Swirl Removal

Authored by: Nepherim

Good swirl removers have abrasives that “round off” the swirls and diminish them slightly. Others only fill the swirls with optical fillers. Some do everything.

Depending on how deep the swirls or scratches are, you may need to use a buffer, or you may be able to do it by hand. If you can feel the scratch with your finger nail then the scratch probably won’t come out with simple buffing. Attempts to fully remove deep scratches with a buffer may result in burned paint.

If you really want to remove swirls, then you have to use a more abrasive product like rubbing compound that physically removes the swirls with a more abrasive/higher cut pad or bonnet.

Wetsanding is only used for removing heavily damaged paint like deep scratches and uneven surfaces. It’s actually the best for giving you the mirror like finish you find on more expensive cars if done properly.

• Meguiars Scratch X

Orbital Buffers

Very little pressure is needed with one or it can burn the paint, which will later return as swirl marks but heavier. Orbital buffer are best for the amature detailer.

Meguiars #9 Swirl Remover and a foam polishing pad. Slow speed on the buffer 1000-1300 rpms. Keep the pad as flat a possible and if you can mask off glass and trim spray some water on the area first. Take it slow (but keep the buffer moving all the time).

• Porter Cable 7336 orbital
• Porter Cable 7424 Random Orbital Polisher