It all starts with a tiny fine swirl on your car. Then you notice a cobweb-like mark. Then you find another. The swirls start to get to you. How to get rid of swirls on car? Read on and find out.

Car owners know this nagging feeling all too well. More so, if your car paint is black. The image sticks to your mind like the swirls on your car. However, before you make your detailing appointment, it would be good to know more about swirls on your car and how to get rid of them.

How to Get Rid of Swirls on Car

Swirls are fine circular scratches on car paint. These are caused by improper cleaning such as using incorrect pads on buffers and polishers, harsh polishing compounds, wiping down with dirty rags or chamois, poor rinsing after wash, and some automatic car wash brushes. You can get rid of the swirls on a car using two methods. One is performed manually while the other – mechanically. Both methods use the same detailing products to remove the swirls. For best results, remove swirls in a shaded area.

A professional detailing expert knows how to successfully get rid of swirls on your car by using the right tool and product for any car.

Tools and Products for Manual Method

One method of getting rid of swirls on a car is by hand. Basic tools and products used in this method are:

• Microfiber cloth or towel
• Paint cleaner
• Car polish
• Car wax

A soft microfiber cloth absorbs water well and dries quickly. It does not leave scratches. Moreover, it is readily available and affordable.

Paint cleaner polishes away contaminants and cleans the surface of the paint. Paint cleaners are available in stores locally or online. You have to know which ones are the best quality and how much you will need for your car. It is advisable to use a less abrasive paint cleaner product. Abrasive paint cleaners can rust a car’s finish. Chemical paint cleaners, on the other hand, will not rust a car’s finish.

Car polishes, on the other hand, are available in the form of creams, sprays, and liquids. They usually contain solvents to remove impurities and make the paint shine. Again, we recommend using a less abrasive car polish.

Both paint cleaner and car polish can remove swirl marks effectively.

To lock in the shine, waxing is recommended. Good quality wax contains natural ingredients. A thin, even application is recommended. Putting too much wax can make polishing more difficult and worse, damage car paint.

The Manual Method Is Simple:

• Clean and dry your car thoroughly.
• Pour paint cleaner on a microfiber cloth. Apply this on affected area repeatedly in one direction. Continue until the surface becomes smooth.
• For a thorough clean, use a clay bar.
• Polish the car’s body with circular motions until it is smooth and shiny. This process removes remaining dirt and adds shine to the body. Use a clean microfiber towel to remove excess polish.
• As a finale, apply wax on the car body with a microfiber cloth. This adds a layer of shine and protects the surface of the car. Waxing also minimizes corrosion.

For car swirls that are tough to remove manually, we recommend the polishing machine method.

Tools and Products for Polishing Machine Method

You can thoroughly remove swirls on your car with a polishing machine and a cutting polish compound. The tools and products that you can use in this method are:

• A handheld rotating wheel polishing machine with a soft pad
• Cutting compound
• Car wax
• Orbital sander with a soft foam pad
• Microfiber towel or cloth

A handheld polishing machine with a soft pad is used to polish oxidized paint and remove scratches gently. On the other hand, cutting polish compound contains abrasives. Apply it on the scratched surface with a cloth and/or on a polishing pad while the machine is off.

How to Get Rid of Swirls on Car Using a Polishing Machine:

• Spread the car polish on the car surface with equal pressure using a rotating wheel polishing machine. Make sure that the rubbing compound is spread evenly. Adjust the wheel speed from low to high and back, as needed.
• Use the polishing compound to fill in the scratches as surface is heated by the polishing machine.
• Do this repeatedly, using the same wheel motion and pressure on areas where there are swirl marks.
• Over time, the polishing pad gets saturated with the compound. When this occurs, rinse the pad with a power washer every now and then.
• Wipe off dust with a soft cloth or towel.
• Rinse the areas you have polished with water to get rid of the dust brought about by the process.
• Dry your car with a microfiber towel.
• Use an orbital sander with a soft pad or foam to apply wax on the car surface. Do this with a consistently light pressure. Waxing increases a car’s shine and protects it.
• Once the wax dries, clean the surface with a microfiber towel.
• Inspect your car under direct sunlight to check for remaining imperfections.

For added measure, here are some quick tips to prevent future swirl marks:

• Use professionally recommended cleaning items and products when cleaning your car.
• Don’t use detergents as these remove wax.
• Use only clean microfiber cloth or towels to dry your car.
• Don’t use rough or dusty towels.
• Consult a detailing expert.

To save time, effort and even money, you are better off getting a professional detail expert. He knows how to get rid of swirls on car effectively.

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