Removing swirls?

[04lss]

Hello all,

I have a white 2012 Volvo s60, and for the most part the paint is in decent shape, however there are some swirls. You have to look for them, but when the sun hits they are noticeable. to give some background of what ive tried: Last summer I tried getting rid of them with some Meguiars ultimate compound, a meguiars foam applicator and some elbow grease. I went to town for about 5 minutes on a section of hood. I couldn't tell any difference.


I understand that I most likely need a polisher with some cutting pads, Maybe a different compound. Ive waxed, clayed and other things for my car, but when it comes to compounds im fairly clueless. I don't want to go too aggressive and make things worse, but I don't want to waste time metaphorically fighting a forest fire with a water gun.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

As for DA im either going with the Meguiars DA system, or the porter cable 7424

[Mike Phillips]

Hi 04lss

Welcome to AutogeekOnline!


:welcome:

[Mike Phillips]

Last summer I tried getting rid of them with some Meguiars ultimate compound, a meguiars foam applicator and some elbow grease.

I went to town for about 5 minutes on a section of hood.

I couldn't tell any difference.



Thank you for sharing the above.

I use to teach hand polishing techniques when I started and taught the Detailing 101 classes at Meguiar's in Irvine, California from 2002 until 2009.

After demonstrating the correct technique to work a compound by hand the majority of the people in the class would realize how impossible it is to actually remove swirls out of modern clearcoats by hand and purchase a Meguiar's polisher.

I would say,

Demonstrating how to work by hand is the best method for selling a polisher


Your experience is the norm. In fact I've been saying for years that it actually takes MORE SKILL to work by hand than it does to work by machine in the context of using simple, entry level tools like the Meguiar's or Porter Cable polishers.

So don't feel bad that you couldn't remove the swirls by hand or even improve the finish, most people can't.






I understand that I most likely need a polisher with some cutting pads,

Maybe a different compound.



The Meguiar's Ultimate Compound is actually a very good compound. You just need to step up to machine polishing.

I'd recommend taking a look at the Griot's Garage 6" DA Polisher, it offers the most power in a compact, easy to use size.








Ive waxed, clayed and other things for my car, but when it comes to compounds im fairly clueless.

I don't want to go too aggressive and make things worse, but I don't want to waste time metaphorically fighting a forest fire with a water gun.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.



You're lucky.

Millions of people are lucky. Most quality compounds today are safe to use and very effective. If you feel them between your fingers, many of them feel like Jergens hand lotion.

There are still caveman compounds on the market but most of the recognized brand names are safe choices.

I just reviewed 2 new compounds, I'll get the links. They both use great abrasive technology as does the Megs UC.


:)

[Mike Phillips]

Check these out... the products are the read deal...


Review and How-To: Gyeon Compound, Polish and Primer - 1932 Ford Roadster detailed by Mike Phillips (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions/109328-review-how-gyeon-compound-polish-primer-1932-ford-roadster-detailed-mike-phillips.html)


Jescar Correcting Compound and Micro Finishing Polish - Top Shelf Abrasive Technology (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/109104-jescar-correcting-compound-micro-finishing-polish-top-shelf-abrasive-technology.html)





:)

[Mike Phillips]

Just to note, a little bit of compound and polish history...b


I was in charge of the Mercedes-Benz project that you see on the label of Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. I normally always tape off a hodd either side to side or front to back and this one time I go crazy and tape-off the hood diagonally.


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/Mike_Phillips_Before_After.jpg


I prepped this BMW for the 2002 Bimmerfest...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/Mike_Phillips_SwirlX_Before_After.jpg


Here's that Mercedes-Benz looked like when it first arrived to the shop...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/Ultimate_Compound_Mike_Phillips_002.jpg

After....


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/Ultimate_Compound_Mike_Phillips_003.jpg


The process pictures...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Ultimate_Compound_Mike_Phillips_005.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Ultimate_Compound_Mike_Phillips_006.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Ultimate_Compound_Mike_Phillips_004.jpg





http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/medium/Ultimate_Compound_Mike_Phillips_001.jpg


UC uses SMAT or Super Micro Abrasive Technology, it's a new type of compound that works really well by hand or machine.


Half of my forum work is simply remembering stuff like this...


:)

[Mike Phillips]

Also, watch this video.

Doesn't matter what pads, products or even which orbital polisher you use.

It will show you exactly how to use a polisher.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulWXODgg8V4


:)

[Coopers ST]

I couldn't be happier with my GG6 with 5" backing plate and 5.5" BOSS pads. I like the Ultimate line, but have some Griots fast correcting cream for the next nasty car.

Good luck.

[04lss]

Thank you for sharing the above.

I use to teach hand polishing techniques when I started and taught the Detailing 101 classes at Meguiar's in Irvine, California from 2002 until 2009.

After demonstrating the correct technique to work a compound by hand the majority of the people in the class would realize how impossible it is to actually remove swirls out of modern clearcoats by hand and purchase a Meguiar's polisher.

I would say,

Demonstrating how to work by hand is the best method for selling a polisher


Your experience is the norm. In fact I've been saying for years that it actually takes MORE SKILL to work by hand than it does to work by machine in the context of using simple, entry level tools like the Meguiar's or Porter Cable polishers.

So don't feel bad that you couldn't remove the swirls by hand or even improve the finish, most people can't.





The Meguiar's Ultimate Compound is actually a very good compound. You just need to step up to machine polishing.

I'd recommend taking a look at the Griot's Garage 6" DA Polisher, it offers the most power in a compact, easy to use size.







You're lucky.

Millions of people are lucky. Most quality compounds today are safe to use and very effective. If you feel them between your fingers, many of them feel like Jergens hand lotion.

There are still caveman compounds on the market but most of the recognized brand names are safe choices.

I just reviewed 2 new compounds, I'll get the links. They both use great abrasive technology as does the Megs UC.


:)

Thanks for all the feedback, I definitely feel better now. I have a bit more hope the paint can be easily salvaged. I think I need to post a picture of the swirls.