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It's also caused by those who wax in a circular motion. Waxing back and forth gives you better results.
Waxing should never cause scratches, no matter what motion you use. Perhaps you are talking about the variations in shine caused by applying too much wax.
because rubbing compound is too aggressive for swirl marks. polishing compound is much better. why use a sledge hammer when a body hammer will do?
Thanks for the information.
I think that I am probably using the wrong term or I am just not up to speed on detailing. I thought rubbing and polishing compound were one in the same.
I read an article about washing the car once. It said that whatever material you use to wash the car with will eventually get some grit in it and you will end up with these fine scratches that you do yourself (it said you were almost guaranteed to get those scratches from carwashes).
It said you should start out by using a powerful spray of water all over the car. You want the water to swish away most of the debris - the more debris you can get off without touching the car with a rag/sponge, the better the job will turn out.
Then you use a lot of suds. Apply the suds on gently, not rubbing much. If the suds sit/soak in an area for a bit they will lift and soften some debris - next you scrub where necessary.
Use a powerful spray to rinse. Touch up cleaning where needed. Dry with a clean dry towel. Use as many clean dry towels as necessary.
Make sure all sponges, rags, etc, are thoroughly washed and rinsed after each use. Don't just wring out.
It's a war with fine particles of grit.
The only time I noticed those swirl marks on my car was after I had been to a car wash, frankly.
If you are referring to 'swirl' marks as being overlapping circles, it is caused by a buffing machine using buffing or polishing compound. The swirls can be removed using a product like 3M buff n fill. It's only available at auto paint supply stores sold in 1 gallon cans. It is applied only with a buffing machine.
I think that I am probably using the wrong term or I am just not up to speed on detailing. I thought rubbing and polishing compound were one in the same.
no worries, it is the same mistake a lot of people make unless they have either been in the automotive paint business, or had training in the business. rubbing compound is typically used after the paint has first been shot and color sanded to get rid of as much of the sanding scratches as possible. there are even a couple of different grades of rubbing compound, going from coarse to medium to fine. after the rubbing compound has been used, then you switch to a polishing compound, which is much finer than rubbing compound, and even that has a couple of levels also.
As a general rule I stay away from "rubbing compounds" when it comes to paint. The only exception would be heavily oxidized 30yo paint.
"Rubbing compound" should be left to bright work. Especially for non-experienced people who are doing their own "polishing".
There are several "swirl mark eliminators" on the market- some good, some just gimmicks! The best way to eliminate swirl marks is to do all things that prevent them to begin with.
Something people are not listing is towels and rags. Remember its what you use on your paint. Alot of people use old towels that can actually be pretty harsh. I actually prefer a water blade,a dn microfiber towels for waxing.
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