What are swirl marks and how do I remove them?

How did I get them?

   Swirl marks are actually "micro-scratches" in the surface of a vehicle's paint or clear-coat finish. The "swirl" pattern you see is light reflecting from the edges of these micro-scratches. They can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Grit trapped in a sponge, wash mitt, chamois or polishing cloth…
  Anything that comes in contact with the painted surface needs to be as clean as possible. When washing, rinse the sponge or wash mitt often and rinse them out between uses. Wash polishing cloths and pads in mild soap after use. You can do this in the home washer and dryer, but don't use any sizing or fabric softner -- they leave a residue that causes streaks.
  
  
• Using the incorrect soap/water mixture…
  Use a pH-balanced soap, such as our AutoSport Car Wash, and follow the mixing instructions on the container. The soap is a barrier between the dirt, the paint, and the wash mitt or sponge. Too little soap can scratch the finish and too much will make rinsing difficult. And don't use too much pressure when washing, or try to wash too large an area with a single application of car wash lather. Apply the lather liberally and mix a new batch when the wash water gets dirty.



• Not washing and/or waxing in a timely manner…
  Before buffing, run you finger lightly over the surface - it should feel smooth to the touch. If it doesn't, it needs to be washed again. And if it still feels rough after washing and does not bead water, it's time to apply a coat of wax. Wax adds a barrier between your washing tools and the paint and makes the vehicle much faster and easier to wash.



• Bad technique…
  Use a back-and-forth motion when washing, polishing and waxing and don't apply too much pressure. Circular motion gives you those swirl marks.