charlesatl

I decided to post this since I saw in another thread that other people buy flashlight to look for defects in paint and I thought I was the only who did that.

Anyway I have a black ls460l and when I park it in the sun I am always noticing new swirl marks or maybe a minor scratch. Since this is a black car and evidently a career for me what do you use for swirls?

Thank you very much

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

In order to remove swirls, you must remove enough paint to level the surface (unless you intend on temporarily filling the defects to hide swirls).

Assuming you want to remove them, you will need a dual action machine polisher along with a set of pads and polishing compounds of varying cutting ability.

Here is a basic starter package that I recommend to many beginners.


With these products, and some practice, you will be able to safely and effectively correct paint.


Please let me know if you have any questions.
-Zach

charlesatl

thank you very much

FastFord

I use 3M Ultra fine machine polish. I don't use my buffer. I put it on by hand. My finish is near perfect for the average observer, so the buffer is not required. If you have deep marks we're talking something different. But for minor swirls and lines that were probably caused by washing, hand applied Ultra fine polishing polish works well.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

What color is your car?

Two thumbs down for the "by hand" method. You could not give me a million dollars to convince me a buffer is not needed. When you see side by side comparison, you will agree also.

FastFord

Of course a buffer gives better results. But, why would you use it when you have a new finish with some so-called self-correcting paint.

I have done over 1000 cars with a buffer and had phenomenal results. Even won best in show a few times.

I got my RX from the dealer, went home, clayed it, and then used ultra fine finishing polish, by hand, then sealed it.

My point is for the average user doing by hand with the right product will give the results they are probably looking for. Throw a buffer into the hands of someone that is curious how to remove swirls and you're probably going to a professional to fix it.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

As long as you are happy with your own results who the hell am I to tell you otherwise right? Use what works and satisfies you.

sydtoosic

sonax cut max and a meguiars MF cutting pad.

dicer

With any powered device it is easy to cut through the clear coat then you have a mess. Powered polishing is for professionals that don't want to wear them selves out. But I bet even they remove more clear coat than is needed.

PondScum

Definitely not true of orbital polishers lacking forced rotation. Definitely true of rotary polishers, if the operator is not experienced.

Do enough searching and you'll find numbers on the amount of clear removed by various combinations of polisher, pad, and polish. Last time I checked I estimated my usual pad and polish combo on an orbital was removing 2-2.5% of the clear each time I polished. With two years between machine polishing, that gives me about 25 years before I need to worry about clearcoat failure. Pretty sure the car will gone by then.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Dual Action/Random Orbital polishers are extremely safe, even in the hands of a complete beginner.

Light polishing, when done properly, is very non invasive and removes a negligible amount of material. It is full correction work that removes more material due to the severity of defects, so if a car is properly maintained and never has to undergo an extensive correction, you will likely be able to do light polishing work several times a year throughout your ownership without ever having an issue. I personally only polish my car every 2-3 years, but that is because I have almost no time to keep track of my car, and I only have light wash induced marring... not swirls or scratches... so it doesnt really bother me for that period of time.

-Zach

FastFord

I use one or two of these to get rid of swirls.

2URGSE

Also, don't use the car wash with brushes, wash your car with a 5 gallon bucket w/ gritt guard and all the other needed things.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

You can definitely strike through the clearcoat with a DA like a Flex. PC and other free floating assembly DA's are pretty idiot proof. Just gotta watch that pressure and edges. If you know a panel is repainted, definitely take more caution as that's when you typically will run into these kinds of issues, especially if it's a poorly done repaint.