RockPick,

If you could provide me with some assistance... I purchased my 04 Lariat about a year ago, color monotone black. I've been a member of this site as well as some others and have sworn that I will do everything regarding detailing right. I have learned a lot, but I'm afraid my beautiful black is showing numerous swirls while in the sunlight. I fear I may have added to them by using PB's S&W recently when the truck was pretty dirty, I did switch towels frequently, etc., but hey, its black, right... Currently, I have in my arsenal: Meg's Cleaner wax (consumer version), Meg's 7 and 26, and PB's EX-P sealant. Last year the truck received about 4 coats of EX-P. Great stuff, the water is still beading. I saw your wife's new vehicle and how you cleaned that up, I'm also envious of how your KR is swirl free... Could you guide me in the right direction on what the best combination/sequence is for hand application. I was thinking a swirl remover first (brand?), followed by a good polish (P21, Pinnacle?), followed by EX-P, and then 26. I found Megs 7 very hard to work in by hand, so I was going to avoid that. Thanks, and love the KR...

 

Whew... this response might be a novel. Sit tight and I'll try to tap away as the day progresses....

 

Whew...

I'm going to focus this response along the lines of a swirl removal tutorial so, if I'm missing base, let me know and I can rethink my response...

Here goes...

Understanding Swirls

A swirl is a scratch. Plain and simple. The only difference between a scratch that is caused by a tree limb dragging across your paint and a swirl is the severity. Swirls are microscopic and not exactly visible to the naked eye without some sort of light reflection/refraction. Further, the scratch from the tree limb may or may not be able to be removed as it may have potentially gone too deep to effectively remove. Swirls, on the other hand, are almost all removable as they are only resident in the clear paint (often called clear coat) that is sitting on the vehicle's color coat.

What Causes Them?

On black, just about everything. Look at your vehicle cross-eyed long enough and you'll scratch it. That's pretty much my motto on my black truck. You wouldn't believe some of the hoops that I jump through to ensure that I don't introduce swirling but, it happens.

Swirls, as I mentioned, are scratches. What causes those scratches? Typically it's procedure, technique, or misuse of products from what I see. For example, when you're washing, you go down and wash around a wheel well and then come back and wash up on the hood. Another example: you're drying your vehicle and you drop your towel on the ground, you pick it up, and go back to the drying. Another example: you wash your vehicle with a sponge or any other material on the face of the earth. Another example: You utilize poor storage techniques for your supplies (aka: sponges, brushes etc). Another....

Well, you get the picture. Anything that touches your paint can cause blemishes. The simple act of abrasion across your paint will, inherently, cause problems. It's unavoidable for the most part.

There are things you can do and most of them reflect really thinking about what you're doing and correcting your bad habits. For example, not using that sponge after you dropped it until you are able to hit it with a stream of water away from your vehicle, not using the towel, you dropped, not washing your vehicles, and not following common sense logic.

Naturally, I have no hope of telling you how all the swirls are caused but, I can tell you that, in my opinion, they're unavoidable. Humans err often. My truck has some light swirling on the hood. I've screwed up somewhere. Tis life.

So, let's get them out...

Swirl Removal

There are several different things that go into swirl removal. Unfortunately, from the products that you've described along with the swirls that you've described, I'm not sure that you have a product that will adequately deal with the problems. So, let's talk products...

As most here know, I'm a Meguiar's kind of guy and thus, you're going to hear a lot about some of their products at this point.

We always preach to use the least abrasive product to do the job if possible. By this, we mean to start with a light abrasive and work upwards if it doesn't pull the problem off of the paint.

My suggestion to you is to, first, find a bottle of Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover 2.0. This product is very commonly available (which is one reason I've recommended it) at most Pep Boys, Auto Zones, etc.... Expect to pay around $10-$13 for 16 oz.

I'm assuming by hand?

If so, start with about a nickle sized amount on a terry applicator (this will help add a touch of abrasion). Work the product in a small area (about 2X2 or 3X3) using light downward pressure. Work it until the product is ALMOST dry. Do not work any product until it is dry or while it is dry. Wipe off the area with a 100% cotton terry towel (ultra soft) and assess your work. Remember, light is one of those things that you need to assess it thus, pull it out in the sun and look. Still problems? Did you get it? Problems - repeat and use a slight amount more of downward pressure. No problems - start on another 3x3.

If #9 isn't available or you're not getting the results that you wish to obtain, post back and we'll step you up to another product or a more abrasive product in another line.

I've yet to see #9 not do its job though. It may take a few applications and you're going to be one tired guy after the process (very sore arms) but, in the end, I think you'll reap the rewards.

--CONTINUED IN NEXT POST--

 

Last Step Application

Choose your weapon here. The EX-P is a great choice as is the Meg's Cleaner Wax. The cleaner wax may help to alleviate any remaining problem spots as it does contain a touch of ingredients which will help cover up and remove some of the remaining swirls. Also, if you wish to use it prior to your LSP, you may want to reconsider #7.

The trick to this product is to apply it in ULTRA-THIN coats. It can and is a booger to remove when applied to thick. Been there, done that... hated every last minute. I love the product now though.

I hope this provides a bit of guidance. I know I've probably brought up a few more questions and thus, don't hesitate to ask...

Oh yeah, don't use PBs S&W when a black vehicle is ultra dirty... Black is a beast... it'll bite you when it has any opportunity. Fortunately, it sounds like you're already thinking along the lines of figuring out how you introduced the swirling in an accelerated manner.

RP

 

RP - Thanks so much for all the information... That's what I love about this board... So as you guessed a few more questions:

1. What is LSP? And along the same line, what would be the correct order of application? - 9, 7, cleaner wax, EX-P, or in more general terms - swirl remover, cleaning polish, wax?

2. Will the application of just cleaner wax, wax, etc. help to hide the swirls? As I don't believe they were so prevalent prior to winter (and much less detailing)

3. I plan on keeping this truck for several years (maybe 10) Will the application of an abrasive swirl remover (9) on a regular basis (bi-annually) diminish or hurt the clearcoat/paint over all that time?

I currently use Meg's FD for a quick detailer. In your opinion is the 4 star a better product, especially on black?

 

1. Last Step Product... sorry, I should've mentioned that.

2. Absolutely. It will help. In fact, a cleaner wax is specifically designed to aid in hiding and eliminating problems like swirls etc... A cleaner wax is a great choice during the cold winter months when a person doesn't want to spend a boat load of time doing a full detail. While it may not address the swirls like you really want it to, it's a step that can help.

3. I don't expect you to need #9 continuously and, as a goal, you should hope not to use it all the time too but, even if you were, #9 would be one of those products that you could use frequently. No worries with a cleaner wax.

4. QD... Four-Star Ultimate Shine Enhancer and Meguiar's Quick Detailer are, generally, two different types of products so, for just a light dust coating, you should continue to use a QD type of product like Quik Detailer... the Gloss Enhancer is to add 'POP' at the end of your detail and doesn't offer the level of lubrication that a QD will provide.

RP