A little tutorial on swirls

[OneQuickGT1]

I have noticed some people talking about swirls lately. As a result, I thought it might be nice to give a little advice on what can and can't be done, as well as how to prevent this nasty paint inperfection.

Swirls....These are the most common imperfections. It is usually caused by an automatic carwash, cheap towels, or not using enough soap when washing. There are several steps you can take to avoid getting swirls. The best thing you can do is buy 100% AMERICAN cotton towels. The best brands appear to be Fieldcrest/Cannon, but you can tell just by giving them a good rub on your skin. Microfiber towels work well also, but make sure they are high quality. Using plenty of soap and avoiding automatic carwashes will also help you avoid swirls.

Eliminating Swirls.... You have a few options here. If you have a random orbit or rotary buffer, I would suggest using 3M Swirl remover or Meguiars #9 2.0. for the majority of owners don't have a buffer, I would suggest using Meguiars Scratch-X, though 3M SMR and Meg's #9 can be used with good results by hand. Just be prepared to work a little bit...OK, a lot a bit. the results will be worth it. Another decent option would be something like 3M Imperial Hand Glaze, Megs #7, or Mothers Concealer. These products fill the swirls with oil instead of leveling them like the other products will do. Fillers work well, but they will evaporate over time, so be prepared to perform the work on a monthly basis. All of the methods I have mentioned will provide a lessening of the swirls, and it all depends on how much you want to work on the paint. DO NOT use rubbing compounds. They are much too harsh.

Another thing I will mention before I stop rambling is the false swirl mark. When a car is out in the sun, I do not care how great the finish is, it will appear to have tiny spiderwebs. These are NOT swirls, so don't freak out. It is just a natural property of the sun and automotive paint. My paint is in above average condition, and it exhibits these spiderwebs. It is normal, and swirl marks are much more evident and depper.

As always, feel free to call, PM, or e-mail me....I am always available!

Brett

[OneQuickGT1]

Well, you can follow these guidelines and still get imperfections, as it even happens to me from time to time. It is certainly not foolproof. Check towels for contamination would be my first though. Other than that, carefully go over your method of washing. Like I said, there are SO many variables that go into caring for a car!

Regards,
Brett