Can I get Rid of Swirl Marks?
If you are reading the articles on this website, chances are that you take pride in the way your vehicle looks. After spending hours washing, waxing, and buffing your car, swirl marks are about the last thing you want to see staring back at you. Swirl marks are especially noticeable on dark finishes and are present on most vehicles that you see – even brand new cars often have swirl marks. Here are a few tips on how to avoid swirl marks ruining the finish of your car.
Where Do Swirl Marks Come From?
Swirl marks are just tiny scratches left in the clear coat of your paint. They are usually caused by slightly dirty towels or sponges used during the buffing or polishing step (hence the swirly pattern), but there are other causes of swirl marks as well.
Waxing: Older carnauba waxes are notoriously difficult to apply and buff off. Many people apply too much pressure when buffing these waxes, leaving swirl marks.
Chemical cleaners and polishers: Harsh compounds found in many cleaning compounds can damage your paint. It’s best to stick to an automotive soap and warm water.
Car covers: Covers are a great way to protect your car from debris or damage while in long-term (or medium-term) storage, but be aware that any dirt or dust that’s on the surface of the vehicle when the cover is applied will scratch the finish as the cover moves around. A car needs to be completely free of dust and dirt before a cover is applied.
Detailing wipes: If you see a product that is advertised as a “soapless spray-on-and-wipe-off cleaning wipe or spray” just run away. All these products do is smear dirt around on your clear coat.
Improper car washing: Automatic car washes and dirty sponges will damage your clear coat. The convenience of automatic car washes is tempting, but don’t fall for it. You are MUCH better off washing by hand. And make sure that you wash your sponge or mitt often.
Buffing: Aggressive buffing, using the wrong type of pad, or buffing a dirty car will leave swirl marks. Make sure you know what you are doing before getting out the rotary buffer.
When self healing ceramic coatings are exposed to sunlight, minor scratches and blemishes, including swirl marks, disappear before your eyes.
Preventing Swirl Marks
Like most things automotive, prevention is a much more powerful strategy than reaction. Avoiding the damage will cost you less in the long run, and your car will be better off for it. Here are some tips on avoiding swirl marks.
Proper car wash: Using a clean sponge and mild soap will go a long way. Use one bucket for soapy water and one for fresh water and follow this procedure – dip sponge in soapy water, clean an area of your car, rinse sponge in fresh water, wring sponge, repeat.
Self healing ceramic coatings: When self healing ceramic coatings are exposed to sunlight, minor scratches and blemishes, including swirl marks, disappear before your eyes. Read more about these right here.
Avoid high pressure: When rinsing your car, use low pressure water. Remove any nozzles from the end of your hose, and never ever use a pressure washer. Ever.
Gentle drying: Use a high-quality and clean microfibre cloth to dry your vehicle after washing it. Be thorough, but gentle.
Talk to the Experts
Are swirl marks the bane of your vehicle’s existence? Don’t worry, that’s why we’re here. Come talk to us or send us a message and we can have your vehicle looking beautiful in no time at all.