Swirl prevention on a new black car

[CHROMEDCRUISER]

I've searched the forums a couple of times and have found plenty of information on how to remove swirls and imperfections on a black paint, but I am looking for a little more information on swirl prevention.

I recently purchased a 2010 Mustang GT in black, and after 2 washes am already noticing some slight swirl marks on the finish. I have been using nothing but meguiar's products (auto wash, gold class wax, quick detailer), used a new microfiber sponge for washing and a waffle-weave towel to dry. I'm not exactly sure where I'm going wrong but any help and input is much appreciated. Also curious as to what I should use to get rid of the slight swirling that's already occured, I don't need anything too intense, would the polish/paint cleaner system meguiar's has suffice?

[searle]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

1) it is possible the swirls were aready there ("dealer installer option"), but "hidden" with glaze/polish and then wax on top to seal it in.
2) most important is for you to describe your exact washing and drying process. For example: do you use 2 bucket method; do you use grit guard in buckets; do you wipe anything else on/off the paint; etc ...
3) SwirlX may well be sufficient to remove very light swirls. But, it also has polish so it can "hide" them and make you think you removed them and yet have them "come back" (really, just become visible again).

Owning a black car and wanting it to look perfect is going to be a "character building experience".

[tcope1]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

First, black paint means automatic swirls. IMHO, every color paint swirls the same, it's just that black is going to show everything. While it's possible, it's almost impossible not to have some degree of swirling and/or micromaring. Are you using the two bucket method (search youtube)? This can go a _long_ way in minimizing this problem. Are you using a grit guard? This can help. Lastly, you may want to try drying the car with an electric leaf blower. You then take the waffle weave and just blot the paint. It's actually easier in my mind.

Something like ColorX or a cleaner wax might get the swirls out. If that is not enough, you can try SwirlX. I'm betting one of these products will do just fine.

There are some good Sticky posts on how to wash and treat your paint in order to avoid this problem.

[tcope1]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

Searle and I were posting at the same time. It's funny how similar the posts are.

[searle]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

tcope1 had a wonderfully thorough and intelligent set of answers for you

[Jeff U]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

I do not think you can eliminate them completely no matter how careful you are. (unless you go the garage queen route)

I am convinced that driving the car will eventually cause at least some swirls. Just think about it. You are cruising down the road at 60 MPH while many small particles of dirt, sand, etc... are colliding with your paint at speed. Some from your own wheels and some from the car in front of you.

Over time they are enough to cause paint chips so would there not be sufficient force to cause tiny scratches?

Most colors you don't notice. Black just allows them to be seen.

Some guys get so worked up about it they swear off black forever or they never drive their cars and live to polish the garage queens.

I enjoy my black car (drive it every day), work to keep swirls to a minimum by above described washing techniques and periodically polish to remove them. It's the fun of owning a black car. When it's clean and polished, no other color comes close in style.


BTW - You will become the best polisher you know.

[Jeff U]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

... Lastly, you may want to try drying the car with an electric leaf blower. You then take the waffle weave and just blot the paint. It's actually easier in my mind...

agree...

[Jeff U]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

Also, GREAT looking car. Congrats!

[Mikejl]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

Great looking ride.

You are going to find out like I did, that black paint on a car is a part time job to keep swirl free.

Mike

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

Hey CHROMEDCRUISER

Check this out it will be very helful.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7598756069207401372&q=showcargarage&hl

Also do you have pc? If not I would highly recommend it!!!!

And if not go ahead and get the new g110v2

Also check out the list 'o links in the site navigation.

Hope that helps

[indigo s10]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

Black is the best looking clean, for 5 minutes. I've got a Black Z71, with 33 inch mud tires on it. I can't drive down the street without slinging stuff everywhere. I highly recommend a DA. It makes the car of black so much easier.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

Black is the best looking clean, for 5 minutes. I've got a Black Z71, with 33 inch mud tires on it. I can't drive down the street without slinging stuff everywhere. I highly recommend a DA. It makes the car of black so much easier.

I second the DA statement. This is 10 year old paint......My truck looks better than most new ones. Sure, it has some swirls/marring. But for a DD, they are a fact of life! It's keeping them to a minimum that is the key.

[flakybear]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

I have an understanding from Meguiars hotline that SwirlX does not contain anything that will hide the swirls. It does it's paint correction and that's it is what I'm told

[searle]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

flakybear:
I suspect you may have misunderstood (but since I did not hear the conversation I really dont know). SwirlX does contain some mild cleaner and that can remove some mild swirls - that is what "paint correction" means.

This is particularly true if applied by machine (DA, or rotary by professionals), but is even true (though harder) by hand. Hence there are threads in this forum specifically about removing swirls using SwirlX.

Also true is that more severe swirls that can require stepping up to a more aggressive product (like ScratchX-2.0 or even UC).

As well, SwirlX contains some polish oils that will help hide any remaining swirls. All in all, a pretty nice product.

[Jeff U]

Re: Swirl prevention on a new black car

I love black cars!

Just takes a little effort to keep it looking great and to keep other owners, especially those with a lesser color, envious.

24 yr old paint, black, daily driver, 146,000 miles:




A DA polisher is a wonderful tool that you will wonder how you ever lived without..