SilverCRXSi

Hi,
I've noticed on many cars that have the original paint that they have swirlies on the paint.
I was wondering what causes the swirlies marks, so that I'll be able to avoid them.

Thanks!

gladiator

swirl marks can be anything like wax/polich residue. really deep swirl marks usually means they scratched the clearcoat by buffing too hard with dirty cloths or abrasive cloths. if you scratch the clearcoat too deep there not much you can do other than go to a body shop and see if they can buff out the scratches.

i find the best way to remove wax swirls is use mother's sealer/glaze. it does a better job than the 3rd step wax. but you still need to wax after step 2.

noAC

i have to agree with "gladiator" on the mothers step 2.
worked for me!

EK7_DriftMania

Yeah, swirl makes can appear very easily and is a bitch to get rid of. Swirls can appear even if you use a clean towel to wipe your car after a wash. Why? This only happens if you wipe in direct sunlight on hot afternoon. The sun's rays are extremely hot on your car, and it soften the wax. When you wipe, it will leave spider web makes. Notice how professional detailers always wash your car and does everything when your car is cooled and out of the sunlight. Even though it is easier to wash your car outside their shop, and it keeps their shop alot cleaner, they still wouldn't do it. Always, wash and detail when cool and out of sunlight. Not to mention sunlight will leave water spot on your car after a wash, thus, you have to wipe harder which is the worst idea ever, you can use a detail spray to remove the water spots, much safer. I only scartch the surface of this topic.

SilverCRXSi

Thanks!
I was my car once a week and wax it once a month.
So far I have no swirlies, but I'm looking into possibly getting better towels (non-abrassive ones) and possibly a better "scrubber" for the body.

guess its late night washes for me!

PULOVR

Dirt, plain and simple.

Even a washed car has some dirt left over on the paint. So when you wipe it down, you will scratch the surface.

Car washes are also a great place to get swirl marks. It doesn't matter if it's a "drive though" one, or a "park in the bay" one. ALL the brushes at ALL these types of washes have dirt in the bristles.

Only way to get rid of them (swirl marks caused by dirt) is a good hand wash with a mild detergent (to help remove all the dirt and old wax)....then dry it of with a clean lint free cloth....then protect it with a good carnuba wax. For deep swirl marks, a high speed polisher will get most of them out. You have to know what you are doing, or you'll "burn" the paint. If it's really bad.....water sand then buff.....and as a last resort, a new layer of clearcoat.

And yes, always wash and dry your car in the shade when possible.