Swirlx and UC hazing paint

[Shawn T.]

I have been trying relentessly to make Swirlx and/or UC to work on my 2008 Mini CooperS for some time now to no avail.

I have used terry cloth, microfiber and even foam applicators and they all ended with the same issue. As soon as I wipe off the residue with a Detalier's Choice Microfiber Towel, endless hairline scratches appear. Mind you, this happens with every kind of applicator that I have used. I have tried low pressure, some pressure, a lot of pressure and a mixture of them all with no gains in correction.

It may be possible that the bottles went bad over the winter while sitting in the garage but they have the same color, consistency and smell as if they were just brought. What is going on?

I am currently trying to learn how to upload pictures and when I figure it out I will upload them.

Thanks in advance.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

[Shawn T.]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

The first 4 pictures show the hazing I am talking about while the last one shows the kind of swirling each section began with. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again guys.

[Murr1525]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

Are you sure those last swirls are being completly removed?

They arent exactly in straight lines like wipe marks.

If you were to just wipe the applicator of the surface, do you get more swirls?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

It only happens when I work the product over the surface, whether I use light or firm pressure.

[imacarnut]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

It looks as though the defects haven't been completely removed. Take some painters tape and tape off a 1' foot X 1' foot section (on the hood) and use a foam applicator with swirlx and/or ultimate compound (use swirlx first as it's less aggressive and move up to UC if necessary). Apply about a quarter size amount to the foam applicator, and make sure to apply some elbow grease/pressure (you have to make the product go to work) and work the product until there is very little film left behind and wipe off, and inspect your results and go from there. You may have to do a few applications so don't give up easily.

P.S. You should invest in a DA like the G110V2 as it will make things alot easier for you and will yield overall better results. No detailer/enthusiasts should be without one in my opinion. You'll be glad you did and you will wonder why you didn't get one sooner.

[Murr1525]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

Yeah, I am just not sure the swirls are being removed?

[searle]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

Same as others, I wonder if the swirls are actually being removed. I know one "problem" with SwirlX is that in addition to its cleaners it has some polish/glaze oil and hence will somewhat hide any remaining swirls. I dont think UC has any (or as much) glaze but I am unsure (and the Meguiars product literature is extremely unclear about such specifics since actual contents are part of the product trade-secrets).

After you have done the SwirlX and/or UC, you might want to gently clean that area with diluted IPA to ensure any polish is removed, and then check in detail to see if in fact the swirls are truly gone (or were just hidden). That will help you understand what is actually happening.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

Can you describe in moderate detail...

How much product you are using at a time?

How long are you working it for?

What size area are you working on with each application?


Also, have you ever used any other products on this car to successfully remove swirls or defects? If so, what were they?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

I am using only a quarter size amount on a foam applicator pad to work a 1' X 1' area. I worked it for about 60-70s with each application.

[lexterminator]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

I was in the same boat as you on my black Raven CTS. The only thing that works for me is an ultra plush microfiber cloth. No foam pads, not a standard microfiber. Something that is thicker and smoother. 60-70 secs should be enough to leave you a nice surface. Buff the residue with a clean portion of the ultra plush towel. Good luck and hope it works out for you.

[mako20C]

Re: Swirlx and UC hazing paint

Since you are working by hand, just to be sure you are not just applying the product to the car like a wax, but are putting some passion behind the pad and working it on the paint. Not just simply wiping it one and wiping it off. You have to rub those abrasives against the paint and polish out those swirls,, like sanding a piece of wood till it is smooth. You wouldnt simply rub sandpaper on it, but you would put some elbow grease behind.

Good luck, be sure to tape of a 12x12 area and concentrate your efforts.