rs1985

When the baby comes
i don't want any swirl marks on it
so any suggestions how to keep it that way ?
Power washing would hurt the paint ???

oblu

There isn't really. You'll get some swirls no matter what you do, how much you try or how often you machine polish. In certain light, you will always be able to see some swirling ... it's the price you pay for having black.

There are ways to minimize it though, just depends on how much effort you're willing to put into it.

jherbias

Usually swirls are the result of dirty towels or sponges. Make sure to always wash them after a car bath. Also use soft materials.

One tip I used to do, before I got lazy, was to have two buckets; one with soap water and the other with just water. Every time I wanted to refresh my sponge, I would squeeze it out, dump it into the water-only bucket, then refresh it in the soap water.

Derspeed

For the home detailer, use a random orbital polisher like the porter cable, and get a lot of soft microfiber towels. I posted somewhere before about the black car I used to drive daily and show. People always commented on the new paint which was, at that point, about 4 years old.

Black will always show more swirls, spider webs and streaks because it reflects light in a more uniform manner. Lighter colors reflect light more randomly, therefore, confusing the eyes. Also, look at a black car in the shade. It will always look great. Once it's in the sun and reflecting light, the flaws are more visible. Most of the swirls you will see are actually wax, unless there really are scratches. Even scratches can be hidden with proper polishing and waxing techniques.

teamistanbul

no dirty towels, wash cloths or anything....DO NOT USE A BUFFER UNLESS YOU HAVE DEEP SCRATCHES...I got a White c300 just so I wont mess with swirls but...if you put a light polish twice a year...you should no have swirls!!! AND NO CHEAP CARWASHES...do it yourself or you will have to call me to detail the car and thats gonna cost you

pgaduane

3M Glaze Fill works great on Black Paint. Takes out any swirls marks and make it shine like no other. You'll most likely have to purchase it online and it's expensive, but worth every penny.

rs1985

so power was is ok ?
and because I live in school
my car will be in the sun a lot
any ways to keep it look great ?

itcrashed

power washing could make a rock chip instantly bigger.

ucsdsig

Don't drive it and keep it in the garage

In all seriousness, it's almost impossible to keep a black car immaculate, especially if it's your daily driver. Your best bet is to invest in a PC and polish out the swirls every 6 months or so. Black is the best looking color, but also the most unforgiving.

9elf S

Check out autopia and other detailng forums. You will get a wealth of information. My own thoughts are that the vast majority of people are not willing to put in the effort and time to maintain their car's finish, especially a black one. Those that do, do so because they really like to detail their car.

soapy

Keep a good coat of wax on the paint and that will help alot. I like to use Zaino products. You can only get them direct on the internet. Their AOI (all in one) is a great product for the average person. The Z2 and Z5 will give the best shine if you have the time.

rs1985

what is investing in a PC if it doesn't mean personal computer
lol

bigben320e

That's a porter cable. I have one, excellent investment. Won't burn the paint either.

Derspeed

Amen. I am replacing mine next month.

QQQ

Get White...

rs1985

lol
i got a white car
i just want to get a darker car

tmehanna

Unfortunately they're inevitable! There are ways to slow them down however: Wash less often, use soft microfiber towels, seal/wax often.

nolabenz

I have a electric pressure washer-Kracher($159.00). I use it to take the surface dirt off first before washing the car.Then use a microfiber car washing pad w/ 2 buckets. one for soap and one to refresh pad. This works for me

rs1985

so power washing won't hurt the car ?

nolabenz

Pressure washer that I have comes with 2 wand attachments. one for vehicles w/ variable pressure and one for multi purpose.

Flame3g

pressure washing can hurt the car if you not careful.

rs1985

i mean in terms of paint
would it create things like swirl marks ?

nolabenz

Pressure washing will not create swirl marks but rubbing surface dirt w/ a sponge will. Some pressure washers are not safe for automotive finishes so be sure that it is safe for cars. I have been using mine for the past 2 years on my other car and the paint still looks showroom. Keep in mind that silver is more forgiving.

Onizuka

I power washed my black w203 and black ml, but can't really see any damage on the paint with my eyes. I heard if you use a very strong (gas powered) power washer, it could damage your paint though.

TriEuro

Use this stuff by hand or w/ a buffer and it will take out fine scratches and swirl marks: http://www.onegrand.com/ogpprodomegaglaze.html. I've had several black cars over the years and found that this stuff works great.