Could someone please explain to me the origin, or origins, of the faint "swirly scratches" that almost all cars seem to have? I know you know those pesky things I'm talking about!! I used to think they came from "brushed" commercial car washes, however, when I went to the DC auto show with some other forum members, I pointed out and they agreed that roughly 8 out of 10 of the showroom quality, A-game, brand spanking new, shiny as the sun cars on display had these faint swirly scratches. They're something I've never understood!! Why do even brand new cars have them? And is it possible to get rid of them and how?

 

They come from "POOR" detailing attempts when the cars arrive at the dealership or when they are preparing them for customer pickup. When I purchased my Roadster Limited I advised the salesman DO NOT DETAIL the car I will take care of it. Needless to say they did it anyway, swirl marks all over the car. There is one rule of thumb in the detailing business, "if you do not know how to use a buffer...then don't" When I was leaving the dealership I noticed that they were detailing a brand new 300C (dark blue in color) and the tech was using a buffer, he was holding the buffer in one area with one hand while talking to another employee. the conversation lasted at least 9 - 10 minutes, I sat that there and just watched.

 

There are a number of threads here on how to detail your car, and cover the different methods and products to use. Here's one of them, but just do a search on detailing and you will find a lot of good advice, especially from Andrew and Golfdude.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=14159

This one Golfdude wrote step-by-step instructions.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...889#post115889

 

Like most have said, the majority of swirls come from improper washing & drying technique. Although it is next to impossible to prevent all swirl marks, there are steps to take to prevent as much as you can. I know of many people that use a leaf blower to dry the car after washing, The they go over it with a good quality microfiber towel & quick detailer. One thing that I always keep in mind, the less you rub on the paint surface without some type of lubrication (ie, soap or quick detailer) the less chance you have of creating swirls.

 

I agree with snowtop57...the less you touch it, the less swirl marks you will have. Also, just hand washing the car with a quality mitt will still cause swirl marks. Because of the salt and grime that gets stuck in the mitt you should use two buckets...one for rinsing out the mitt after dragging it across the car, and then another to get some more suds on it. For drying like someone else said just use a clean microfiber towel. Finally, regular compounding, polishing, waxing will keep the swirls to a minimum or nonexistent.

 

Now that's a good idea.

 

Like most have said, the majority of swirls come from improper washing & drying technique.

Not quite - there are particles that sit on the paint surface that do not come off with normal washing. When a wax is applied either by hand or machine these particles get plucked off but remain on the pad and scratch the surface. A quality clay bar system will remove these particles and absorb them into the clay away from your paint surface without causing harm. Than a wax can be applied safely since your paint surface is now baby butt smooth.

I use the Griots garage system for flaw less results! Others work as well.

 

Do you clay your car every time you poilish/wax?

 

All excellent comments...

Can you get rid of the swirl marks? The answer is yes you can.

How do you get rid of the swirl marks? You can have it done professionally (someone good like golfdude and andrew) or do it yourself. Choice number 2 involves a lot of hard work, time, equipment and materials.

I experimented with a number of product for nearly a year. I did get an orbital buffer but it was a cheap unit from Pep Boys. Although I had all the right polishes and swirl removers, because it was a cheap buffer the best I could do was reduce the swirls appearance.

I was afraid to use a commercial buffer because of the horror stories about burning right through the paint. But there are a number of posts about the Porter Cable 7424 consumer orbital buffer that I thought I would try one.

By using the PC and proper cutting pad with the proper polish I can say that my swirl marks are nearly 100% gone (on black paint no less).

It took about 6 weeks and several applications per week to get to this stage for me.

As a first step I clayed the car.

I used Sonus Swirl buster polish (designed for black and dark blue paints) with the Sonus Swirl Buster pad for the porter cable.

I then applied Meguiar's NXT liquid wax with the PC and a soft wax pad. This wax claims to help fill swirl marks.

Then sealed it with Sonus Acrylic Glanz. (this is actually a Klasse product).

I am lucky to live in SoCal where rain is nearly non existent and of course no snow (or road salt) during the winter. As a result I NEVER wash my car. I always carry a California duster and quick detailer. Under the hatch I have the turtle wax ICE detail spray along with a supply of very soft micro fiber cloths. The ICE detailer can be used in direct sunlight on a hot car without streaking or other damage. If a bird or bug decides to decorate my car while I am out, I clean it as soon as possible and don't just wait til I get home (I did leave bird droppings on the hood once all day. by evening it had etched through the wax and into the paint).

Each evening after pulling into the garage I use the duster followed by detailer with a micro fiber cloth. It takes about 15 minutes and keeps the shine on and contaminants away. At least once a week I also use the Acrylic Glanz which applies a hard finish and adds to the gloss.

Now that I have a good heavy coat of wax that is sealed, I now apply wax only once every two months but still wipe it down each day and keep the car in the garage at night.

Here are close-up pics of the hood, top and rear fender.



I constantly have people ask how I keep the finish so shiny? I reply "...lots of hard work, good products, and tender care..."

 

Wow, SRT Six's finish is beautiful !!

 

Yes. Before polish or wax - clay.