What causes Swirl Marks?

**LETHALxLS1** · 01-23-2009, 10:35 PM

The main thing that causes swirls is grit/dirt that is dragged around during washing the car and the use of inferrior products/quality towels, improper washing technique.
-Use the two bucket system when washing a car and use a grit gaurd on the bottom of each bucket
-Use a quality car wash that has essential oils that lubricate the paint to remove dirt/grit
-Use a microfiber wash mitt or something of equal quality
-Use only quality microfiber clothes to dry the car-not water blades or absorbers that do not have pores that remove grit from the surface instead of dragging grit on the surface
-Using these things with help prevent swirls but polishing is still required occasionally then use a quality wax or sealant
-learn the difference between waxing and polishing

**SS02** · 01-23-2009, 10:41 PM

My buddy many yrs ago... said 100% USA Cotton!
I live by it. It really does work.... He paints cars!

**SS02** · 01-23-2009, 10:42 PM

He was and is a very smart man.

**SVG210** · 01-24-2009, 02:24 PM

I snagged a pack of cloth diapers from my sister and they do wonders for my car. not only are they supper soft (ideal for removing wax) but they absorb well too. just my .02

**DS-LS1** · 01-24-2009, 03:39 PM

Has any one ever use rubbing compound?
I have heard that a good rubbing compound will take out swirl marks, if done correctly..... If done incorrectly, it can cause more marks.

Ive never used it so I dont know.

**basballny2** · 01-24-2009, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by DS-LS1

Has any one ever use rubbing compound?
I have heard that a good rubbing compound will take out swirl marks, if done correctly..... If done incorrectly, it can cause more marks.

Ive never used it so I dont know.

rubbing compound is amazing stuff if used properly, i recomend 3M rubbing compound, amazing stuff

**LETHALxLS1** · 01-25-2009, 12:31 AM

I would use a polish for swirls rather than a compound because compound it reserved for major swirls,oxidation, and scratches. No need to remove more clear coat then necessary. Just my opinion.

**basballny2** · 01-25-2009, 12:40 AM

if ur compounding a car for the first time you should be alright, but yes, compound cuts a layer of the clear, swirl marks arent in the paint there in the clear, the deeper the swirl the more clear is needed to be removed but MOST swirls will be taken care of by removing "one layer" of clear

**iam_dale** · 01-25-2009, 05:54 AM

Originally Posted by LETHALxLS1

I would use a polish for swirls rather than a compound because compound it reserved for major swirls,oxidation, and scratches. No need to remove more clear coat then necessary. Just my opinion.

A very good point. I used to detail cars years ago, so I used alot of compound. It does work, but you have to know what you're doing, or you can fuck your paint up worse. I actually used it different than most. I DID NOT use a high speed buffer. I had a huge "industrial" sized orbital buffer. The damn thing weighed about 25 pounds. It takes longer to do it that way, and I had to use more pressure, but it removes the chances of turning an edge on the paint and leaving a burn mark.

dale

**DUBL0WS6** · 01-28-2009, 06:40 AM

Soft paint, abrasive dirt and any light source that reveals imperfections.

**LETHALxLS1** · 01-28-2009, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by basballny2

if ur compounding a car for the first time you should be alright, but yes, compound cuts a layer of the clear, swirl marks arent in the paint there in the clear, the deeper the swirl the more clear is needed to be removed but MOST swirls will be taken care of by removing "one layer" of clear

On most swirl marks you simply dull the sharp edges of the swirl therefore making it "invisible"- but they are still there.

**RyanJM** · 02-22-2009, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

speaking of hard water....has anyone had any luck with those filters that fit on the end of the garden hose? I have well water and although it's not bad well water it'll still leave spots if the sun hits it before I get it dried. I normally have to wash it in the drive and then pull it into the garage to dry it. Pain in the ass. I've just never heard anyone say good things about those filters.

I had one of these when I lived in FL. Pricey but worked great.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/p2p/sear...rrivals&page=1

**superman4evr** · 03-17-2009, 05:40 PM

I've commented on other forums about this. Since my car took the serious beatdown this winter(Not an LS1), I made it a priority to examine my options and this is what I did.
After washing the car with a 2 bucket system. I clay barred it.
After it was all dry,
1. I used 3M Rubbing Compound on the enitre car.
-After that I got every swirl and fine scratch out!
2. CarBrite Black Pearl #4 fine polish.
3. 2 coats of Meguiar's NXT 2.0 Tech liquid wax.
4. 1 coat of Collinite #845.
Of course you can sub out the Black Pearl for another polish. Rubbing
compound should be followed by that or a 3M machine polish or something
good.
I couldn't be happier with my results.

**LETHALxLS1** · 03-17-2009, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by superman4evr

I've commented on other forums about this. Since my car took the serious beatdown this winter(Not an LS1), I made it a priority to examine my options and this is what I did.
After washing the car with a 2 bucket system. I clay barred it.
After it was all dry,
1. I used 3M Rubbing Compound on the enitre car.
-After that I got every swirl and fine scratch out!
2. CarBrite Black Pearl #4 fine polish.
3. 2 coats of Meguiar's NXT 2.0 Tech liquid wax.
4. 1 coat of Collinite #845.
Of course you can sub out the Black Pearl for another polish. Rubbing
compound should be followed by that or a 3M machine polish or something
good.
I couldn't be happier with my results.

PICS!!!! Sounds like a job well done!

**4get gto** · 03-18-2009, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by LETHALxLS1

PICS!!!! Sounds like a job well done!

I don't think this is his first parade....He did it good.........

**4get gto** · 03-18-2009, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by 4get gto

I don't think this is his first parade....He did it good.........

superman4evr......
hope you know I mean this in a good way.....

**superman4evr** · 03-18-2009, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by 4get gto

superman4evr......
hope you know I mean this in a good way.....

Not at all. We are good!

**allbaugh_04** · 03-19-2009, 06:20 AM

what do most of you use for a wash mit? i was gonna get a sheep skin wool one at target

i'll probably use a good chamois for drying, what do most of you use to dry?

**superman4evr** · 03-19-2009, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

what do most of you use for a wash mit? i was gonna get a sheep skin wool one at target

i'll probably use a good chamois for drying, what do most of you use to dry?

A MF or sheepskin would be excellent. I would buy a grit guard for the bottom of your bucket. That will keep the dirt out of your reach. Otherwise
you can use a 2 bucket system. I use a California water blade to get all excess water off. I dry with a MF towel.