Paint defects are either,
Topical - This means on the surface.
Below surface - This means they penetrate "into" the top layer and possibly underlying layers of paint.
What I do and show others is what I call...
troubleshooting
How do you troubleshoot paint?
Simple. Place a tape-line down on an affected area and then only buff on one side of the tape line. It's important to be using top notch product for the troubleshooting in the first place, that is recognized brands known for having the best abrasive technology. I would also use a foam pad on probably a DA Polisher just to reduce the potential for surprise issues and to keep the testing as simple as possible.
Buff for a few moments on one side of the tape line and then stop buffing and wipe the residue off and inspect.
Assuming you're using a medium cut polish and a clean soft foam polishing pad on a DA polisher, for example these would all work,
Rupes Bigfoot 21 with yellow and yellow
Porter Cable with Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Remover and 5.5" LC White flat foam polishing pad.
Meguiar's MT300 with M205, (this is a fine cut polish but very capable), and a 5" yellow foam disc
Flex 3401 with Menzerna SIP 1500 with a white Hybrid foam polishing pad.
Any of the above would be very non-aggressive but at the same time polish and clean up the surface enough to tell you what's going on, as in,
A: The buffed side looks better, more clear, swirls are removed.
B: No difference, the defects do in fact appear to be under the clear.
I can't remember any thread on any forum ever in my life where there were VISIBLE swirl scratches, as in circular or cobweb type scratches UNDER the clear.
I've seen prep sanding marks under the clear from paint shrinking or die back but not actual "swirls".
I agree with others and to me it sounds like the detail shop or detailer is trying blame someone else.
Another thing you can do is simply ask them,
What did you use on my car?
- What tool?
- What pad?
- What products?
Tell you what... our forum members can tell you straight-up if the tools, pads and products are any good and if they are in fact to blame. Could be technique related but all results START with the abrasive technology as it is the abrasives that come into contact FIRST with the paint.
And another vote for Chad aka Rasky1 as being more than qualified to inspect your car's paint and tell you what's going on.
:dblthumb2: