New here! Help?

[Kyle R]

Hey, I have come here to try and find a solution to the swirl marks on my 350z. It is black and has minor/moderate swirl marks. It was taken through automatic car washes every month or two, and has NOT been waxed every six months. I'm going to wax it soon, and I need some help finding the right meguiars wax for the job. If anyone has any opinions on how to remove the swirl marks, that would be great. I don't have a buffer, and I don't want to have to take the car to a professional. Ill try t post up a picture of the marks on the car soon. Thanks in advance!

[Murr1525]

Re: New here! Help?

Pics will be best, try for some out in the sun showing the swirls.

In general, here is what you will be shopping for:

1. Wash - Gold Class soap, 2 buckets, quality towels, sponges
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit, maybe an extra Quick Detailer bottle.
3. Clean - SwirlX and Ultimate Compound
4. Polish - Optional - Deep Crystal Polish
5. Wax - Nxt 2.0
6. Wax - Nxt 2.0

7. Maintain - Ultimate Quick Wax is good for after future washes.

[nick98338]

Re: New here! Help?

I don't have any power tools for detailing, either. I do all cleaning, polishing, waxing by hand. So, I'm gonna recommend the Clear Coat Safe Polishing Compound to get those swirls out. Or, you might have a tool rental place nearby that will rent you a power tool for a day. In that case, I would recommend the Ultimate Compound. But, Murr1525 is right about the steps. Don't skip the claying step.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: New here! Help?

And I will add in addition to Murr.....NEVER take your car to an automatic car-wash if you want it to remain swirl-free.

[bmw235]

Re: New here! Help?

please sign me up for 7/10 meguiars bmw seminar. thanks

[akimel]

Re: New here! Help?

Kyle, I think frankness is in order. Swirls are scratches in the paint. Scratches can only be removed by abrasive polishing, i.e., by the leveling and smoothing of the paint surface: What it means to remove a scratch out of anything...

It is possible to remove swirls through hand polishing--as many members of MOL will testify--but it's also time-consuming and energy-consuming and everything-consuming. Removing a few scratches by hand is possible; removing swirls by hand from the entire car is ... impracticable. You can, of course, give it a go. All you need is a bottle of Ultimate Compound, a bottle of SwirlX, several foam applicators, and a bunch of high quality microfiber towels. Expect to spend several days polishing out your car. Expect your right arm (assuming you're right-handed) to fall off. And always remember to do a TEST SPOT first.

Assuming that you are not yet ready to invest in a dual action polisher and the entire polishing package, you might consider a less ambitious project: Live with the present swirls, try not to instill any new ones, and do the best you can to keep the vehicle looking good. Take a look at this article: Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen.





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[Kornercarver]

Re: New here! Help?

Kyle, you should really consider getting a D/A polisher and some pads. You will not regret the purchase. I broke down and bought one about 3 years ago and it is amazing what you can do with a buffer. Your black car will shine better than new when you buff it.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: New here! Help?

With a nice ride like the "Z". Definitely get a d/a. You will be amazed at the finish after using it. Definitely will take it up a couple of notches. Plus your arms will thank you. lol.