I have a black/black S2 that has had swirl marks since I picked it up from the dealer. It has bothered me since day one but now that I have started showing the car, it bothers me alot more. Any suggestions on how I can fix this myself or is this something that I should take to a 'professional'? Thanks.

 

try zaino z-5. i hear it works really really good. the only bad part is that if you want to use zaino z5 its most likely recommened that you only use zaino to clean to rest of the car too. dunno thats just my opinion.

 

I have heard a lot of poeple sing praises for Zaino, especially on the black cars. I personally use a paint cleaner and wax from a place called The Wax Shop...but mine is yellow and doesn't show swirls that much.

 

I have a blk/blk and if you honestly have swirl marks, Z5 isn't going to hide them well. Sal's idea of fine scratches are far-FAR finer than the normal persons idea of a scratch.

The TRUE way to get ride of the swirl marks is to use a random-orbital buffer (or have a seriously strong arm) and use 3M Fine Scratch Remover for Dark Vehicles. (Available at properautocare.com). After fully buffed, ...Z1-Z2-Z5-Z5-Z5-Z6 the car.

This is the link for the 3m product:
http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/3m...perswirmar.html

This is the link to the buffer I use and like:
http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/cy-pol.html


-- Aaron

 

If you are looking for a simple solution, go to Wal-Mart and try Meguiare's Scratch X followed by Meguiare's Wax. This worked for me.

 

Okay, if you've been on the this board for awhile you know that I've probably tried every single last swirl remover on the planet.

Nothing will work for more than a week (depending on how often you drive/wash).

You simply can't get rid of them...all cars have them, but you can only see them on dark cars, and really REALLY see them on black ones.

The 3M stuff is so far the best stuff I've used. Don't listen to the Z5 folks...they don't have black cars so they don't feel our pain. I've found that the best stuff to use is 3M Swirl remover for dark cars. Be warned that your arm will be tired from the rubbing. A random orbit polisher is a big help, but our cars body panels aren't made for it (the shape). The fine scratch remover by 3M is good too. I've had okay luck with Meguiars fine cut products too. But be really careful with those.

It really depends on how picky you are. If you're like me, you'll spot even the smallest ones. The best way to see them is either in full noon sunlight or under a bright flourescent light.

I hate to break it to ya dude, but without a lot of effort, you can't get rid of them for any significant amount of time. Oh ya - if you want a cover up for them - glaze is the shit! I used meguiars glaze product...it was one of the professional line. It's awesome...I couldn't see one friggin swirl after that stuff...unfourtunately the next day they started creeping up again.

Good luck...

 

I have to correct you on a few things, it might help you also.

Yes, I have a black car. It's my explorer and it gets treated just like the vette. I understand how incredibly hard it is to keep black looking good (but when it's on, it's on baby).

Anyway, yes, you can get rid of swirls. 3M will actually GET RID OF SWIRLS. If you're using 3M and when you are done, you don't see any swirls, it's because they are gone, not because they are being masked. Z5 covers up swirls. It will not remove them. It usually takes a few coats to cover light swirls and scratches.

Now, if you keep seeing swirls, you need to understand a few things. Today's clearcoats are INCREDIBLY soft. I can't stress that enough. Towels are the number one culprite if you keep seeing marks in your clear. This is why I'm always telling people to get Royal Velvet or Charisma towels from Canon/Fieldcrest. Get good towels and get good wash mits. Make sure you're never touching your paint with dirty cloths, not even your skin. Don't wipe on it if it's dirty or dusty. Absorbers and such will also scratch if you get dust between the paint and the material. All this stuff will scratch. If you don't believe me, do it and you'll see the scratches and swirls, especially on a black car.

The best way is to get rid of your swirls first using 3M. Then if you're a Zaino user and have a black car, do about 5 coats of Z5 for every coat of Z2. This is the process I use on my explorer. It takes a lot of work to keep black looking good, but can be done. You just have to get anal about your paint and what touches it.

 

Right...sorry i didn't make that clear.

What I meant was that 3M will get rid of it, but they'll come back pretty quick too. Even if you are super anal about it and don't let anything rub on it...they'll still come back. At least that's been my experience - but I have really bad swirls. I guess just driving it around for a while can create swirlys. Or maybe I just live in a really dusty area?

I totally agree with the towel comment. Anything other than super duper soft 100% cotton made in the usa types just won't do. I love fieldcrest too. I used to use the Absorber but they do bring back the swirls faster than with just cotton. I wish there were some sort of hard sealant that wouldn't scratch as easy. Hmm...does stonguard swirl? I haven't seen it in person, so I don't know if it kills the shine or not. Do you have any experience with any sealants?

 

I've heard nothing but good things about stoneguard and cleartastic. I personally haven't seen them, but the only complaint I've heard is the price. Sounds like a good solution to some problems. I just don't have any personal experience.

The key to keeping black look good is definetly towels and washing. Make sure you do those right and you can cover up road scars with the Z5. That has been my experience.

 

Wow~~it must takes a long time to clean up an Explorer~~~