I Got Swirls!

[Golden3ye]

Got my car new about 4 months ago, it had one hologram on the front passenger fender, but other than that my paint was perfect, well that is if you ignore the horrendous orange peel texture all bmws seem to come with as standard equipment.

I go out to my car today, super sunny, and notice my trunk has some light swirls!!!! I am crushed, literally, took the wind out of my sails.

I am nothing short of obsessive about the paint. I wash it with 2 buckets, grit guards, dry it with waffle weave microfiber cloths, I only blot, dont drag across the paint what so ever, EVER.

I know it is pretty much inevitable, but I didn't want it to happen so soon. Poor paint

[OTDet]

did the dealership prep it with some glaze? also is your car waxed? have you looked into coatings, it'll definitely reduced the risk of washing marrings.

Detailersdomain sell opti-coating, here http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optim...t-2_p_326.html

[Golden3ye]

dealer did not prep the car from what I can tell. It was dusty when it got off the truck, they ran it through their washer then handed it over to me once they took the wrappings off of everything.

I have wet diamond sealer on it, have applied it twice in the past 4 months.

[HeyMoe53]

I use Wet Diamond also, as I like the look. However, I do feel that it has some "hiding" properties that diminish somewhat over time.

I noticed the same thing this spring, and I did a polishing with my random orbital polisher. Then back to the Wet Diamond, and some very careful washing and drying.

[Greg@DetailedImage]

Sorry to hear it, I know that is frustrating. My guess is that many of them were there when you received it but poor lighting and/or a coating of protection hid them from view. If you used rubbing alcohol to strip protection and had a Brinkmann in hand you may have seen them.

Even with good technique and quality products it's hard to avoid them 100%. Keep inspecting your wash mitt, applicators and towels and clean them after each use. If you want to remove them I'd recommend polishing the surface. This is the step where you actually remove the swirls for good and restore that like new shine again! A buffer is a huge help here as it can more thoroughly work in the polish and really get maximum results. If interested in picking up one the Porter Cable 7424XP Random Orbital Buffer is a completely safe and easy to use tool that will greatly improve your results. I'd recommend a two step polishing combination to really make the paint pop!
Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105 - Lake Country Orange Light Cutting Pad 2x
Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 - Lake Country White Polishing Pad 2x

If you are not interested in a buffer or if it's not within your budget then just pick up the M205 listed above and apply that by hand with a foam applicator and medium pressure.

Afterward apply the sealant and wax of your choice. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

[pdr1269]

Greg,
What type of sealant would you recommend after the buffing with the M205?

[1911A145]

My Montego Blue is a swirl nightmare! The previous owner didnt take good care of the paint. I have about 16 hours worth of detailing planned for this weekend. FML... I feel your pain.

[thxphil]

Although I have a black mini cooper (135 is set to go into production in July), I have the same problem. Or should I say "had" the same problem. I too wash with 2 buckets, grit guard, I use a new grout sponge every time I wash the car, etc. Besides standard wax maintenance, I find Mequiars Ultimate Quick Wax after drying is key to keeping those swirls under control. Maybe I go overboard, but I wash the car once a week and apply UQW when dry.

[Golden3ye]

Originally Posted by thxphil

Although I have a black mini cooper (135 is set to go into production in July), I have the same problem. Or should I say "had" the same problem. I too wash with 2 buckets, grit guard, I use a new grout sponge every time I wash the car, etc. Besides standard wax maintenance, I find Mequiars Ultimate Quick Wax after drying is key to keeping those swirls under control. Maybe I go overboard, but I wash the car once a week and apply UQW when dry.

does that prevent you from getting the swirls or does the weekly UQW just keep them filled in so you cant see them.

[thxphil]

Originally Posted by Golden3ye

does that prevent you from getting the swirls or does the weekly UQW just keep them filled in so you cant see them.

Good point! It's probably a little of both. Applying a thin layer of UQW most likely keeps them filled in so you cant see them, however a small percentage helps in preventing future ones if there is a thin layer of protection. Over the years with various dark cars I have found no matter how careful you are with your wash methods, swirls are inevitable.