Got swirls, take a look
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 45
Got swirls, take a look
Swirls, a closer look
Considering how many people ask me about swirls, I thought it important enough to take some times talking out it. To understand how to remove them, you must first look at how they got their in the first place. They can happen as a result of not following proper car washing procedures, a simple thing like using the wrong wash mitt or drying towel can lead to swirls. Even if you wash properly but you never clayed your car, that in itself can lead to swirls. Reason is because many surface contaminants don’t come off during the wash cycle, so when you dry, it acts like sandpaper. Another possibility for swirls is if someone uses a high speed buffer on your car. Your clear coat is extremely sensitive, and is about 4 mils thick (same as a piece of paper) Clear coat is unpigmented paint, without the color. It gives owners a false sense of security. No amount of wax or paint sealant will prevent swirls if the owner is careless.
Removing swirls:
Swirls occur when some foreign object comes in contact with the clear coat, and scratches the paint in such a way that in certain light, it appears uneven, or wavy, also referred to as holograms. Removing swirls by hand is difficult, often times impossible. The DA Buffer is probably the best way to remove them safely, and you don’t need to be a pro to use one. One thing you do have to understand is what types of products to use.
The first thing you must do is to hand wash and clay, nothing is more important than these first two steps. I have a post somewhere on how to use a DA buffer so I won’t repeat that. Swirl removal requires a more aggressive type of product than you are used to. My cleaner /polish has worked many times for me with great results, however in some cases I had to use something stronger. The first pass with the buffer will work on the swirls in such a way as to even out the finish. Working the machine slowly is key, that way you let both the product and machine do the work. When using a stronger product always remember to follow up with a less aggressive product, this will help bring shine and clarity back to the finish. You may need to use several steps in order to produce a mirror finish. Start with a yellow pad, switch to green and finish with blue. This way you will achieve great results. If you have more questions on this topic, you know how to reach me. Gary www.perfectautofinish
Considering how many people ask me about swirls, I thought it important enough to take some times talking out it. To understand how to remove them, you must first look at how they got their in the first place. They can happen as a result of not following proper car washing procedures, a simple thing like using the wrong wash mitt or drying towel can lead to swirls. Even if you wash properly but you never clayed your car, that in itself can lead to swirls. Reason is because many surface contaminants don’t come off during the wash cycle, so when you dry, it acts like sandpaper. Another possibility for swirls is if someone uses a high speed buffer on your car. Your clear coat is extremely sensitive, and is about 4 mils thick (same as a piece of paper) Clear coat is unpigmented paint, without the color. It gives owners a false sense of security. No amount of wax or paint sealant will prevent swirls if the owner is careless.
Removing swirls:
Swirls occur when some foreign object comes in contact with the clear coat, and scratches the paint in such a way that in certain light, it appears uneven, or wavy, also referred to as holograms. Removing swirls by hand is difficult, often times impossible. The DA Buffer is probably the best way to remove them safely, and you don’t need to be a pro to use one. One thing you do have to understand is what types of products to use.
The first thing you must do is to hand wash and clay, nothing is more important than these first two steps. I have a post somewhere on how to use a DA buffer so I won’t repeat that. Swirl removal requires a more aggressive type of product than you are used to. My cleaner /polish has worked many times for me with great results, however in some cases I had to use something stronger. The first pass with the buffer will work on the swirls in such a way as to even out the finish. Working the machine slowly is key, that way you let both the product and machine do the work. When using a stronger product always remember to follow up with a less aggressive product, this will help bring shine and clarity back to the finish. You may need to use several steps in order to produce a mirror finish. Start with a yellow pad, switch to green and finish with blue. This way you will achieve great results. If you have more questions on this topic, you know how to reach me. Gary www.perfectautofinish
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post