How To Remove Swirls By Hand

[Mike Phillips]

How To Remove Swirls By Hand (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7011)


The below write-up was taken from page three of this Saturday Detailing Class at Meguiar's where approximately 25 people witnessed the products shown below, applied and removed using the correct techniques to remove the gross rotary buffer swirls and restore a swirl free finish by hand.

San Diego Mercedes-Benz club at Meguiar's! (http://www.archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5310&perpage=10&pagenumber=3)


After selecting two Mercedes-Benz automobiles to work on, one being Tom's, we broke for a pizza lunch. After everyone had their fill of pizza and something cold to drink, it was time to re-gather in Meguiar's Garage to see what we could do with the gross swirls in Tom's recently painted hood.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo1.jpg


Often times when the topic of removing swirls is being discussed on our discussion forum, or some other detailing forum, it centers around the dual action polisher, foam buffing pads and somebody's compound or polish. Yet many people don't own a dual action polisher. So here at Meguiar's Garage, we like to show people how to use the what they already own... their hands!

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo2.jpg

Like most detailing enthusiasts, I personally love a challenge, and with Tom's car, I believe most people would agree, his car's finish presents a challenge!

BEFORE - 700 Pixel-wide cropped out section from an un-touched, original photo of rotary buffer swirls in a clear coat finish.


http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1jRAW.jpg


Using some painters tape, we taped-off a section of the hood to separate the before and after results. Then, we applied three, well worked in applications of Meguiar's ScratchX (http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/product_detail.cfm?sku=G-103)all applied by hand using Meguiar's High-Tech Applicator Pad (http://meguiars.com/newproducts05/accessoryproduct_page.cfm?SKU=X-3070)

http://meguiars.com/estore/images/product_g103.gif http://www.showcarshine.com/accessories_files/X3070.jpg


http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo3.jpg

The secret to removing swirls by hand using Meguiar's ScratchX is all in your technique. You see in order to remove swirls out of your car's finish, you need to remove a little bit of paint. If we we're to look at a horizontal view of what gross rotary buffer swirls look like in the paint, it would look something like the diagram below. In order to remove these below surface defects, (swirls), you need to remove enough paint from the finish to level the upper surface with the *****t depths of the swirls until you've restored the finish to a flat, level surface.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2swirlsinpaint.JPG


To do this by hand with ScratchX, you need to,

* Apply to a small section at a time
* First spread the ScratchX evenly over the area you're going to work (before working it in)
* Work the microscopic diminishing abrasives against the finish applying a little passion behind the applicator pad
* Repeat this process with multiple applications after first removing the residue from each application after working it against the finishhttp://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo4.jpg

Remember that Meguiar's paint cleaners, like ScratchX do not need to dry before removing. Drying adds no benefit. The only Meguiar's paint products that need to dry before removing are Meguiar's waxes.

Technique Tip

The question is often asked,

"Which direction should I move my hand when applying a Meguiar's paint cleaner?"

A common mis-conception, often espoused on other discussion forums, or by some car care product manufactures, is the technique of only rubbing a product in a certain direction to keep all of your scratches going in the same direction.

Meguiar's teaches that if the products you're using are non-abrasive, that is they are not instilling scratches into the finish, as such, it shouldn't matter which direction you move your hand!

If the products you're using are inflicting scratches into your car's finish, the correct thing to do is to stop using the product! Don't try to camouflage the scratches to your eyes by instilling them in straight-lines as determined by the movement of your hand.

ScratchX can be applied using straight-lines or circular motion and for this particular demonstration we used a combination of both.

Removing ScratchX using Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber (http://meguiars.com/newproducts05/accessoryproduct_page.cfm?SKU=X-2010) after working the product against the finish until the product has broken down, turned somewhat clear and begun to dissipate.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo5.jpg


At Meguiar's Saturday Detailing 101 classes, we go through a power point presentation that covers a wide spectrum of detailing topics, one of which is Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle (http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2409), which includes;

Step 1 Wash
Step 2 Clean
Step 3 Polish
Step 4 Protect
Step 5 MaintainAfter cleaning the paint with a paint cleaner like ScratchX, we then apply a pure polish, in this case, Deep Crystal Polish (http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/product_detail.cfm?sku=A-21) which is a non-abrasive pure polish.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo6.jpg

In Meguiar's line, we offer two types of polishes, cleaner/polishes, which contain a diminishing abrasive, and pure polishes, which are completely non-abrasive and are used solely for the purpose of creating brilliant gloss. Deep Crystal Polish is a pure polish.

http://meguiars.com/estore/images/product_a21.gif

The way you apply a pure polish is akin to applying a skin lotion to your skin. That is you apply the polish to a small section at a time, work the product in thoroughly.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo7.jpg

After thoroughly, (but gently with care and passion), remove any excess polish with a clean, soft premium quality microfiber polishing cloth or 100% cotton towel.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo8.jpg

Like ScratchX a paint cleaner, it is not necessary to let a pure polish like Deep Crystal Polish dry before removing it. Allowing a polish to dry will not add anything beneficial to the process, so after you work it in well, go a head and remove it.


At this point, we have cleaned and polished the finish. The cleaning step removed the swirls and the polishing step restored optical clarity, depth, reflectivity, richness of color and brilliant gloss. Next we're going to apply a coating of Meguiar's new NXT Generation Tech Wax Paste (http://meguiars.com/newproducts05/nxtproduct_page.cfm?SKU=G-12711)

http://www.showcarshine.com/product_files/G12711.jpg

NXT Generation Tech Wax Paste is identical to NXT Generation Tech Wax Liquid except that it comes in a paste form. There are two types of paste waxes, the difference is in their consistency. The practical application difference is in how you remove them from the can and then apply them.

With a cleaner/wax (paste), like Meguiar's A12 Meguiar's Cleaner/Wax (http://www.meguiars.com/store_meguiars/product_detail.cfm?sku=A-12) you can scoop out a small amount and with your applicator pad and then apply it to the finish and work it in.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2Cleanerwax.gif

With paste waxes like Gold Class Clear Coat Wax Paste, M26 Hi Tech Yellow Wax, and NXT Generation Tech Wax Paste, instead of scooping wax out of the can, you can twist, or spin your wax applicator against the wax while it's in the can and this little bit of agitation will help to liquefy the wax and enable it to seep, or penetrate into your applicator pad whereupon making it easier to apply to the finish.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo9.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2spinwaxpad.jpg

Paste waxes like NXT Tech Generation Wax offer good gliding action and tend to apply very easy. Remember a little bit goes a long ways and it's important to try to apply a uniform, thin coating.



After applying the Tech Wax Paste and allowing it to dry, we removed it using a Supreme Shine Microfiber polishing cloth and the Tom backed his Mercedes-Benz out into the sun where everyone could look at the results and see with their own two eyes what can be accomplished by hand with the right products and the correct techniques.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo10.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo11.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo12.jpg

Here's the owner Tom inspecting closely!

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo13.jpg

And here I am capturing the results with our Sony Digital which does an excellent job of capture swirls in the sun.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2HandDemo14.jpg


Before

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1jRAW-med.jpg

After

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1k.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1l.jpg


http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1m.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1n.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1o.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1p.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2MB2GrossSwirls1q.jpg

Perfect? No.

dramatically improved? Yes!

Most importantly, we fixed by hand what someone else inflicted with a rotary buffer.

Meguiar's products, applied and removed using the correct techniques will outperform the competition hands down and give your car a swirl-free show car shine!

[ACE]

Mike...you the man. Thanks for the info on removing swirls. I have a 2000 300m inferno red chrysler that had some issurs with swirls and minor scratches. I did the deep crystal system with the gold class wax (liquid) and it was impressive. The tip of putting 3 apps of scratchX will probably take my car to another level.

Thanks

[ZemanM]

Scratch-X worked a miracle on my black 2004 Grand Prix that I bought (used) last month. The finish had a lot of swirl marks and it looked like cobwebs. I used Scratch-X and it took out the swirl marks and the fine scratches. I followed up with the Swirl Free Polish and then with NXT Generation wax and the car looks absolutely amazing. I love it when my black car's finish looks wet.

:xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs :xyxthumbs

[JerryX]

How often can you used this method? Every month?

[Murr1525]

While this is probably best in another thread, the answer is you can do it as often as needed, but if you get swirls that bad every month, you have other issues with your car care routine.

[snowflakes]

I have been finding some customers with that problem I have been using the product fast shine and cotton because here I don't find some products of Meguiars unhappily.

[hondaprelude98]

DO i have to use the polish and the wax for it too look that good. I used the scratchX and it looks good but not as good as i want it to be

[gb387]

DO i have to use the polish and the wax for it too look that good. I used the scratchX and it looks good but not as good as i want it to be


You say it doesn't looks as good as you want it... not enough shine? Still swirls and scratches?

ScratcchX is a cleaner polish and will provide no protection from the environment... so anytime you use ScratchX you need to apply a coat of wax. You can apply ScratchX more than once to help eliminate swirls and scratches.

[Mike Phillips]

DO i have to use the polish and the wax for it too look that good. I used the scratchX and it looks good but not as good as i want it to be


Sometimes there's some confusion over the role of a paint cleaner, it's a product meant to remove defects. After using a paint cleaner you always need to re-apply a coat of protection. Polishing is an optional step that you can do after cleaning and before applying a coat of wax.

[Jefferson_One]

Several threads and numerous pictures have no doubt made some believers with the ScratchX product! I have a question/comment:

I'm new, but looking around, I've seen a few instances where ScratchX was done by hand ... and I guess the point was it was done in succession about three to four applications before final waxing. That may be worth pointing out for noobs like me, and may be the ticket.

1.) Would using an Dual-Action (D/A) machine reduce the number of applications needed?

2.) If doing by hand, wouldn't this just be excruciating for an entire vehicle?

3.) You mention to get results you have to remove some paint ... to clarify, is it actually taking the clear off and then the paint, or ... is that a general statement - seems like one would need to re-clear the car.

As a noob, I used it once on my black Benz, and saw little results - by hand ... I am ordering a machine this week cuz all weekend about killed me!

Thanks for making such great products, and for all of the technical advise! In just a few days, I've learned that a pure polish is non-abrasive ... not what I would have thought. A good guy on here told me to go get ScratchX ... so I did!

Thanks for being patient as I hobble along here learning my way around ;)

[Michael Stoops]

1.) Would using an Dual-Action (D/A) machine reduce the number of applications needed? With the new formulation of ScratchX making it machine compatible, yes. But if you're getting a machine you really should step up to something like M80 for even faster results.

2.) If doing by hand, wouldn't this just be excruciating for an entire vehicle?Not to put too fine a point on it...... HECK YEAH!! I can't imagine doing an entire vehicle by hand using ScratchX or any other swirl remover. Ouch.

3.) You mention to get results you have to remove some paint ... to clarify, is it actually taking the clear off and then the paint, or ... is that a general statement - seems like one would need to re-clear the car.While technically any cleaner polish will remove some paint, you are removing such a minuscule amount that you shouldn't worry about it all. With single stage paints you will see the color of the paint transfer to your applicator pads. With clear coat there is also some transfer but since it's clear you can't see it. Clear coat is simply paint with no pigment.

As a noob, I used it once on my black Benz, and saw little results - by hand ... I am ordering a machine this week cuz all weekend about killed me!
If your Benz is fairly new then it most likely was painted with MB's CeramiClear paint - to say this paint is hard is an understatement. ScratchX by hand on this paint is daunting at best.

In general the G110 is a great investment!!

[dozer]

this thread made my day

[JAC]

This video tutorial helps a lot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVxeqntf0eQ

[rareyellowbird]

Totally awesome how you provide all this info to help people. I am totally impressed with this site and am glad my friend brought me here.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/2633000-2633999/2633760_1.jpg

[Orca]

That video helped me a huge amount! Thanks!

I know that technique is the key to getting the best from products and I've not had good results with Scratch X yet. I'll try again with this technique. I have done similar, but did not concentrate and did not break the product down properly. I have read and re-read many Scratch X posts, but this video showed me exactly what I should be doing. Thanks again.

[hamada128]

Sorry to bring this old thread back again.
I just wanted to ask, is it ok to use ScratchX to get rid of some water spots and spider webbing then use ColorX then followed by NXT paste wax??
thanks

[Murr1525]

Yes, you could do that.

[halim_p]

mike, i have done those steps, but when the other two days , i wash my car with a water only and wipe it, the swirl is coming back. do you have any idea why it is happened? do I made something wrong? thanks. liang

[Mike Phillips]

This video tutorial helps a lot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVxeqntf0eQ


Looks like the video has been taken down... here's the message posted in its place

This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by a third party.


mike, i have done those steps, but when the other two days , i wash my car with a water only and wipe it, the swirl is coming back. do you have any idea why it is happened? do I made something wrong? thanks. liang

If the swirls are coming back this means they're not actually being removed or they are somehow being instilled again.

Can you take a before and after picture?

How to capture pictures of swirls in your car's paint (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13318)


Read through this and make sure you're not making any of the common mistakes like trying to tackle too large of an area at one time or moving the polisher quickly over the paint or not pushing down hard enough etc.


Tips & Techniques for using the G110, G100, G220 and the PC Dual Action Polisher (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20874)
(These are all similar tools)


:)

[gasti_ako]

great thread

[92mr2]

HI,

Your not the only one hobbling along here. My current project is a '99 Lexus...black and in need of work on the finish.

I began using scratch X a couple of weeks ago by hand! It's pretty much a panel an evening....3 to 4 applications, really working it in each time. I could not do the whole car in one sitting, who could. I think patience is the name of the game. Yeah the panels stick out a little but if I'm asked about it...it gives me a chance to talk about MeGuires and scratch X.:chuckle1.


Bob

[pwaug]

[quote=92mr2;232407]HI,

Your not the only one hobbling along here. My current project is a '99 Lexus...black and in need of work on the finish.

I began using scratch X a couple of weeks ago by hand! It's pretty much a panel an evening....3 to 4 applications, really working it in each time. I could not do the whole car in one sitting, who could. I think patience is the name of the game. Yeah the panels stick out a little but if I'm asked about it...it gives me a chance to talk about MeGuires and scratch X.:chuckle1.

You should try M105 by hand-I'll bet you could cut your applications in half. I did a 11 year old Escort with one application of M105 and one coat of ColorX applied aggressively and it came out great.

[superbogel]

can color x be used to remove swirls too other than scratch x??

[Murr1525]

ColorX is going to be milder.... So you would get better results with ScratchX, and even better results with #105.

[Mike Phillips]

can color x be used to remove swirls too other than scratch x??


By looking at your posting history, you've posted this question to multiple threads.

PLEASE start your own thread for questions about detailing or just stick with the thread you started here on your question.

How to use ColorX (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26694)

Also a friendly tip, ColorX is one word, not two as in Color x

Thank you.

:idea:

[DiZzyBonne]

I just had my hood and bumper painted, but the body shop left a TON of holograms! Seeing as ScratchX removes some paint, and I need to apply wax after, how long should I wait before using the product? Also, how hard do I need to apply the pad, and how long will a hood roughly take me so I know I'm not speeding through it? Thanks!

[Mike Phillips]

I just had my hood and bumper painted, but the body shop left a TON of holograms! Seeing as ScratchX removes some paint, and I need to apply wax after, how long should I wait before using the product? Thanks!

For a question like this it's best if you start your own thread...

I'll move your post and create a new thread for you.

:scratchhead1

[DiZzyBonne]

Haha, ok thanks :D.

[Mike Phillips]

Haha, ok thanks :D.

Here's your thread...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27046 (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27046)

We keep pictures thaht show new members how to start their own thread on the bottom of the forum homepage here,

http://meguiarsonline.com/


If you want to start a new thread, then click to the appropriate forum by clicking here (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/index.php) and selecting the forum that best describes what your topic will be about and then look for the button on the left hand side of the page that says, New Thread and click on it. You'll see a place to type in your Subject and below that a message box that you can type your message into. After you're finished with your message, click on the Submit New Thread button and your message will be posted to the forum.


http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/500/StartingAnewThreadsmall.jpg

[vish@dat]

awesome thats amazing!