| Detailing By Executive |
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Swirl Mark Removal
Swirl marks or "swirls" are micro-scratches in your vehicles paint and clearcoat, usually caused by improper washing and drying techniques but also can be from "detailer" neglect. Typically these swirl-marks add up over time from automatic (or "swirl-o-matic") car washes. In the shade, the vehicle shows a lack of gloss and almost a hazy finish. To highlight this damage, you can use bright sunlight or gas station lights at night. Here, I am using a 500 watt halogen work light.
The key to removing these horrendous looking marks is a multi-step process of compounding, polishing, and finishing with various foam and wool pads using a rotary, dual action, or direct-drive dual action polisher. Unfortunately, some marks are so deep that removing them would reduce the life of the paint too much. This ultimately becomes a trade-off and the use of a paint thickness gauge will help keep the process safe. Believe it or not, the paint you see here has moderate swirl marks.
The key to removing these horrendous looking marks is a multi-step process of compounding, polishing, and finishing with various foam and wool pads using a rotary, dual action, or direct-drive dual action polisher. Unfortunately, some marks are so deep that removing them would reduce the life of the paint too much. This ultimately becomes a trade-off and the use of a paint thickness gauge will help keep the process safe. Believe it or not, the paint you see here has moderate swirl marks.
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Admiring Your Work
Not only are the swirl-marks, holograms, and light scratches removed, the paint is noticeably richer in color, wetter looking, and far more reflective. With the addition of a polymer paint sealant, the surface feels very slick and smooth to the touch. This virtually frictionless surface will provide the owner with a much easier vehicle to wash and dry, drastically reduced swirl-mark accumulation, and a stunning appearance.
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Side By Side
Here is a side-by-side comparison of severe swirl marks, marring, and scouring marks on the passenger side, and a compounded and polished surface on the right. I used painter's tape to mark the razor sharp line down the center.
Notice on the damaged side-the dull, cloudy, and hazy appearance of what years of neglect will do. The compounded and polished driver's side has a notable improvement in clarity, depth, gloss, and wetness.
The improvement is drastic and shows what proper products, processes, and patience can do to improve a vehicle's appearance.
Notice on the damaged side-the dull, cloudy, and hazy appearance of what years of neglect will do. The compounded and polished driver's side has a notable improvement in clarity, depth, gloss, and wetness.
The improvement is drastic and shows what proper products, processes, and patience can do to improve a vehicle's appearance.