NickClements Posted July 26, 2004 Report Share Posted July 26, 2004 Have a 2 week old ebony A4. Also have an extensive collection of meguiars cleaning products (which I'm very happy with). I had thought I had done everything to avoid swirling the paint, but apparently not. Was gutted to spot on Friday in the sun that the car had a collection of swirl marks. How realistic is it that these can be completely avoided? Can it be something to do with my technique? I'm using the 2 bucket method, being VERY careful when washing (gold class/lambswool) and drying (microfibre drying towel). Have done a full 3 stage (clean, polish, gold class wax) and have topped up after every wash with quick wax. Anyway, what's the best way to: 1. Get rid of those swirls - go for a 3 stage again and scratchX if necessary? 2. Keep them off the car in the first place? Honestly folks, I've been ULTRA careful. Washed it 4 times in 2 weeks (two of those washes the car had two buckets of mags gold class). Have a separate sponge for the wheels, and rinse the 2nd 'rinsing' bucket before and during doing the lower valances. Oh, and finally, I'm not using a power washer. Bushy - expect another order soon (ScratchX ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted July 26, 2004 Report Share Posted July 26, 2004 I think its just a feature of dark pearlescent paint finishes. When I was ordering my car there was a Moro Blue TT in the dealership which looked fabulous and which made me go with Moro, but even that, which was brand new unregistered and sat in the showroom, had swirl marks in the paint under the bright showroom lights... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPLiiX Posted July 26, 2004 Report Share Posted July 26, 2004 Last night I Waxed the front half of my car, a full wash and only had time for waxing the front. Will do the rear half and roof later this week! The Manual says only use water to wash the car unless you feel it is required. Oh and it says use plenty of water! So I now have one new sponge and use the hose on the car at all times when using the sponge. Not a swirl in sight! OK so its not even 2 weeks old yet! I used Rain X on the windows, number plates, Side repeaters, front and rear lights and exterior mirrors last night and it has not rained since! I just can not take my eyes off him - calling him a him and not a she! Just can not think of a name for him yet.... LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cleanimage Posted July 26, 2004 Report Share Posted July 26, 2004 [ QUOTE ] I had thought I had done everything to avoid swirling the paint, but apparently not. Was gutted to spot on Friday in the sun that the car had a collection of swirl marks. How realistic is it that these can be completely avoided? [/ QUOTE ] Put it this way, your car sits there for an afternoon and gets covered in a layer of dust and fine grit. Then you get in your car and hurtle down the motorway at 70mph... okay, nearer 90mph. Thats 90mph winds whistling over all that grit and rolling it across your paintwork. Get the picture? Yep, swirl marks will appear unless you shrink wrap your car in plastic and put it in storage. But even then, when your car arrives in this country, it arrives covered in something called 'hard wax'. If you were to see the car on the boat, this hard wax looks like somebody has smeared toothpaste all over the car. When the car gets to the showroom they take it off, and it is hard work to get off. Just how carefull do you think they are in avoiding swirl marks at the dealership? your car will have some swirl marks before you even get it. It's impossible to avoid them completely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loafer27 Posted July 27, 2004 Report Share Posted July 27, 2004 hmmm so if u elect to pick up from factory this could be avoided in theory at least not very practical ill admit but when i win the lottery tomorrow i dont want my s4 having swirl marks when i pick it up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Posted July 28, 2004 Report Share Posted July 28, 2004 No, but it will after doing the Autobahn @ 280+ KMH... trust me... Anyways, I'd advise a cleaner before resorting to Scratch-X. The milder the better... If the cleaner doesn't work, use Scratch-X. Keep the towels and wash mitt clean of course (some even remove the labels, but I haven't bothered with the Meguiars towels, sice they're pretty soft), and never use fabric softner (doesn't scratch, but renders them useless). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waylander Posted July 29, 2004 Report Share Posted July 29, 2004 wow, i am truly humbled had the car for 2 weeks and already waxed it in one case and washed it 4 times in another. me - had it 6weeks; in that time it has been valeted twice [within a week 10 days ago last] and had to trips to the jetwash prior to this. due for its first hand wash on saturday - i really am a slob with my car it seems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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