I haven't used the PBL line. I have used UK numerous times, and it's "hardness" is much better then a few other coatings I've used. For soft Subie paint, I'd just re-polish (cause I know those swirls are bugging you) and UK/Reload it. Your wash process is not the problem at all.
Yeah, I'm wondering if the PBL coating is really just that soft.
So, I take it the same sponge you wash the lower rocker panels, wheel well lip, and the mudflap areas with is the only sponge you use? That's a red flag, I think. May be I could talk you into a two wash media approach. One for the upper half and one for the lower half, and never mixing them up. Then using brushes only for the wheels.
I use only the 1 Incredimitt for the paint, separate MF chenille mitt for the wheels (recently upgraded to wheel woolies to make it easier). Also my Incredimitt doesn't go anywhere near inside rocker panels or inside wheel wells or on my mudflaps. Also my paint is generally cleaner prior to my 2 bucket wash than most people's as I presoak my paint and pressure rinse.
Maybe you did not get all the swirls out in the first place? Did you IPA wipe after polishing?
This is a possibility, but I remember the condition of my paint after polishing and it was definitely pretty close to swirl free, at least nothing like it looks now in good sunlight. I did eraser wipedown post polishing. I know, I know, I was supposed to use the PBL cleansing lotion, but I was really crunched for time and wouldn't be able to finish in time for an event.
Or perhaps road dust was dispersed by the wind while you were driving causing the swirls?
That would be pretty crazy if that is in fact what's happening, definitely a possibility I guess.
It's a black subaru those swirl when the wind blows. Try different wash media and see if that adds to or stays the same before doing any correction yet.
Any recommendations, I really loved the quality and build of the Incredimitt, definitely doesn't snag as much as some of the merino wool ones, so I'd be bummed if the culprit is the wash media.
First off - people who say they maintain black cars without swirls aren't "full of it". Because, my cars have no swirls - and I'm pickier than almost anyone else. When I do a test spot, I actually drive the car to the gas station at night to inspect the finish under their lights before proceeding (after inspecting under sunlight, etc..)
It sounds like you are doing everything right. I don't believe coatings do a single thing to prevent marring. I can't explain it scientifically - other than enough people have experienced it - so the reality doesn't match the theory.
How long does it take you to wash a car? Because, a lot of this is just technique based. It depends how careful you are. If your going too fast - your likely not being as careful as can be.
There are a few other things you could do:
1. Hose the mitt off before putting in the rinse bucket.
2. Spray a layer of conventional snow foam on the panel before washing it for extra line.
3. Mix your shampoo 2x the dilution for extra lube.
I mean I wash my car carefully, but I'm not swiping the wash mitt at like a snail's pace, but I would say I use "normal to medium" pressure. Anything less and it feels like a waste to wash the car because its not enough pressure to even loosen any of the tougher dirt/spots.
Then add 1oz of ONR to the wash bucket. I used to get a few minor swirls when washing my dad's black Porsche. Ever since I started adding ONR I've had close to none. Same thing for my current and past Acura and the other two (mother and father's) Acuras in the garage as well.
I've added ONR before but I feel since it leaves some glossifiers (I think, correct me if I'm wrong) behind its inhibiting the coating from working to it's full potential.
Make sure you're getting a 5% PIR with Bilt Hamber Autofoam. I use it too and never have to bring out the buckets(I live in Los Angeles). Easily the best functional snow foam on the market.
If I did my calculations correctly the first time I should be getting about 4-5%.
IMO, check the towels you are using to dry your ride. From what I read, your washing technique seems sound. I would look into the wash mitt and drying towels and your method on that.
I know I had a similar problem like you and I found out it was the way I dried my car.
I have totally changed how I dry my car and till this day NO SWIRLS!! The type of drying towel I use is not a waffle weave. If you want to PM me I can let you know what I use.
Another important tool that I use is the Metro Blaster Side-Kick to assist in drying. That is an awesome machine. AGO sells it for under $100. Using that with any quality MF towel (WW included) will help prevent swirls.
If it was me I would look into your drying technique. Again, your washing technique is very sound.
I completely air dry with an electric leaf blower, towels don't even touch my paint.
IMO the Softest/Safest wash mitt is the CarPro Merino Wool
Make sure you slip your hand into it, so you can keep it barely on the surface of the paint
I agree with a previous poster, that the drying process can play a greater role inducing swirls than we think
Allen hit on what i was going to toss in also...very very light pressure of your wash mitt on the paint.
Although i can't offer anything beyond what you're already doing other than that. Sounds like a pretty good system to me. I can feel your frustration though.
The only thing I can narrow it down to is the pressure I use. I really don't press down hard at all but if I'm expected to barely float the mitt over the surface, I'm not accomplishing any cleaning because its not strong enough to loosen certain spots.
