I have swirl marks on my '01 Spa and I really would like to remove them. I don't have a power buffer so I'd have to do the work by hand. I have some Meguire's Cleaner Wax that I got just to try it but it didn't seem to do much. Any suggested products/methods I could try to use?

 

WARNING: Removing swirls by hand is HARD WORK.

That being said you could probably remove them 80-90% with 3 or so applications of Meguiar's Scratch-X. However, it requires A LOT of elbow grease. I would say there is a 90% you'll get frustrated and quit before you get any significant amount of the swirls out.

This being said you'd be much better off going to a detailer who know's what he's doing (these guys are few and far between though) or doing it yourself.

 

^^ What he said. If you're in the socal area, I'd be more than happy to help you out. I have a PC 7424 and a ton of detailing supplies.

 

If you don't want your arms to fall off I would take him up on his offer.

 

I agree dude....the only time I use an abrasive product by hand is only to remove yellowing on headlights or underneath door handles. Swirl Mark Remover or SSR 2.0 on yellow headlights make them crystal clear again!

Scratch X I've read is probably the best hand application product...

 

swirls cannot be removed by Hand only machine

your swirls will only be filled in or temporarily hidden if done by Hand

 

slightly off topic: what are the best ways of avoiding swirls in the first place?

 

On a black car, avoiding swirls is nearly impossible, especially if your car is also your daily-driver. My advice would be to keep your car garaged and away from the elements (when possible), and use only sheepskin mitts and clean MF towels to wash and dry the car. Inevitably, no matter what you use to clean your car, you will get some light swirling. It's just part of owning a black car...