Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

[Jab1719]

So I learned my lesson about letting some one else work on my car. After having it "professionally" detailed my Audi came back with swirl marks. I do my best to keep my cars nice but this one is my daily driver. I am more than willing to spend the time fixing it but to be honest I don't really know where to begin. I have read a lot of posts and I am trying to firgure this all out. I would have to do it by hand since I have no experience with any type of power buffer. I am also willing to take it some where to get fixed if anyone has any suggestion for Pittsburgh,PA. Here are some pictures to give an idea of what I am dealing with. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The pictures seem small. I'll need to make them bigger.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

Yikes!!! That was the result of a "professional detail"??? That's just crazy!!!

At least you came to the right place to learn how to deal with those defects and make your car looking perfect again.

You need to read this article in order to get yourself acquainted with the proper detailing steps and techniques: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

For those types of swirls, I would highly suggest using Ultimate Compound as a starting point. Working by hand will give you great results but using a dual action polishing such as the G110v2 will yield better results! Not to mention how it'll save your back and muscles. You don't have to be afraid to use the dual action polisher. It's very safe to use. For more information on how to properly use it for defect removal, polishing and waxing, you can read this very informative article: D/A Buffing 101:An Introduction to the G110v2 (and similar)

Here's a picture that shows you how effective Ultimate Compound works when used with the G110v2 and a W8207 Polishing Pad on a black Audi.


Source: Pictures from July 23rd, 2011 Saturday Open Class.

[STRIFE]

Re: Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

I used to work by hand only...but after reading soo much about DAs here I decided to buy one.
A year ago, I had absolutely ZERO knowledge about DAs, I was concerned/scared of them....but after reading and watch vids here on MOL....i bought both the Griot's Garage 6 & Griot's Garage 3, a tonne of pads, backing plates...etc.
Not only did I save my muscles, but i cut my detail time almost in half!
Just watch the vids on MOL and read up on the links on Mr Marc's post add a lil common sense and buying a DA will be the smartest investment you ever made.

I have the shiney-est mini van on the block, my 7 yr old G35 looks newer than most new cars, my '11 Impreza shines soo bright I need sunglasses....

Both the Megs G110v2 or the GG6 are pretty inexpensive, just check out ADS or Autogeek........like i said, a DA is the best investment ever, goodluck

[Jab1719]

Thanks guys I think I'll give the DAs a shot

[1994Gen1L]

Re: Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

I used to work by hand only...but after reading soo much about DAs here I decided to buy one.
A year ago, I had absolutely ZERO knowledge about DAs, I was concerned/scared of them....but after reading and watch vids here on MOL.

Both the Megs G110v2 or the GG6 are pretty inexpensive, just check out ADS or Autogeek........like i said, a DA is the best investment ever, goodluck

Same here. I purchased a G110v2 shortly after they were released. I love the ease of use and the great results it deliver's. I use Meg's Polishing and Finishing pads on all my vehicles. My current favorite is Meg's Ultimate Polish, Meg's Ultimate Liquid Wax, Gold Class Carnauba + Quick Wax and Gold Class High Gloss Detailer. They all look great on Race Red, Oxford White and Bordeaux Red Metallic paint.

James

[Jab1719]

I have already order a DA and can't wait for it to come in. This forum has been so educational I am glad I found it. I am ready to step up my game. I am sure I'll have more questions when I get started but thanks for everything so far.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

Good decision to pick up a DA buffer - you'll wonder why you waited so long! Marc already posted this link, but get real familiar with it and you'll be off to a great start before you even switch the tool on for the first time..........D/A Buffing 101:An Introduction to the G110v2 (and similar)

[Jab1719]

So my Megs DA showed up yesterday and I plan on using it later this week but I am not sure the sun plans on cooperating with me. Does any one have suggestions on some time of work light I can buy to help me see the swirl marks on my car? Also I got the detailer to refund my money. He told me that glaze and wax are what caused the swirls and that should be all that needs done to remove them. He sounds a little clueless to me I can't believe I let him near my car.

[Mike Maxam]

Re: Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

I am sorry to hear about your horrible experience with a "professional detailer". I always am amazed at how many people in this would will call themselves a professional in the hopes to make money. Now I am not a professional, and nor will I ever claim to be but I believe your story is a perfect example of how a little knowledge in a subject can go a long way. Obviously a glaze and or wax would not have caused swirls, maybe some streaking, but no swirls. This is a classic example of a detailer who charges people really good money to do a full detail that they say takes 4 hours or so, and in reality spend maybe 2 hours with your vehicle. Working to fast is the number one cause of poor results, and that can be said for any activity. We all remeber the story about the tortoise and the hare.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

He told me that glaze and wax are what caused the swirls and that should be all that needs done to remove them. He sounds a little clueless to me I can't believe I let him near my car.

Well there's the problem right there - the guy who detailed your car has zero understanding of the process. Glaze and wax won't cause those swirls (in and of themselves it is physically impossible) nor can they fix those swirls. They can, however, hide the swirls, at least to some degree. This is an incredibly basic fundamental of detailing, and if someone doesn't understand something this basic they should not be charging people to work on their cars. In fact, they should not be working on cars at all.

Probably the most surprising thing of all, though, is that he actually gave you a refund. Lucky you!!

[Jab1719]

Re: Swirl Marks on my black 2010 Audi A4

I took me all day but I got all the swirl marks out of my car. I must have read every post on this site before I started and it paid off. Thanks for the help.

I think I followed all the steps correctly.

Wash - Gold Class
Clay
Ultimate Compound - Yellow pad
Ultimate Polish - Black Pad
Ultimate Liquid Wax
Gold Class Carnauba Plus