Best Way to Remove Swirl Marks

VetVetter · 11-07-2005, 04:59 PM

I am no detailer. My car looks good, but I have noticed some swirl marks. Before I wax or use that other stuff, I should probably get rid of the swirl marks!

What is the best way to do that? I have heard swirl mark remover, then clay bar. Then I have heard the other way around.

They are not deep btw.

Thanks mates!

6speedC6 · 11-07-2005, 05:04 PM

I found the 3m scratch and swirl remover works well but I just bought a scratch and swirl remover product from Zaino. I haven't used it yet but if it works like the rest of their product should get good results. I also from time to time use my porta cable dual action buffer and that really seem to do the trick without any damage

Guitarstar · 11-07-2005, 05:07 PM

Any one have experience with 3M Finesse it?

That is the final process on our Corvettes @ the BG factory.

markbrown · 11-07-2005, 07:58 PM

one word - meguires x scratch

ok maybe a couple of words.

Killrwheels@Autogeek · 11-07-2005, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetVetter

I am no detailer. My car looks good, but I have noticed some swirl marks. Before I wax or use that other stuff, I should probably get rid of the swirl marks!

What is the best way to do that? I have heard swirl mark remover, then clay bar. Then I have heard the other way around.

They are not deep btw.

Thanks mates!

First you need to understand the proper steps in the detailing process then the whys/hows of the steps youve discussed.

WASH ---- Clay ---- Rewash ---- Dry ---- Polish ---- Seal/Wax

Claying --- this step comes first, and it has no benefit in removing any type of swirls/marring/spiderwebbing. It is in fact a way to remove contaminents that are ground into the paint and cannot be removed by washing alone. A good test is to put a little saran wrap over your hand and follow the panel. If it grabs or studders, you should seriously consider claying. Its simple with lightly gliding the clay over a lubricated and wet surface. Where the clay studders, you work a couple of times (back and forth not circles) until it is smooth. Only needs to be done twice a year on average.

Polishing (commonly called swirl remover) -- this is where an abrasive polish or compound (compound is the MOST aggressive polish) are used to burnish and remove or lessen the marks you discuss. In most cases you start with the least abrasive polish and least abrasive pad and move to more aggressive only as necessary. Cutting pads (orange and yellow) are commonly used and a good random orbital is necessary. If the markings are deep you might need to move to wool pads and perhaps a rotary buffer. Some great polishes are Optimum, Menzerna, Poorboys, 3M, and even Megs DACP. All are user friendly and will provide nice results. You will want to "work" the polish until it dries and then remove with a microfiber towel.

http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polisher.html

Guitarstar · 11-07-2005, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markbrown.com

one word - meguires x scratch

ok maybe a couple of words.

Been using meguires scratch-X for 2 years, dont like it. does not work for me. all scrathes are still there. Im searching now for a 3M product that will get perfected results.

dashotgun · 11-07-2005, 10:30 PM

got to autopia.org a website dedicated to car guys and detailing listen to autogeek. for proper detailing you need a random orbital buffer

rclark · 11-07-2005, 10:59 PM

I say try Menzerna Final Polish II, a very fine polish. Final step at the Benz factory. I used it on my Porshe before the C6. Nice glass finish. If your swirls are deep you my need something a bit more aggressive/corse like Menzerna Intensive Polish. Good Luck!

pdqz06 · 11-07-2005, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarstar

Been using meguires scratch-X for 2 years, dont like it. does not work for me. all scrathes are still there. Im searching now for a 3M product that will get perfected results.

3M fill-n-glaze,,,,,,,find at any auto body supply shop

mnmvette · 11-07-2005, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarstar

Been using meguires scratch-X for 2 years, dont like it. does not work for me. all scrathes are still there. Im searching now for a 3M product that will get perfected results.

Just curious, but why did you use it for 2 years if you don't like it?

LarsAtTheBeach · 11-07-2005, 11:21 PM

Best way to remove swirl marks...

Get in the drivers seat, and drive. You would be suprised how quickly they go away.

sallen619 · 11-07-2005, 11:21 PM

Meguire's NXT wax.

54greg · 11-07-2005, 11:48 PM

3M all the way! I've use it on black, black and black. Always works

LS WON · 11-08-2005, 01:23 AM

It's easy to get also.

markbrown · 11-08-2005, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarstar

Been using meguires scratch-X for 2 years, dont like it. does not work for me. all scrathes are still there.

oh well - maybe i rub harder? anyway dupont makes a polishing compound in red and white. i know that will work for you.

like dupont number 7 or something like that.

huskeric · 11-09-2005, 12:30 PM

Stick with 3M products. Meguiar's is pretty decent, but my numerous efforts have continually shown 3M to be the best.

http://www.autogeek.net/3mperswirmar1.html

gkvetteuno · 11-09-2005, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sallen619

Meguire's NXT wax.

This is a good wax, but had no luck with it doing anything with swirls or minor scratches.

AK's Z · 11-09-2005, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarstar

Any one have experience with 3M Finesse it?

That is the final process on our Corvettes @ the BG factory.

3M Finesse IT III, followed by 3M swirl mark remover, both used with a 3" yellow foam pad attatched to a drill. Autogeek carries the kit.

need-for-speed · 11-09-2005, 02:50 PM

No offense, but don't use a drill. Use a random orbital such as a Porter Cable, available at Lowes (no need to mail order). Some expers also say novices should stick to the white polishing pads and avoid the more aggressive yellow and orange pads. I use Menzerna intense followed by the final polish. I practiced on an old truck first. Results were fabu.

JLinNY · 11-09-2005, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskeric

Stick with 3M products. Meguiar's is pretty decent, but my numerous efforts have continually shown 3M to be the best.

http://www.autogeek.net/3mperswirmar1.html

Excellent advice!! I have used a few different swirl removers, and nothing works on my Arctic White like 3M #39002 Perfect-It II fine cut rubbing compound.

This stuff combined with a yellow pad on a dual action polisher will take out anything that you can't feel with your fingernail. Top that off with a polish (I use Menzerna), and you are ready for wax.