black car, ugly swirl marks

[Black E55]

I have a 2002 E55 and have had a problem getting swirl marks out of the hood on my car. Its black! I have tried everything and I am hoping someone may have a tip or trick to help me out. What's bugs me the most is the swirl marks disappear and after the 2nd or 3rd wash they come right back. I was told that I was using a glaze wax, just a filler and to use carnuba wax. Will the marks ever really go away?

any and all tips appreciated greatly!

[Murr1525]

I am willing to bet we can help.

Can you say a bit more about what products and methods you tried so far?

[stealth]

After washing, drying & hood is cool to the touch try Meguiars Scratch X. A few applications may be necessary. Clear coat prep & swirl reducer next, followed by deep crystal polish. Top it off w/NXT tech wax 2x's. All Meguiar items done by hand. Good Luck!

[Black E55]

Well it all started with a few chips on the hood. The hood was entirely repainted and looked awesome. The body shop said bring it back in 30 days so we can buff it out and smooth it out and really get the shine going. So I did. After that the car looked great. But after the first wash the marks will all there. So I brought it back and they said they would take care of it.

The marks are lighter now, but still there. The only methods I have used since I got the car back was a think liquid like was. Fill-n-Glaze type. right off the bat the marks go away. As soon as I wash it, they are back to the point you can see the swirl marks off the rotary buffer, the direction they went, and the length of the pass.

[Black E55]

I really appreciate the help. Do you think these marks will go away forever, or will they always be around. I know black is the toughest color and you see everything.

Thanks again!

[gregcavi]

sounds like buffer burns to me. I would not take it back to that shop anymore. I would, If I were you, find someone from here to help you out. I cant really reccomend you to take it to a deatiler becuase these days alot of detailers are hacks and dont do a proper job. If you do find a detailer look at his car or cars that he has done. Remember you get what you pay for so dont sacrafise a little saved money for a crappy job.

Greg

[Murr1525]

Well, unless of of the pros around here live near you, I assume you will be working by hand.

You may want to clay first, to make sure you have a clean surface to work on.

Then, the best product for use by hand to remove swirls is ScratchX. It will take a few applications, worked in quite agressively, but you can certainly try it, and it wont make it worse. Check for the How-to-Apply-ScratchX article in the how to forum.

You can polish and wax after that, but if you dont remove the swirls fist, the polish and wax wont matter.

[Black E55]

I have called a few places around here. SF bay area. They range in fee from $250.00 to $500.00 I figure I would rather use them as last minute. The money is not an issue, but more so putting the car under the knife (wheel) so to speak. If I could do it by hand, even it takes me 2 or 3 times of continuous clean and wax I am ready for it. I am hoping with a little more patience and TLC from me it will all clear up.

Thanks!

Vince

[Murr1525]

It sounds like theyhave just been using fillers to make it look good.. and then told you to just use some filler.

ScratchX will remove as many swirls as possible.. Obviously if they are too deep, it wont be able to. But a good portion of them should be able to be removed, and the others lessened.

[Murr1525]

Get some scratchX, and some cotten terry cloth towels, and work in the ScratchX over and over for a while....

[Black E55]

I am actually going tonight to get the Scratch X and some good terry clothes and application pad.

I will defintely keep you all posted on results.

Vince

[Murr1525]

Use the terry cloth to apply.. will make it more agressive.

[Black E55]

Cool will do. thanks!

[SpoiledMan]

Please do know and understand that you truly have your work cut out for you doing this by hand. At the very least you should purchase a PC/G100 to show respect to your arms.

[Black E55]

What I was thinking of doing is the hood by hand and taking my time and making sure I get it done right or at least get moving in the right direction. Then move forward.

thanks!

vince