Swirl - Prevention ??

flashinthepan

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#1
Vlad,

That PDF is absolutely excellent !!! Thanks !!

Any pointers on a new car finish ??

Do's and Dont's ??

Last time I had a black finish I was fighting "swirl" marks forever, I know of course no carwash etc.. I have the Metallic finish this time, last time was solid black.


Any other tips ? or tips for a black finish ?

Thanks !!

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#2
The items I list and the methods mentioned in that PDF is exactly what I do when cleaning my 9 month Jet Black M3.

The major pointers are;
1. Buy a few QUALITY micro fiber towels. I can't stress this enough. These towels are amazing for taking care of a cars finish. Beware of cheapies, or ones not sold by a reputable car care store, they can scratch your paint. I can safely recommend Classic Mortoring, and specifically the Micro fiber super kit. I purchased these and absolutely love them, I really think that this is one of the better buys available.

2. Always use a forward to back motion when doing ANYTHING to your car's finish. Forget that you ever saw the Karate Kid, that circular motion will do nothing but make swirls more noticeable. When working on the bumpers, I normally use a left to right motion and everything else, a front to back motion. Anything you do, or anything that touches your cars finish has the potential to scratch the finish, the extremely light scratches are what people refer to as swirl marks. Keep your towels and anything else that you use as clean as possible, if you drop one on the floor while cleaning, don't use it again. Get another clean one and continue. I really think that most swirl marks come from washing. The stuck on dirt that doesn't come off while rinsing the car down, get stuck in your wash cloth and then scratch the paint. Pay particular attention to the details I listed in the PDF on washing.

3. Swirl marks are inevitable. Find something to deal with them. So far, I really like 3M's Swirlmark remover. This and a quality glaze will fill those tiny scratches and make them disappear. A Porter Cable polisher is the best way to apply these glazes.

When people ask how I keep my black car so great looking, I tell them that I'm a glutton for punishment, then show them that PDF guide!
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flashinthepan

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#3
Thanks Vlad !!

I have printed that PDF & it gives me alot more info than I had.

Black is a love / hate color

Stunning when done right - a basketcase if you are not prepared.
 


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