I've had my SuperCrew since March of last year and it's starting to show a lot of swirl marks and spider-webs on the hood... I guess from my previous inexperience in car care.

Anyway I'm using Zaino products now, but I just can't achieve the high gloss spiderless finish that it had when I bought it. Could an orbital polisher help me get rid of these marks? If so, what Zaino product should I use?

tHANKS,
jON

 

You should go to www.zainobros.com and you answer will be there. If not ask them.

 

Zaino is not really the best for swirl marks. Why?

Because you have to keep adding coat after coat of it to get it to cover the swirl marks. You also have to allow a long amount of cure times between applications. Around 12-24 hours between coats is what a lot of people do.

Even after all this work, you still have only covered the swirl marks up and not removed them. When the zaino starts to wear off the swirl marks will return.

In the time it takes to apply all the coats of zaino you can just remove the swirl marks.

I've used 3m Swirl Mark remover on my truck and it works awesome. I applied it with a direct drive buffer but and orbital buffer will work too. Meguiars also makes a swirl mark remover. I have not used it but have heard that it work well.

To prevent future swirl marks I suggest you get some Mircofiber towels that are meant for automobile paint. They won't scracth paint by themselves like Terry Cloth towels can do.

Most Microfiber towels are pretty costly. Like $5 each but here are some for $3 each.

http://members.tripod.com/el1snako/id177.htm

 

My truck will never see any type of polisher unless it urgently needs it. Orbitals usually leave more fine swirls than the deep ones it supposedly akes out.

 

Crewd,

Lots of people seem to like the Mequires line of swirl removers (I think there are two or three different ones). I've never used them myself (I do use Mequires polish and wax) but have seen plenty of threads touting the stuff. I've also seen some good reports on the 3M product mentioned in another reply.

As for orbital, I don't think it makes a diff if you're using the polisher or not more than it does what you are putting on. The polisher will certainly make it less labor intensive.

Blake...I've been using a polisher for many years and have not had problems with swirls. If they're used the right way, with the proper pads/covers there shouldn't be a swirl problem.
BTW....real nice truck.

Natty

 

Yhea, if you use the right pad and a good quality polish you won't get swirls. Any minor swirls you get you will be covered with the glaze and you wont' see them.

 

"My truck will never see any type of polisher unless it urgently needs it. Orbitals usually leave more fine swirls than the deep ones it supposedly akes out"

Blake,

You touched on (rather abrasively ) what I've always heard about orbital polishers. I've been reluctant to use one because I wasn't sure whether or not I'd SCrew things up even more. I'm pretty good with electric hand tools but this one bothers me.

Thanks guys for your help, especially I486. I bought the 3M product yesterday. I'll try it out after the current rainstorm moves through. If it doesn't do the trick I'll consider the polisher again.

Jon

 

If you get a buffer get a good one. The Porter Cable one has a small motor and bogs down under pressure.

Besides, you can't do a lot with an orbital buffer except polish and wax.

You can do a lot more with a DA buffer.


Edit: Ohh an you might wanna consider getting some microfiber towels too. They won't leave swirl marks like Terry Cloth towels can do.

 

Where can you get your hands on microfiber towels? Not sure I've even heard of them. Anyone have a link?

 

It would depend on which Porter Cable model you get. Many detailers swear by them as do body shops. The one www.griotsgarage.com sells is excellent. Yes an Orbital will get out your swirls and spiders if used correctly. Incorrect use of any buffer will do more harm than good. Griots garage has all the micro fiber towels and everything you could ever think of for detailing your truck. Some of the prices are a little high though so shop around. As Intel said the right pad and polish are the key. Foam pads are the only thing you should use on clearcoats.

 

They have microfiber towels here for 2.99 each.

http://www.tacscar.com/

That is the link but the page seems to be down right now. Just try it later.

These Microfiber towels are a little more expensive but they are more plush than the ones from Tacscar.

http://www.yosteveshop.homestead.com/mt.html

 

If you do buy an orbital buffer, pay a little extra and get a professional grade one. I have a 10" pro model and it works great. Also, use high quality cotton bonnets on them, and wash them very good afterwards. I have never had a problem with any buffer leaving swirl marks.

As far as swirls go, I also recommend the Meguire's or 3M products. I have used both and they work.

 

I would recommend a Porter Cable buffer and some 3M Swirl Mark Remover or 3M Finesse-It. The SMR is less abrasive than the FI. The PC is one of the best buffers on the market now.