Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

[jbl_91762]

Jet Black OEM paint on the Bimmer. I use Meguiar's Clay bar, high speed polisher with a White Foam bonnet. Swirl X polish, Sealer Wax then Carnuba Wax. I can get 95% of the swirls out that are visible with both shop light and direct sun light. When Im done it looks awesome and stays that way for a week or two. But Im starting to see the swirls return and I havent even washed the car (garage kept) So what am I doing wrong?? Very Frustrating so please educate me!

[CAShine]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

Is it a daily driver?

[ghaines]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

You stated that since you detailed the Bimmer that you have not washed the car in two to three weeks... You must have dust all over your ride? Have you wiped it down at any time? I have two black vehicles. Even a light wipe-down with UQD and a good MF towel can introduce swirls.

[mani1]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

I have exactly the same problem. My car is a daily driven and is washed (without using Shampoo) daily. Where I live, you simply can not survive without washing the car daily and most of the times, black cars have to be washed twice each day to keep the car clean.

So does this means that washing a car simply with water alone each day would result in loss of wax?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

Are you sure you are removing the swirls to begin with? It sounds like the swirls aren't being totally removed and you are simply seeing it later.

[wifpd4]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

I have exactly the same problem. My car is a daily driven and is washed (without using Shampoo) daily. Where I live, you simply can not survive without washing the car daily and most of the times, black cars have to be washed twice each day to keep the car clean.

So does this means that washing a car simply with water alone each day would result in loss of wax?

When you wash (without using Shampoo), do you touch the car or just spray water on it? Touching the car without a soap may lead to swirls. One of the functions of soap is to act as a lubricant.

What are you using as a wax?

[Poki]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

And do you then DRY the car? Drying can and does add swirls no matter how careful we are.

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

Sounds like your using a glaze

[KNJ]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

I agree it sounds to me like the swirls have not been removed but filled by a glaze.

[RaskyR1]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

Jet Black OEM paint on the Bimmer. I use Meguiar's Clay bar, high speed polisher with a White Foam bonnet. Swirl X polish, Sealer Wax then Carnuba Wax. I can get 95% of the swirls out that are visible with both shop light and direct sun light. When Im done it looks awesome and stays that way for a week or two. But Im starting to see the swirls return and I havent even washed the car (garage kept) So what am I doing wrong?? Very Frustrating so please educate me!

What polisher do you have and what make of pads?

[tguil]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

Too many unknowns for a good answer. Take a look at this thread and just do what is suggested. http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ad.php?t=37320

Between 1977 and 2007 I had seven black vehicles. I "know" black. Please note that finally I am "into" white. Guess I'm a slow learner.

Tom

[akimel]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

My guess is that the swirls were not removed but were only hidden hidden by the polishing oils of the SwirlX. Next time you polish the car, do a test spot first. After you have done your normal amount of section passes, wipe off the SwirlX and then wipe off the area with a 50/50 IPA-water solution. This will remove the polishing oils. Now carefully inspect your test spot. Are the swirls still there? If they are, then it's likely they were never removed the first time you buffed out the car. You will then have to decide how to proceed. You might go over the test spot a second time and see if the swirls are removed by further polishing, or you might have to move to a more aggressive polish, like Ultimate Compound.

Also, what kind of buffer are you using and what kind of pads?

[mani1]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

When you wash (without using Shampoo), do you touch the car or just spray water on it? Touching the car without a soap may lead to swirls. One of the functions of soap is to act as a lubricant.

What are you using as a wax?

Alot of water is 'sprayed' or rather I should say 'dumped' on the car using garden watering hose. Here we dont use buckets but if I were to quantify, I would say that atleast 10 buckets of water are used on the car. It is then dried using a microfiber cloth.

I am not concerned about swirls because I know no matter what I do, they will always reappear within days. What I am concerned about is that the wax/detailing etc disappears within 3/4 days. After waxing the car looks good for 2-3 days but then the shine goes away and paint starts giving a dull look especially in sunlight. This is a 2010 black car we are talking about here!

Previously I used Mother Products but recently I bought Meguiars NXT 2.0 Tech Wax and Meguiars Gold Class Carnauba wax and still no luck. These products also 'disappear' after 3-4 days

[jbl_91762]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

Thanks guys, its a daily driver and garage kept. I have an older Mikita 2 speed high speed 1400 and 1600 rpms using a 10" SM Arnold Speedy Foam White (Mildest). I have hit spots 2x's if needed If I still see swirls. I failed to mention I used a Calif Dust Buster (which I will never use again). Im learning from your posts that no matter how careful washing/drying will introduce swirls on black cars. Im just puzzled cause I've had a 2008 Chrysler 300 Black Company Car and that thing hardly showed scratches and that thing went through any carwash. Probably the quality of clear they put on.

[prbrianpr]

Re: Why does my detail only last 2 weeks?

I think just do a prep work, wash, clay, polish, and then wax. I just do wash, clay, cleaning, glaze and wax and the shine last for a month or more but after a month I wax it again. Maybe you need a polish with m205 or something similar. If the swirls continues misteriously, maybe there are animals, cats, birds, etc.. that with their nails are causing swirls.