Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

[Ryan Pringnitz]

I have purchased a vehicle with some isolated incidents of swirls / horizontal clear coat imperfections. Honda with Belize Blue Pearl paint job we're talking here.

I have used Meguiar's Swirl-X and Scratch-X applying roughly 5lbs of pressure on the spots. I have done an application of swirl-x and another spot with scratch-x, once after waxing my car, once just after a wash (but I obviously wash my car before I wax it).

The results are great with Swirl-X. I find Scratch-X a little more intimidating to work with as it is more abrasive.After one application of Swirl-X these once visible upon close inspection spots are hidden. I use the word hidden because these spots really don't appear to be going away.

I wash my car, and then these same imperfections that were once hidden are front and center again. As if I accomplished nothing.

I took my car to a body shop and their reply was "it looks like you should get it detailed by a professional, we don't actually have the right equipment to handle these imperfections, and to repaint it would just be a ridiculous waste of money, we think this guy here is just what you need, he works wonders".

I am thinking that another body shop would give it a go maybe, but I haven't tried another body shop yet to see if they would work on them. But anyways I stop at a detailer (not the one the body shop suggested, but a local detailer) and ask them what they think they could accomplish here. They replied well you could buff up on the spots and try to get some results, but he wasn't necessarily for that idea since he said he doesn't think he could get them out.

My finger nail does not catch any of these imperfections, and I wanted to start my own post here to see if anyone had any suggestions for me on how to put my mind at ease.

[Ryan Pringnitz]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

I have just used my hand to try rub these out also. I can't seem to edit my original post, is that not an option?

[Selectchoice]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

Hi Ryan,

What are you using to apply the product with? Terry cloth, foam pad, microfibre cloth?

Do you have any pics you can post?

[Ryan Pringnitz]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car


Pad ^

This is a scratch my phone picked up. I have to charge my digital camera for real photos.

[Ryan Pringnitz]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

[Selectchoice]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

The scratch in your first pic looks deep. Can you feel it with your fingernail? If you can, swirlx and scratchx will have a tough time getting it out. Also 5lb of pressure isn't a whole lot. Are you using a DA? Is that a microfibre bonnet in your first pic? I know you said you'd tried by hand, but was that after machine application?

[Ryan Pringnitz]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

These are the kinds of imperfections I am trying to eliminate.

[guy]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

This may help,

In our experience with this make/model the paint is incredibly soft and delicate. We don't like to make broad generalizations about paint hardness, but the newer Honda Fit and Civic models do seem to be routinely painted with very, very soft paint. We highly recommend staying away from terry cloth towels when working on this paint.

Working by hand with an aggressive product like Ultimate Compound can lead to some issues if you aren't extremely careful about application process. But then again, UC is probably just overly aggressive for this paint. Your orbital buffer may well be sufficient here, but we question the quality of pads available for it. Try using either a foam or microfiber pad with just a small amount of ColorX or SwirlX and test just a small area on the hood - no larger than maybe 2' x 2' - then pull the car out into direct sunlight and critically evaluate it. ColorX is an all in one cleaner wax that we've seen do great things on the Honda Fit while SwirlX is more of a dedicated cleaner only and a wax will be required after using it.

Just go easy on this paint. It should correct quite easily. Unless you attack it, in which case you'll be inflicting a whole new set of defects while taking out the originals.
__________________
Michael Stoops
Internet Technical Specialist
Meguiar's Inc.
(800) 854-8073 xt 175
mstoops@meguiars.com

[Ryan Pringnitz]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

This is an 08 Honda Accord Coupe

Working by hand I have had great results with SwirlX, until I wash the car. I haven't considered "Ultimate Compound", but from the sounds of it I will probably be avoiding it.

I would be interested in finding a way to make SwirlX last longer. My car is squeaky clean (all the time). What kind of results does ColorX obtain vs. SwirlX?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

Colorx is a cleaner wax and is not as powerful as Swirlx. I would stick with Swirlx.

If Swirlx is not removing the defects then you could go up one notch to Scratchx 2.0 and see if that works. From what you have experienced, it seems that Scratchx 2.0 will get the job done. If Scratchx 2.0 fails then you culd always kick it up to Ultimate Compound. It may haze the paint but it will also remove the defects. Folow up Ultimate Compound with an application of Swirlx to remove the hazing.

[akimel]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

Ryan, my hat's off to you. Polishing out a car by hand is hard, exhausting work.

Clearly SwirlX isn't getting the job done for you. I don't think you should be afraid to step up to Ultimate Compound. Just be prepared to re-polish the area with the milder SwirlX to further refine the paint. UC and SwirlX are designed to work in tandem.

However, I'd put away that microfiber pad--I've experienced marring on my Honda paint caused by microfiber pads--and order some foam applicators. Unfortunately, they are hard to find, though it's been said that foam applicators can sometimes be found at marine supply stores. If you can't find them locally, then order them from Auto Detailing Solutions.

Just remember: Do a TEST SPOT first. Figure out what works best in a small area before polishing out the car. You might also want to wipe down the test spot after polishing with some glass cleaning solution or a 50/50 IPA-water solution. This will remove any oils that may be hiding imperfections and will give you a clear picture of how effective the polishing has been. You can then determine whether you have hit upon the right combination of polish and technique. Once you figure out the right combination, then you can tackle the entire car.

Good luck!

[guy]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

It seems like you are hiding the defects and not removing them. After the Swirlx try a wipedown with IPA (isopropyl alcohol), this will clean any glaze or wax and show the true surface condition. If the defects are still present you will need to get more agressive to remove them. UC is a great product,try a small area first and check your results, if your paint is not soft there should be no marring and a bright, clear finish.
on harder paint it may require multiple apps. with passion to remove defects working by hand. Just a question, What do you wash your car with?

[Ryan Pringnitz]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

I am currently using Meguiars Deep Crystal car wash. I use a microfiber cloth to dry it.


I have done ScratchX which did cause marring using the applicator that I am using. Although as you have said, using ScratchX followed by SwirlX in tandem seems to work the paint back to a perfect gloss.

I have been searching for "Honda soft paint" and it appears as though most people seem to agree the paint is soft, and requires careful attention when working with it.

I have been generally very gentle, 5lbs of pressure or less. I have no problem working the car over by hand. Gives me time to appreciate my purchase

[CosmoTiki]

Re: Problem: Swirl-X looks great until I wash my car

I have no problem working the car over by hand. Gives me time to appreciate my purchase

Spoken like a true Car Guy!!!