This week just hit 20,000 miles. Got my truck Jan 1 2001. I have made it a good habit to wash it at least once a week, most of the time twice. I am always careful and I make sure all my supplies are clean to avoid all swirl marks. But as I posted earlier my dealer put some on and I guess I just got some from washing it normally. Currently I have them to where they are not very noticeable (without direct sunlight my truck looks like a piece of glass) but I want to get my paint to the point where it looks like glass even in sunlight. I have used Meguairs Swirl Remover and most all of there waxes, but I am not extremely happy with the swirl remover. It contains a polish, so right when it is applied the swirls look gone in the sun, but as soon as the truck is washed they can be easily seen. I know that somewhere I can buy a product that should be able to take these tiny swirl marks out. I just need to know what it is and where I can get it. If anyone knows where to find it, please let me know! THANKS.

 

You may try the 3M swirl remover, I have had good luck with that in the past. What kind of buffer are you using?? It sounds like your paint may need a high speed buff to remove scratches/swirls, then back to an orbital for the wax application.

 

I think you will probably need to get a buffer. I wouldn't try a rotary buffer out unless you know what you are doing. They leave swirls easy if you don't know what you are doing. I still leave swirls sometimes with mine.

I think you should get a orbital buffer and some 3M SMR. When you start the 3m SMR out press down pretty hard. Around 10pounds of pressure. 3m SMR has some big abrasives and the pressure will help break them down quickly.

After you do the truck with 3m SMR check it over for swirls. If you are happy, then you can move on to your protection of choice.

If you still see swirls, then move onto a finer abrasive. I would chose Meguiar's #9 Swirl Mark Remover 2.0 After you are done with it, then you should have any swirls.

 

If you want it to truely 'look like glass', then you need to get rid of the 'orange peel' texture in the clear coat by wet sanding and buffing back to a shine.

It's lots of work, but when your done, you will see reflections like you were looking into a mirror!

If you want the details, let me know.

 

The F150 is the wifes truck and has been parked outside for i don't know how long, but the paint looks fabulous. For about ten years now all i've used on my cars and trucks is products from griot's garage and i think they are the finest. They sell a porter cable polisher that i use on all paint finishes and there are no swirl marks period. check out there web site and order a catalog www.griotsgarage.com
"have fun in your garage"

 

I would NOT try this unless you have experience with auto paint. Factory applied paint is extremely thin! Also, the UV protectant that is in the clearcoat is only on the top layer of the clearcoat. If you sand too much of the clearcoat off, then you might lose your UV protection. Usually, people who colorsand show cars add more clearcoat before sanding so they have more to work with.

Find someone with paintshop experience if you wanna do this.

I don't really feel you need to do this though. True, the F-150s have a lot of orange peel but you can get an awesome shine with a buffer and the right polish.

This is a picture in the side of my truck. You can see the orange peel in it but the reflection is still awesome!

 

Intel
obviosily you spend alot of time on the paint of your truck. what do you think is the best wax? do you really need like a clay bar type system?

 

The best method I've found to remove swirl marks is to use a buffer with the foam pads. I use the 3M system, they have glazing compounds formulated to be used with the foam pad. They are not very harsh, so you don't have to worry about burning the paint!

JJ

 

Right now I'm testing out Klasse Seant Glase. It is a synthetic wax like Zaino. Hopefully, if it doesn't rain this weekend. I'm going to be applying Klasse SG to half my hood and another carnauba wax to the other side to compare the shine. I'll post pictures.

I think a synthetic wax will be the first thing you should do because most of them contain UV protection. Can't have enough of that. I'm going to be applying around 5 coats of Klasse SG to my truck and then I'm going to be putting on a carnauba wax. I'll probably be going with Meguiars #26

Wax is kind of personal thing and it depends on how much you want to work on your truck. I can recommend a wax that you will get the best shine from but will only last a week. Just try waxes until you find one you like. Blitz, Meguiars #26, Meguiars Gold Class, 3M Show Car Liquid wax, just to name a few are good waxes.

Yes, You should claybar. Stuff sticks into you paint and the clay will pull it out. Next time you wash you truck feel your paint. It will feel rough like sandpaper. Well, after you claybar your paint will feel as smooth as glass (if you did a good job).

Depends on the age of your truck and the color but look below the trim line. You might see little orangish, redish dots. That is raildust that is beginning to rust. Clay will remover that. If it doesn't remove it, then you will need to find a detailer to do an acid bath to your truck. That will remove everything in your paint.

You should clay your truck about every 6 months. The first time you clay will be the hardest because of all the stuff stuck in your paint. After that first claying, it is pretty easy to maintain.

 

Burning the paint isn't from the compound you are using but from the build up of heat between your pad and the paint!

 

thanks, when it clears up im going to try it and see hoe it goes. 40 and misty is not my type of weather