Paint Swirl

[mbolender]

Just bought a one year old car and noticed some large (but very light) swirl marks on hood when sun hits it just right. Guessing someone used a large rotating applicator. Question is: What should I use before I put on my NXT wax, Mequiars Polish or Glaze #5 or #7? It has a red/burgandy finish. I will be doing everything by hand as I don't trust myself with machines. The paint is otherwise in excellent shape. It has a beautiful finish but I know it can be enhanced. Am I missing any steps?

[Marc08EX]

Re: Paint Swirl

to MOL!

It really depends on what your goals are. Are you looking to completely eliminate the swirl marks and produce a show car finish? Or do you just want to improve the finish and it's ok to have less swirls in the paint? Do you have any pictures of the swirls you're talking about?

A good set of products to use are Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish.

I would use the products in the following order:

1. Wash
2. Clay using Smooth Surface Clay Kit
3. Defect/Swirl Removal using Ultimate Compound
4. Polishing using Ultimate Polish
5. Wax - use your favorite wax

I would start reading this article to better get acquainted with the proper steps of detailing: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

Also, I wouldn't be afraid of polishers. If you're referring to rotary polishers then it's a good thing that you're afraid. However, Meguiar's came out with 2 great tools that make paint polishing and detailing both safe and fun for you while making it easier as well. Check out the G110v2 Dual Action Polisher and the DA Power System.

To learn how to properly use the G110v2 Dual Action polisher, this article is a great read: D/A Buffing 101: An Introduction to the G110v2 (and-similar)

I hope this helps.

[mbolender]

Re: Paint Swirl

to MOL!

It really depends on what your goals are. Are you looking to completely eliminate the swirl marks and produce a show car finish? Or do you just want to improve the finish and it's ok to have less swirls in the paint? Do you have any pictures of the swirls you're talking about?

A good set of products to use are Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish.

I would use the products in the following order:

1. Wash
2. Clay using Smooth Surface Clay Kit
3. Defect/Swirl Removal using Ultimate Compound
4. Polishing using Ultimate Polish
5. Wax - use your favorite wax

I would start reading this article to better get acquainted with the proper steps of detailing: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

Also, I wouldn't be afraid of polishers. If you're referring to rotary polishers then it's a good thing that you're afraid. However, Meguiar's came out with 2 great tools that make paint polishing and detailing both safe and fun for you while making it easier as well. Check out the G110v2 Dual Action Polisher and the DA Power System.

To learn how to properly use the G110v2 Dual Action polisher, this article is a great read: D/A Buffing 101: An Introduction to the G110v2 (and-similar)

I hope this helps.

Thanks! I took the plunge tonight and ordered G110V2 and all the other stuff needed. Got a bargain on the polisher off Amazon at $159. The finish feels mirror smooth so I am skipping the clay bar, but otherwise am taking the steps you prescribed. I will take a before and after pic of my car to show off the difference. Hope it is amazing as I love doing all the work and then having bonified results of the effort right in front of me. I appreciate you jumping in on this!

[Marc08EX]

Re: Paint Swirl

It is my pleasure!!

I'm happy to hear that you purchased the G110v2 dual action polisher. You will not regret this purchase and you'd wonder why you haven't done it sooner.

I would suggest getting the W8207 Softbuff 2.0 Polishing Pads and the W9207 Softbuff 2.0 Finishing Pads to go along with your DA, Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish.

I'm looking forward to seeing your results.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Paint Swirl

Don't skip claying. you have bonded contaminates on your paint.
Don't be afraid of the DAP. It's a fantastic mech that armatures can use with easy and very little worries about damaging paint. As a matter of fact I haven't heard of anyone using a DAP properly and damaging their paint.