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Let's see if we can't unscrew all this.
Swirls are micro-scratches in the clearcoat. They need to be removed (not covered up) then the paint needs to be sealed or protected so it doesn't get swirled again. It'll take some work but its not impossible. Here are some ideas:
(1) The easiest thing to do is take it to a pro detailer and pay him to do the work. Make sure he actually removes the swirls instead of covering them up with a glaze. This will probably cost $100-150 depending on where you live and who does the work.
(2) You can do it yourself at home by hand or machine. Using a polisher/buffer will make the work go so much easier but you have an investment to make in the proper tools. The $50 buffers at auto parts stores are OK but not nearly powerful enough to do a perfect job. Most serious detailers and car nuts (like me) use the Porter Cable 7424 orbital polisher. You can buy a complete kit from http://www.coastaltool.com for $120. This is a fantastic machine, almost foolproof in operation, and much much much safer than those high speed rotary polishers the pros use. With the right polishes you can take out 95% of the swirls.
(3) Do this by hand and you can get nice results but it will be extremely time consuming. Whether by polisher or by hand you will need an inventory of polishes to do this job. 3M and Meguiar's make excellent products just for this task. Look for Meguiar's #9 swirl mark remover or 3M's swirl mark remover for dark colors. If you're gonna do this by hand you'll need something with a little more bite to compensate for lack or speed and torque. Get a bottle of Meguiar's #2 Fine Cut Cleaner or 3M Finesse-It II machine polish. Use that as Step #1, followed by the swirl mark remover as Step #2, the finish with your fave wax or sealant.
(4) Zaino is nice stuff but Z5 WILL NOT remove swirls. I have 6 coats of Z5 on my truck as an experiment and its a lousy swirl remover/filler. I think the Zaino people cheat their customers by telling them Z5 will fill swirls. Use a dedicated swirl mark remover, then use Z5 as an enhancer followed by Z2. That's if you want to go the Zaino route which is only one choice. There are lots of terrific waxes and sealants out there that will do a fantastic job. Look for Pinnacle, Blackfire, Platinum, Klasse, P21S, and One Grand in addition to Meguiar's and 3M. All are excellent brands and will make your car look awesome.
So, the steps are:
(a) Wash
(b) Clay to remove surface contaminents
(c) Polish paint with mild cleaner if working by hand
(d) Remove swirl marks (skip step C if working by machine)
(e) Wax or seal paint.
From this point maintaining the paint is Priority #1. Wash with a mild car shampoo made just for the job. Use a 100% cotton chenille mitt or a brand new super soft lambswool mitt. Dry with the softest, fluffiest towels money can buy or better yet, buy several large microfiber towels for drying. Microfiber is lots softer than cotton terry and will greatly reduce swirls and spider webbing. Washing and drying is where the vast majority of swirls are created so its smart to use products and techniques to minimize them.
This is now your mantra. Print out this post and tack it to the ceiling above your bed. Read every night and first thing in the morning. The more dedicated you are to the task the more successful you will be. Good luck.
posted by 24.98.69...
, Thu, 25 Jul 2002 07:49:10
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