preventing swirls !!!

[Yousif.Amiri]

Hi guys i just bought black RAM laramie, but my biggest concern is that the swirls will become visible easily
due to the color, am just wondering if there a way to prevent swirls? Note that my detailing experience is Zero!!! And will
appreciate if any one recommend such a products.

Thanks

[dwg51357]

Re: preventing swirls !!!

Swirls are indeed an issue with black vehicles. The routine I've worked out with my jet-black Saab is: 1) Hand wash. 2) Clay bar (I only do this once a year). 3) Hit the bad areas with SwirlX. 4) Do the entire vehicle with Ultimate Polish. 5) Do the entire vehicle with Ultimate Paste Wax. I use Porter-Cable DA polish, which is key to getting out the swirls and giving an amazing finish.

One thing I've learned is that Ultimate Wax gives a bright, glossy finish, which is great in itself. However, if I let the wax "cure" for a day, then apply a coat of carnuba on top, I get a deep, rich, wet black.

[Ghawk]

Re: preventing swirls !!!

The best thing to prevent swirls is a good washing and drying technique. There are many good videos on this from Meguiar's and others like Ammo NYC and /Drive Clean on youtube.

A dark colored car takes a lot of care, but properly maintained, its a beautiful thing!

[Blueline]

Re: preventing swirls !!!

As the owner of two black vehicles, prevention of swirls is a major concern. If you have them now, follow dwg51357 advice above. To prevent them,
hose off the vehicle to remove loose dirt and use the two bucket method (do a search on this site for the method) to wash your Ram. Use a soft wash mitt..I use a lambs wool mitt. Wash gently, rinse often. With a well waxed vehicle, most of the water will sheet off if you take the hose nozzel off and let the water gently run from the top down. Pat dry with a good drying towel made for car drying...not an old bath towel. Some people use a leaf blower to dry their car. Check out the "How to" section videos.
I have a black 06 and there is nary a swirl upon her. I expect my new 13 to be the same years from now.

[LaFawnduh]

All good advice - another trick I use along with the blower is to spray some quik detailer or ultimate quik wax on as I dry remaining spots to create a smoother surface and barrier so the towels don't add small swirls during drying. Also makes the car really smooth and adds shine + protection.

[Eldorado2k]

3 easy tips.
1. Get yourself a proper wash mitt. [microfiber, chenelle, or lamb wool]
2. Rinse the grit off your mitt with a strong stream of water Frequently as you wash. [b4 going for fresh suds]
3. Get yourself a large waffle weave microfiber towel [or 2] for drying. Very little pressure is needed when drying with these towels, as just 1 soft pass can easily leave a whole side of your vehicle bone dry.

[Yousif.Amiri]

Re: preventing swirls !!!

dwg51357, eldorado2k, blueline, lafawndun thnnx
thnnx Lot guys for the advice

[C8N]

Re: preventing swirls !!!

I may have a few scratches.... but no swirls whatsoever on my black car and I follow 3 basic rules.

1. Be gentle
2. Inspect your wash media often
3. Work clean

[dwg51357]

Re: preventing swirls !!!

I'll second Blueline's tip on using a leaf blower. I have hard water, and was getting water spots, no matter how well I dried with MF towels - which really show on a black car. If the car is well waxed, a leaf blower will get the water right off and leave no spots.

[Top Gear]

Re: preventing swirls !!!

I agree with everyone. The tricks I've learned are to only wash when absolutely necessary, only DA wax during a full correction process, rinse alternatively and blow dry, use quik detailer and quik wax regularly.