cl_kruisin

This is a question for all of the owners of dark colored or black rides. How do you get rid of the damn swirls? It was swirl free off the lot but after the first time I washed it, they showed up. What products (soap, rag, wax, etc) do you guys use? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Tom

ELENI

I have a black 99 430. I got my car used so it had swirl marks when I bought it. But I've been able to control it by hand washing, using a chamois to dry and using Meguiar's SCRATCH X. It works great. I think the Scratch X has actually made a big deal in decreasing the visibility of the swirl marks. I also recommend any other Meguiar's products. Any one I've tried has worked great.

http://www.autogeek.net/megscratxfin.html

cl_kruisin

Thanks I'll have to try that.

Does anyone know a good rag/wash mit or spronge to wash with?

FrankW

I've tried Meguiar Gold class, it sort of cover the swirl mark, but it leaves oily swirl on the car. Zymol is what I use now, but they are expensive at $13 bucks for a fairly small bottle.

I just use a real wool wash mit that I got from Kragen.

mmgrad

i wash with a wool mit, dry with a chamois... car gets a complete buff/wax/detail every 3-4 mths... that helps on the swirls too...

Meguiars SCRATCH X helps remove swirls... but those aren't very good on scratches...

cl_kruisin

What about removing small pitch spots? Is there any good product for that?

FrankW

i use turtlewax's color wax for chips...wax the chipped area and then use zymol over it.

MARK CUMMINS

Try www.Autopia.org Lots Of GREAT Tips For Black Cars...
Buy a Porter cable Buffer and Pads...Makes The Job so much faster

redbrick

There was a post on this site way back when this site was exclusively CLK's, and the guys advice was:

Wash with striaght strokes in the direction of the wind, and work from top to bottom, change rags for every panel, do not use those power washers, use used and cleaned baby diapers.

If the swirls are already there, as you pointed out, then it's really too late...there's really nothing out there that can fix it up other than cover it up or fill in the grooves temporarily.

This all has to be taken cared of from the day it rolls off the train/boat....not off the lot...cause the dealers they can sometimes screw it up as well dolling it up just to make the sale.

Lastly, don't let the dealers wash your car when they service it...cause it's just a cheap water rinse with their stupidity rubbing the crap out your paint.

waterford5301

Go over to the detailing forum and read the post about washing. Use the 2 bucket method (especially on black cars). It cuts down on the amount of small debris on your chamois that causes swirl marks in the first place. NEVER let the dealer wash your car! Also, use Zaino to wax your car. It is, in my opinion, the best stuff out there. Good Luck!