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Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

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  • #1

    Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

    Hey guys:

    It's been a while since I've done a lot of paint work and frankly, I haven't had a ton of experience with the latest generation of products. I'm going to be working on/teaching my friend how to remove swirls from his black Ford Focus. He says he has some pretty good swirls in there, I haven't gotten to check it out with my own eyes though. Due to our schedules, we're not gonna have a ton of time. I'm going to be using my G110 DA with a polishing pad and either SwirlX (SMAT) or ScratchX 2.0. Which do you recommend? SwirlX sounds good to me but will it be aggressive enough? I'm dealing with a car that's been owned by a guy with no detailing experience/knowledge and I've been known to underestimate and cost myself hours. Can I use ScratchX 2.0 with less pressure/passes for the same purpose? I also have UC that I can use in certain spots by hand if need be. Keep in mind though that he only wants to remove the swirls, he doesn't want a complete paint overhaul.

    Thanks for your input.
    -HealthyCivic
    Check out the glossary
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

    If the swirl marks are severe you gonna need Ultimate Compound. SwirlX works great with fine swirls, then ScratchX for medium ones and Ultimate Compound for intense.
    The best way to go is to try on small area with the least aggressive product and see the results. Halogen light would be helpful. You can get Brinkman from Autogeek for less than $30. You should be fine with G110 and 8207 Polishing Pad.

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    • #3
      Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

      I would want SwirlX and UC by machine.
      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

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      • #4
        Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

        well, i prefer to use SwirlX and then you check the result..if the result is still not good enough, you can repeat the process 2 or 3 times..fine swirl/light swirl usually can be removed w/swirlX, at least try from the least abbrasive to harder one...

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        • #5
          Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

          You might want to get some UC. Do a test spot with the swil-x. See if you get the desired results. If not move up to the UC.
          quality creates its own demand

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          • #6
            Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

            You have a D/A and all three primary consumer liquids - SwirlX, ScratchX 2.0 and Ultimate Compound - so you should be set. But which of those three is going to give you the results you want is not something anyone here can say with total certainty since we haven't worked on this particular car before.

            From the sounds of it you and your friend are looking to do just a very nice clean up job on the paint and aren't necessarily going for a true show car finish here. But that doesn't mean you should seriously cut corners, especially since you've already got a good mix of products to play with.

            We would recommend the following: do a test spot of roughly 2' x 2' on the hood using SwirlX, a polishing pad and speed 5 on the D/A. Work the product as you normally would, wipe off the residue, and pull the car back out into direct sunlight to evaluate the progress. If this does literally nothing (severe defects, very hard paint, combo of the two) then step up to UC and do another test spot. But if you're making progress with the SwirlX and you've reduced the swirls by at least 50%, then a second pass with the same product, or just a longer single pass, may be all you need.

            There are always a bunch of variables when working on paint, and when time is a serious consideration a test spot is even more critical. Sure, it seems like you're spending a fair bit of that precious time doing test spots, but better to dial in a process up front than just jump in with something only to find out after 5 hours of work that you didn't get the results you wanted. Do the test spots first, dial in the process, and then get to work.
            Michael Stoops
            Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

            Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

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            • #7
              Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

              Thanks a lot. Yeah, equipment wise, I know I'm fine. One thing that I used to do sometimes on my own car was to use UC, but for a very short time as opposed to using ScratchX/SwirlX for a longer time. Of course, I'd only do this in areas that had more serious issues.

              Anyway, I can't quite remember, how many "passes" per area would you recommend for a paint cleaning like this? I'd usually do 3 for a waxing. It's been a while since I did a paint cleaning with the DA, most of my UC work has actually been by hand.
              -HealthyCivic
              Check out the glossary

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              • #8
                Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

                I would say anywhere rfom 4-6 section passes before wiping off to inspect and then if you feel that working longer would help, then work it longer. That's the fun of the new SMAT products.
                Tedrow's Detailing
                845-642-1698
                Treat Yourself to that New Car Feeling

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                • #9
                  Re: Swirl-removing on a Ford Focus

                  Cool. Nice car, BTW.
                  -HealthyCivic
                  Check out the glossary

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