Bob
05-10-2005, 06:11 AM
Getting rid of swirl marks.
The most asked question that we get is, “How can I get rid of all of the swirl marks in my paint?†In this article I will do my best to answer that question.
First of all make sure that you are doing everything possible to ensure a swirl free finish. Most swirl marks come from the owner not properly taking care of their vehicle’s paint. To learn how to take steps to ensure a swirl free car please read the article found here, http://www.danase.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=144
Now, for those of you that already have swirls and want them gone here are some tips and techniques to help you say goodbye to them.
I hear this phrase all of the time, “I waxed my car but the swirls are still there.â€. That is because wax will do nothing except add a layer of protection to your car. Wax is not made, unless it is a cleaner wax of some sort, to remove swirls. Carnauba will very slightly hide some very minor swirls but will not remove them. There are products out there that are made to hide the swirls marks but after a few washes they will come back. The best thing to do is remove them and take the steps to ensure they do not come back.
To get rid of swirls you are going to want to use a polish or swirl remover. They are basically the same product it just depends on what the manufacturer calls theirs. Polishes and swirl removers come in a variety of abrasives with different levels of aggressiveness. Start with the least abrasive first and if that does not remove the swirls go to the next. Never start with the most abrasive and work down. If you are doing this by hand be prepared for a workout. You want to work the polish into the paint until it almost invisible to see. Polish is not something you smear on the paint and let dry and then wipe off. Polish needs to be worked so that the abrasives can break down. If you have to end up using a fairly abrasive polish to take care of your swirls you will want to go over the areas you did using a lighter abrasive polish to get out any hazing that could have been left by the more abrasive polish. Apply a SMALL amount of polish to an applicator pad. Use a foam, terry, or microfiber applicator. Do a small area at a time being sure to work the polish until it is almost invisible to see. Then, using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe off any access and move on to the next section. Once your polish job is completely done be sure to get a coat of sealant, wax or both on the paint to protect the finish. Keep in mind that a wax can make your vehicle look shiny and nice but without a polish or swirl remover you will still have those swirls in the paint that could ruin the whole effect of your nice shiny paint. Just remember to really work the product in and use a small amount. Most people use WAY too much polish and it never breaks down all the way and will not work that great.
The most asked question that we get is, “How can I get rid of all of the swirl marks in my paint?†In this article I will do my best to answer that question.
First of all make sure that you are doing everything possible to ensure a swirl free finish. Most swirl marks come from the owner not properly taking care of their vehicle’s paint. To learn how to take steps to ensure a swirl free car please read the article found here, http://www.danase.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=144
Now, for those of you that already have swirls and want them gone here are some tips and techniques to help you say goodbye to them.
I hear this phrase all of the time, “I waxed my car but the swirls are still there.â€. That is because wax will do nothing except add a layer of protection to your car. Wax is not made, unless it is a cleaner wax of some sort, to remove swirls. Carnauba will very slightly hide some very minor swirls but will not remove them. There are products out there that are made to hide the swirls marks but after a few washes they will come back. The best thing to do is remove them and take the steps to ensure they do not come back.
To get rid of swirls you are going to want to use a polish or swirl remover. They are basically the same product it just depends on what the manufacturer calls theirs. Polishes and swirl removers come in a variety of abrasives with different levels of aggressiveness. Start with the least abrasive first and if that does not remove the swirls go to the next. Never start with the most abrasive and work down. If you are doing this by hand be prepared for a workout. You want to work the polish into the paint until it almost invisible to see. Polish is not something you smear on the paint and let dry and then wipe off. Polish needs to be worked so that the abrasives can break down. If you have to end up using a fairly abrasive polish to take care of your swirls you will want to go over the areas you did using a lighter abrasive polish to get out any hazing that could have been left by the more abrasive polish. Apply a SMALL amount of polish to an applicator pad. Use a foam, terry, or microfiber applicator. Do a small area at a time being sure to work the polish until it is almost invisible to see. Then, using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe off any access and move on to the next section. Once your polish job is completely done be sure to get a coat of sealant, wax or both on the paint to protect the finish. Keep in mind that a wax can make your vehicle look shiny and nice but without a polish or swirl remover you will still have those swirls in the paint that could ruin the whole effect of your nice shiny paint. Just remember to really work the product in and use a small amount. Most people use WAY too much polish and it never breaks down all the way and will not work that great.