Problem with SwirlX

[09WRX]

I am a noob to detailing. I have always cleaned my rides myself. This would be my first black car. I noticed swirls/micro scratches in my paint pretty much all over my car. So I swaped out my shamy for microfiber towels some pads, swirlx and went to work. The problem is the swirlx seemed to make even more swirls and now I can see the stroke patterns in my paint. Everytime I roll into the sunlight I cringe. How can this be fixed? Is the only option to go out and pay a pro with a buffer to fix this.

[ziggo99]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

Seeing this is your first post, welcome to the forums.
How much pressure are you applying and what motions are you using in applying the product?

[09WRX]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

Wasn't knuckle grinding but some decent pressure.

[rusty bumper]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

What kind of applicator pad did you use?

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

First of all, make sure the surface is absolutely clean (no dust or dirt), and use a clean, soft foam applicator pad.

Next try working with less pressure- some soft paints will gouge if you push with force and you need to be more gentle to back that damage out.

Also make sure you are working a small area, like 1 square foot, and don't over work the product until it totally dries up.

[09WRX]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

I was using a cotton could be part of the problem. I am going to hunt down a foam app. Should I upgrade to UC to get the holograms and swirls out now or stick with swirlx or get scratchx?


I will try to get some pics

[rusty bumper]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

I was using a cotton could be part of the problem. I am going to hunt down a foam app. Should I upgrade to UC to get the holograms and swirls out now or stick with swirlx or get scratchx?

I would stick with SwirlX for the moment. It's possible that the cotton applicator was introducing swirls. Try one made from microfiber, or one of Meguiar's foam Hi-Tech pads.

[09WRX]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

I took my car over to someone that details and we buffed out the holograms but I still have some deep scratches in the clear coat. He said it will just take some time to get those out and advised that I don't use compound on such a new paint job. I will enjoy overcast skies until then

[rusty bumper]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

I took my car over to someone that details and we buffed out the holograms but I still have some deep scratches in the clear coat. He said it will just take some time to get those out and advised that I don't use compound on such a new paint job. I will enjoy overcast skies until then

Compound?

[09WRX]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

Uc

[limmartin]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

I took my car over to someone that details and we buffed out the holograms but I still have some deep scratches in the clear coat. He said it will just take some time to get those out and advised that I don't use compound on such a new paint job. I will enjoy overcast skies until then

Hi, Not sure about the extent of your marring..just to share. had an issue (bad marring from God knows what) on one of my client's car. Used Meg DA and M205 (speed 4-5), took 4-5 passes and hey presto!

UC is very aggressive (one step below M105). And Hi tech MF pad would be better choice (my personal preference).

Informative chart here... http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...highlight=m205

[PuDeN]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

I had that problem before with Swirl X. And what I found I did wrong was.

1. I didn't really clean up the surface that i applied the Swirl X.
2. I didn't really clean the applicator.
3. I put too much pressure while applying.

Then afterward I cleaned up everything and applied back. the marring mark was gone. there were some awful ones. because its just a spot so I did it with Scratch X. And Presto. the marks was completely gone.

Just something I learned from the past. If it helps I am glad. but if it doesn't maybe you have to upgrade to UC for hand application or DA application. If you have a rotary 205 is good enough with few passes.

Good Luck! All the best!

[ianrayburn]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

Interesting info re. using cloths & SwirlX etc. Opinion seems to lean towards using foam applicators. Just picked up a pack & a question comes to mind. Can these foam applicators be washed after use or are they a throwaway item?

"self love is not so vile a sin as self neglect"

[akimel]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

Interesting info re. using cloths & SwirlX etc. Opinion seems to lean towards using foam applicators. Just picked up a pack & a question comes to mind. Can these foam applicators be washed after use or are they a throwaway item?

I soak my foam applicators overnight in Dawn and re-use them.

[rusty bumper]

Re: Problem with SwirlX

Can these foam applicators be washed after use or are they a throwaway item?

I wash mine in the washing machine after spraying them with Shout stain remover.

Sometimes, I hand wash them, but I usually have to use strong detergent to get them clean. APC+ is good for this, as well as Shout too.

Use a little white vinegar in the rinse water to remove all traces of detergents.