Detailing By Executive
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  • What is detailing?
    • Introduction to Detailing
    • The Difference in Paint Jobs
    • SwirlMarks
    • Scratch Removal
    • Engine Detailing
  • Interior
    • Introduction to Interiors
    • Interior Before & After
  • Exterior
    • Exterior Before & After
  • About Me
  • Questions?
    • Local Services

Swirl Mark Removal

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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. 


Admiring Your Work

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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. 

Side By Side

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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.  

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