Swirls in paint are nothing more than a wildly random scattering of very shallow scratches. They are not necessarily caused by applying anything in a circular manner, and they only appear to be circular in nature because they are most noticeable when viewed in direct, harsh light - like direct sunlight. Don't believe me? Try this: stand so that the sun is directed right into your eyes off the paint and you'll see a definite circular pattern to the swirls. Now move laterally so that the sun appears to move across the paint. The circular pattern magically moves with the sun. No matter where you stand, the circular pattern is always around the sharp light source. These scratches are random, straight or curved, long and short, and scattered throughout the paint.

They are primarily caused by use of less than clean or less than soft towels and applicators. Terry cloth can be aggressive enough to do this, as can a dirty wash mitt or applicator pad. Unskilled use of a rotary buffer can instill a unique type of swirl mark, also called holograms - they appear to literally float in the paint in a 3D effect. You can actually follow the path of the buffer when holograms are severe enough. I'm not real sure about Andrew's assertion that they are, or even can be, caused simply by exposure to UV radiation. They are a physical defect in the paint - polish them out and then park the car in direct sunlight and they won't just form on their own. Sure, wash a car in direct sun and have the soapy water start drying on it, then try to wipe that mess off an you're bound to inflict some sort of damage - but I don't really think the UV rays themselves are the direct cause. You have to physically touch the paint for swirls to occur.

Getting rid of them can be simple, or fairly difficult depending on their severity, the hardness of the paint, the tools you have available, and your skill level. But you aren't going to find much of anything to accomplish the task at JC Whitney. Get a good D/A polisher, the right pads and chemicals and you can safely and effectively remove them. Then lean how to properly wash and dry the car, and how to properly apply and remove wax, and you'll avoid putting fresh ones in the paint later on.

meguiarsonline.com (my day job), autogeek.net, truthindetailing.com are good sources of information. autopia.org is sort of a detailing insane asylum where egos run rampant and if you're new and ask a question that's already been asked, they'll chew you up and spit you out. If you're new to detailing, that place will just confuse you more.