swirls in metallic dark grey paint

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JustLikeJames

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I have dark grey metallic paint that has been neglected and has typical spiderweb swirl marks. They aren't what I would call severe, just the typical we've all seen on daily drivers that aren't maintained as well as needed.

I'm going to wash, clay bar, _________, Klasse AIO, Klasse HSG, maybe carnauba wax.

What product should I insert in the blank to remove the swirls?

I'll be working by hand (I know, it's much harder and time consuming than DA, but I have removed isolated scratches by hand with scratch x. So it can be done, it just takes it to another level to do the entire car). A PC 7424xp will be a future purchase when I can afford it. I have a cheap 10" buffer but don't think it will be much help in the swirl removal, if at all.

Thanks
 
I should add, I would like to remove rather than fill the swirls so I don't have to repeat this step each time I detail.

Thanks
 
Polishing an entire vehicle by hand will not only take an incredible amount of time and energy, but the end result is never as good as machine polishing

Do all of the sets you have outlined and wait to correct the defects until you can afford a Harbor Freight DA
 
One nice thing about doing it by hand is that there's almost no chance of rubbing off too much clear coat. I don't even know if that's a valid concern but just the kind of thing I worry about. I know the DAs are supposed to be safe though.
 
JustLikeJames said:
One nice thing about doing it by hand is that there's almost no chance of rubbing off too much clear coat. I don't even know if that's a valid concern but just the kind of thing I worry about. I know the DAs are supposed to be safe though.
Click to expand...


With dual action polishers there isn't a chance of ever burning through the paint. If the pad stops spinning and starts vibrating the machine can tell too much pressure is being applied.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Maybe test it out on one panel before committing to doing the whole car? Could even decide to clay/correct/seal a different panel after each wash if it works out for you.

I have to do stuff by hand too (no outlets near the parking in my apartment), and just attempting to correct the insanely soft piano black b-pillars on my car by hand today has me second guessing trying the rest of the car that way.

Your paint will be different, so will your motivation, so it's worth a shot! I'll probably personally stick with hiding them as best I can (Bob's D156 + KSG mix somehow hides my swirls enough to not drive me insane), and attempt real correction when I can use a DA.
 
That's actually a great idea.
I don't know what to expect from the klasse twins. But if they hide the swirls well enough I can probably live with doing one panel at a time or until I get a DA.

Thanks
 
I am going to be that person.


Don't waste your time. If you want decent results by hand, stick with a glaze and top with a LSP.

OR get the DA and begin read, watch videos and give it a try!
 
I expected ^ "that person" to show up much earlier. Lol
It's all good.
Are you saying don't even bother with the klasse AIO or just a swirl remover? It has directions for using by hand.
 
I agree with everyone here about investing in a DA. You may enjoy this article.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...asked-questions/20257-man-versus-machine.html

Forgot to mention that KAIO is a chemical cleaner and will not do much for those swirls. If you want to pick up some products locally you could pick up Meguiar's ultimate compound and ultimate polish or your local auto parts store may carry M105/M205.

Originally Posted by JustLikeJames View Post
I should add, I would like to remove rather than fill the swirls so I don't have to repeat this step each time I detail..
Click to expand...

That's a judgement call. It depends on how well you maintain your paint.
 
Jdsuperbee13 said:
With dual action polishers there isn't a chance of ever burning through the paint. If the pad stops spinning and starts vibrating the machine can tell too much pressure is being applied.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I've seen dozens of threads over the years where people have cut through the clear using a DA polisher. Not a burn, but simply compounded in one area for too long and cut clean through.
 
Wow, that's a thorough article. Very informative and indicative of the advantages of the DA polishers. I'm sold. Just have to save up a little and live with the swirls until then.

Thanks everybody.
 
I wouldn't waste the time removing swirls by hand. Either fill them by hand and seal it; or breakdown and buy a DA and do it right.
 
Look for a lightly used PC7424xp (eBay, Craigslist) or consider a Harbor Freight DA ($45-55 new).

Get a good backing plate.
 
if your gonna work by hand your better off finding a product that will fill the swirls. Its just not at all realistic to try and correct a car by hand. even with your best intentions I have never seen a full car (clearcoat paint) corrected by hand.

my advice is to read as much as you can on the forum in the meantime and check out autogeeks youtube channel and watch some of the videos on DA polishers to help you get more comfortable with polishing with a machine.
 
A lot of Otc products usually called cleaner waxes or the like fill in neglected finishes pretty well at least temporarily. If you are going to do it by hand experiment with some of these on a couple panels first. Mothers cleaner wax works pretty well really.
 
It's hard at times to remove swirls using a machine much less by hand.
With that said it's possible to make a difference doing it by hand.
If it was me I'd do one panel at a time, spend as much time as needed to remove the defects.
See if it's worth it for you or not.
 
Thanks everybody. I'm convinced on getting a da before I do any correction. I've looked for used 7424xp and really, considering the minimal savings, I think I'd be money ahead to buy new. The price of Autogeeks lowest bundle is hard to beat and I think would be a very good starter kit.

Thanks
 
JustLikeJames said:
That's actually a great idea.
I don't know what to expect from the klasse twins. But if they hide the swirls well enough I can probably live with doing one panel at a time or until I get a DA.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The Klasse Twins will not hide anything. In fact, they create such an incredible shine I've found they actually highlight the defects rather than hide them.

If money is tight and a PC is out of reach, look for the Harbor Freight DA polisher. It's a great tool for the beginner and between their sales and coupons you can get one for a very reasonable price.
 
tuscarora dave said:
I've seen dozens of threads over the years where people have cut through the clear using a DA polisher. Not a burn, but simply compounded in one area for too long and cut clean through.
Click to expand...

I have seen burn through with two fingers, MF towel and Ultimate Compound.
 
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