Scared to death of Swirling the Paint!!!

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Crosby87

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I recently got a paint correction done on my black X3. My washing process is the basic two-bucket method with foam gun. I have the Big Blue Microfiber towels for drying and use the foam mits for washing.

However, even when it comes to drying, I use the towels to "blot" the water instead of wiping. I do this to decrease swirling, etc. In addition, I have the Meguiar's Quick Detailing Spray. However, I am afraid to even apply this afterwards because it adds another step involving touching the paint!! My thinking right now is I would rather have a clean car that is maybe a little less shiney (due to not using the Detailing Spray) than having a shiney car with more swirls.

Am I being too paranoid? I realize I am not the only one out there like this, but honestly swirls on a nice car drive me up a tree!
 
As long as you have clean, good quality towels I wouldn't worry about it. I polished our black Cobalt March last year and when we traded it in September, it had very, very few wash induced marks. I know BMW black is soft paint, but just make sure you are working with clean media and you will get through this!
 
rwright said:
As long as you have clean, good quality towels I wouldn't worry about it. I polished our black Cobalt March last year and when we traded it in September, it had very, very few wash induced marks. I know BMW black is soft paint, but just make sure you are working with clean media and you will get through this!
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Yup, the paint is very soft...even from my limited experience with cars. My next one will be Alpine White for sure!

How much detailing spray do you use...I've heard one spray per panel, but that seems like not enough...
 
:iagree:

Good MF with very little pressure you should be fine.
 
I also blot dry but it will leave behind tiny spots of water or streaks so I would be concerned about getting hard water spots without being followed by a QD or spray wax.
 
Crosby87 said:
Yup, the paint is very soft...even from my limited experience with cars. My next one will be Alpine White for sure!

How much detailing spray do you use...I've heard one spray per panel, but that seems like not enough...
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I usually use 2 or 3 sprays per panel, depending on the size of the panel.

Just make sure your using quality MF's and you shouldn't have to worry too much.
 
That's the crappy thing about fully correcting your paint. Once it's corrected...you find out real quick how easy it is to cause even the finest scratches. Even new MF towels can scratch it. It'll drive you nuts. But you just gotta know, that it won't last forever. Scratches, scuffs, and swirls happen just by using the vehicle. It's not so bad if you're a detailer...cause you'll see the scratches and know you can just take them out one of these days, ha.

But, being on the customer end...I would go crazy, ha.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
That's the crappy thing about fully correcting your paint. Once it's corrected...you find out real quick how easy it is to cause even the finest scratches. Even new MF towels can scratch it. It'll drive you nuts. But you just gotta know, that it won't last forever. Scratches, scuffs, and swirls happen just by using the vehicle. It's not so bad if you're a detailer...cause you'll see the scratches and know you can just take them out one of these days, ha.

But, being on the customer end...I would go crazy, ha.
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It drives me crazy on my truck and I'm a detailer! I think it's even worse being a detailer because I notice everything!

I washed it last week for the first time in about a month and it's covered in swirls and scratches again (I just did a full correction back in October).
 
SeaJay's said:
It drives me crazy on my truck and I'm a detailer! I think it's even worse being a detailer because I notice everything!

I washed it last week for the first time in about a month and it's covered in swirls and scratches again (I just did a full correction back in October).
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It'll drive you nuts...but you don't have to pay to have yours corrected at least, ha. :xyxthumbs:
 
For me it depends on the size of the panel, but typically 4-6 per hood, 2-3 per fender, 3-4 per door, 3-4 per trunk, etc. I know a lot of products read "1 spritz per panel", but I like to make sure lubrication is there. Another thing is that I have always used 2-3 towels when quick detailing or quick waxing, never an issue with streaks.
 
You can also try drying the car with a leaf blower.

The very few marks you put in with such a great wash method could probably be polished out by hand.
 
rfinkle2 said:
You can also try drying the car with a leaf blower.

The very few marks you put in with such a great wash method could probably be polished out by hand.
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We have been using a leafblower, however it still leaves mini-trails of water that we "blot" off with the MF towel.
 
Crosby87 said:
Yup, the paint is very soft...even from my limited experience with cars. My next one will be Alpine White for sure!

How much detailing spray do you use...I've heard one spray per panel, but that seems like not enough...
Click to expand...

White is nice that it doesn't show much. However, it's not as fun to detail because it also doesn't show much difference
 
-dougaross, did you ever try mothers spray (not fx) california gold line?


Mothers California Gold Spray Wax

I use it on my Dad's Avalon, it is readily available (usually otc) or ag, and it really makes a big difference on white.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
That's the crappy thing about fully correcting your paint. Once it's corrected...you find out real quick how easy it is to cause even the finest scratches. Even new MF towels can scratch it. It'll drive you nuts. But you just gotta know, that it won't last forever. Scratches, scuffs, and swirls happen just by using the vehicle. It's not so bad if you're a detailer...cause you'll see the scratches and know you can just take them out one of these days, ha.

But, being on the customer end...I would go crazy, ha.
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Man Kris, that was deep... lol Very very true though.
 
Crosby,

You have good wash technique, and any marring you do, you could hit with a light polish by hand... or get a pc.

I hate to see someone worry so much about something they should enjoy!
 
dougaross said:
White is nice that it doesn't show much. However, it's not as fun to detail because it also doesn't show much difference
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If it's swirls, scratches, or holograms...I see what you're saying. But most the white vehicles I get...are all covered in rust pins that make the paint look horrible. After a good clay, and polish...I find the results to be pretty dramatic. White is a pain in the ass IMO. lol
 
rfinkle2 said:
Crosby,

You have good wash technique, and any marring you do, you could hit with a light polish by hand... or get a pc.

I hate to see someone worry so much about something they should enjoy!
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Yes, I am kind on in a conundrum at this point. I am leaning towards still not using the detailing spray. I am good with how it looks without it and would still rather sacrifice the extra shine for less possibility of swirls.

Now, for the VW, I am going to give the spray a chance. It is gray and not black though :xyxthumbs:
 
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