 3, and then move to speed 5 since that is where the correction is going to be done. Spreading it out evenly first is fine, but there really isn't a point in spending several passes at speed 3.
2.) Try easing up just a pinch with the pressure on speed 5, you do want some movement...more than just barely avoiding stopping.
3.) You may want to make a final pass or two with reduced pressure and possibly reduced speed as well. Consider it a form of backing down the aggressiveness so it finishes out better. It's similar to switching to a less aggressive pad or polish - to an extent.
4.) You mentioned wiping the SwirlX "minutes after" using the PC. Are you allowing it to dry, at all?

SwirlX should be wiped away immediately after you finish polishing. This is not a product that should be left to dry at all - and I believe this is the biggest cause of your problems with removal.

You want the product to still have some wetness/lubricity to it when you remove it - if you wait until it dries it will be much more difficult to remove and there is no benefit from doing so.

Hope this helps.

Mark

[k3ith]

Re: SwirlX Problems

Thanks Mark. I am not intentionally letting it dry but I might could get to it quicker. It certainly does not seem wet when I am removing.

Would it hurt or diminish the result to lightly mist with QD before removal if needed?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: SwirlX Problems

Thanks Mark. I am not intentionally letting it dry but I might could get to it quicker. It certainly does not seem wet when I am removing.

Would it hurt or diminish the result to lightly mist with QD before removal if needed?

Using QD for removal is perfectly fine. In fact, I often use a 50/50 Last Touch and water spray bottle for compound and polish removal just to make life easier.

That said, you may also want to reduce the overall work time as well. If the product is dry by the time you attempt to remove it then you are likely working it too long.

Try reducing your process by a pass, as well as hustling a bit more to get it off of there and let us know how that works out.

Mark

[k3ith]

Re: SwirlX Problems

In fact, I often use a 50/50 Last Touch and water spray bottle for compound and polish removal just to make life easier.

Cool, I am actually waiting on some last touch and spray bottles to arrive from megs direct right now. I got it to replace QD and to use 50/50 for clay lube. This use gives me a bonus!

That said, you may also want to reduce the overall work time as well. If the product is dry by the time you attempt to remove it then you are likely working it too long.

I will reduce my speed 3 by a pass, increase pace just a bit on speed 5, and lighten pressure a bit on speed 5.

let us know how that works out.

It will be tomorrow afternoon before I am back on it. I'll post then and thanks again.

Keith

[k3ith]

Re: SwirlX Problems

Cool, I am actually waiting on some last touch and spray bottles to arrive from megs direct right now. I got it to replace QD and to use 50/50 for clay lube. This use gives me a bonus!

Ah Ha! Writing this post got me thinking it was about time...so I went and checked the front door and...

[Clutch34]

Re: SwirlX Problems

haha! AWESOME timing!!

[k3ith]

Re: SwirlX Problems

Alright,

Here is what I did...

1. Lightly misted the area of the car I was about to SwirlX with 50/50 LT and wiped it dry with a MF. This got my MF slightly damp.

2. Backed off to a single quick cycle for speed 3.

3. Eased up on the pressure just a tad on speed 5 and increased pace.

4. Went back to speed 3 for a final light cycle.

5. Immediately removed with the "barely damp" MF.

HUGE difference. Product was very easy to remove, results were better, and I am working faster. I have done two panels now and will continue this method.

Combine this with the method Stoops gave me to save time pad cleaning and I am rocking my hour or so each night.

Thanks again Kleis,

Keith

[Michael Stoops]

Re: SwirlX Problems

Good to see you're dialing in a workable system for your nightly routine, Keith!