Removing swirls in paint

[freaksavior]

Howdy AG members, I'm new here so Hi.

I've been in forums for about 7 years, mostly on techpowerup but I joined Audizine about a year ago and now here.

I have a 2007 White Audi a4. The Driver side rear quarter panel was replaced/painted so THAT is not factory paint, the rest of the car is the factory paint. Here are some nice pics --
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/freaksavior01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/freaksavior02.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/freaksavior03.jpg


The problem is that I, one day while washing it noticed a lot of very nice swirl marks in my paint. I thought it was lovely so I took a picture.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/freaksavior04.jpg

Now, I don't like this picture one bit, not one bit at all . I asked my neighbor who is really big into cars and detailing and he did this

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/freaksavior05.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/freaksavior06.jpg


So I come to you seeking your advice on what products to get.

I've been reading alot and so far it looks like m105/205 is a popular choice and so is the wolf pack twin step. I found this on ag
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/autogeek/flowchart.jpg

So this gives me an idea of the overal process

Initially I was told to buy this --
http://detailersdomain.com/carcarepr.../PC7424XP.html (http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/porter_cable/PC7424XP.html)
http://detailersdomain.com/carcarepr...werFinish.html (http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/menzerna_compounds_polishes/MenzernaPowerFinish.html) (16 oz)
http://detailersdomain.com/carcarepr...raPO106FA.html (http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/menzerna_compounds_polishes/MenzeraPO106FA.html) (16 oz.)
http://detailersdomain.com/carcarepr...ngFoamPad.html (http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/uber_car_care/UberCompoundCuttingFoamPad.html) (4)
http://detailersdomain.com/carcarepr...mPadGreen.html (http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/uber_car_care/UberFoamPadGreen.html) (4)
http://detailersdomain.com/carcarepr...amPadBlue.html (http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/uber_car_care/UberFoamPadBlue.html) (2)
http://www.detailedimage.com/Meguiar...P513/32-oz-S2/

Thoughts on these products?

Then I was told to get this DA instead Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-orbital-polisher.html)

So basically im lost on what to get and the overal steps I need to do to create a shine that's going to knock the socks off everyone.
There are more places on the car that need repaired, some of it is probably able to come out with some sanding and i'll post pictures of every spot I can find if that helps.

So again, i'm new so try not to flame me to much. :) Feed back please

Also, I tried to judge accordingly but I am not sure if I posted this in the right area so please move if it's not.

edit: just searched a bit more and I will definetly be reading over http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html once I get home as youtube is blocked at my job. :(

[Mike Phillips]

Removing swirls is just a matter of abrading the paint in order to level it until it's as close to perfectly flat as possible as swirls are simply scratches in the paint.

DA Polisher were well for this especially for anyone new to machine polishing because it's pretty hard to cause any damage with a DA Polisher as long as you use good quality pads, products and of course technique.

The links you included go to a site that competes with the Autogeek.net store site and we generally post answers to help people and also help support the Autogeek store instead of a competing store. I didn't look at the links but I'm sure they go to similar products found on Autogeek.net


If you want to remove the swirls then you can do it with either the Griot's or the Porter Cable DA Polishers, they are the same "type" of tool. The Porter Cable is the original DA Polisher for polishing paint, pretty much everything else is a copy of it. The Griot's does have a lot more power, I describe it as a safe version of a rotary buffer as you can't really stop the pad from rotating using common sense pressure. This is an advantage as removing swirls means removing paint and paint is best removed when the pad is rotating, not just vibrating against the paint.


I typed out a very lengthy reply to another new forum member that goes over just about everything involved and everything you'll want to do to buff out your car regardless of which tool, pad and chemical line you purchase. So instead of re-typing a long reply I'll just post the link to the thread...

How to approach buffing out your car for the first time (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/36242-new-detailing-my-plan-attack-good-one.html)


Also, since this was your first post to our forum...

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:

Your pictures are so huge it makes it really hard to read and reply to your thread

A good rule of thum for sharing pictures on forums is to resize them to 800 pixels wide.


This is 800 pixels wide.

The Free Floating Spindle Bearing Assembly - The Story Behind The Story... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23995-free-rotating-spindle-assembly-story-behind-story.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/740/FreeRotatingSpindleAssemblies001.jpg


:)

[freaksavior]

Thanks mike, i will read over this information and edit the pictures.
It may be pre-mature of a question to ask but the recommended products right now are
Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover
Wolfgang Finishing Glaze
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
Are the pads I listed adequate ?

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks mike, i will read over this information and edit the pictures.
It may be pre-mature of a question to ask but the recommended products right now are
Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover
Wolfgang Finishing Glaze
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
Are the pads I listed adequate ?

Those pads will work fine. One of them listed is a foam cutting pad and it's a good idea to test the least aggressive pad and/or product to get the job done.

So for example, if a polishing pad with the Total Swirl Remover will remove the swirls then you'll end up finishing out nicer (normally), than to start with a cutting pad.

In the link I provided you above it talks about doing a Test Spot as this will guide you as to which pad to use.

The Wolfgang products work really well, read what others have said after posting a question like yours, getting information from the forum and then going out into their garage and buffing out their cars...

Success Stories


How To Remove Horrible Rotary Buffer Swirl Marks out of a 350Z using the Wolfgang Twins (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/21413-horrible-swirl-marks.html)

Proof You Can Do It! - Joe The Detailer - Black Porsche Turned into Black Pearl! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/25226-proof-you-can-do-joe-detailer-black-porsche-turned-into-black-pearl.html)

Lessons I learned from a Black 2009 BMW 550i (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/33599-lessons-i-learned-black-2009-bmw-550i.html)

New - Wolfgang Twins (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wolfgang-car-care/34641-wolfgang-twins.html)



Lots of articles on my article list, see my Sig Line


:)

[HeavyMetal]

I understand your confusion. Everyone has their favorite products and I'm no exception. I chose the PC XP over the Griot's because of Mike's comment that the build quality is a bit higher. I'll take build quality over power any day, but that's just me. So for the polisher, pick your poison. Which do YOU like better - more power or higher quality?

As most here know, I am an unapologetic Wolfgang fan. I find the WG Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze very easy to use. I have never had any of the dusting, caking, build-up or removal problems some have had with other brands. As to what it will do, a pic is worth a thousand words, so here's some reflection shots of my wife's 2011 black Lexus:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/uploads/31375/lexus2.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/uploads/31375/lexus7.JPG

When you can clearly see colors in a black car, that's a pretty good indication of a nice mirror finish. The hood will show the sky as a dark blue.

I can tell you that it was a bear to do because black shows every little hairline. White may be easier. Take your time and do no more than a 2 x 2 area at a time. I'd really recommend washing the day before you polish and then using the extra time the next day to develop your process. I used TSR with a Lake Country 5.5" orange pad at speed 6 follwed by FG with a white pad at 4.8. I found that Lexus paint is extremely sensitve to speed with both TSR and FG. Speed 6 using TSR/orange will cause some slight marring, but if you go much slower, it won't get the heaviest hairlines or swirls. For the FG/white, I can't go more or much less than around 4.8 (a click or two below 5). Too slow and I don't get out the last of the defects and I don't get the mirror, too fast and I get marring. You may find the same, so be prepared to fool a bit with speeds. Make sure you clean your pads after every panel or switch to a new pad.

Hope that helps.

[freaksavior]

HeavyMetal, looks nice but how was the paint before? Since you have a rather new car, I would assume the paint was already in pretty good condition.

I read over all the links and the article (about 8 links/articles) and the one about white paint (you dont' like white appearently)

So in conclusion, I think Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424 Swirl-Free Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-porter-cable-swirl-remover.html) is going to be my best (comment/feedback please). It seems to be everything i need wrapped up all in one package. woflgang seems to be pretty popular for swirl correction.
Probably get an extra set of pads ( I think that would be a good idea? asking a question, not stating.)
Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html) and then some microfiber (not sure what the difference is in them but popularity search shows these) Cobra Supreme 530 Microfiber Towel 3 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-supreme-buff-microfiber-towel-3pack.html)

[HeavyMetal]

HeavyMetal, looks nice but how was the paint before? Since you have a rather new car, I would assume the paint was already in pretty good condition.

I read over all the links and the article (about 8 links/articles) and the one about white paint (you dont' like white appearently)

So in conclusion, I think Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424 Swirl-Free Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-porter-cable-swirl-remover.html) is going to be my best (comment/feedback please). It seems to be everything i need wrapped up all in one package. woflgang seems to be pretty popular for swirl correction.
Probably get an extra set of pads ( I think that would be a good idea? asking a question, not stating.)
Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-ccs-pack1.html) and then some microfiber (not sure what the difference is in them but popularity search shows these) Cobra Supreme 530 Microfiber Towel 3 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-supreme-buff-microfiber-towel-3pack.html)

The paint wasn't too bad UNTIL my wife took it in for the free oil change and they washed it even though I told them not to. Of course 6 months of driving didn't help either so it had a fair amount of swirls and hairlines.

The swirl-free kit should work. I'd sub 5.5" flat pads for the 6.5 CCS. The PC does not do well with 6.5" pads and most here prefer the flat over CCS. I bought an extra set of pads - didn't need them. I use Mike P's "clean-on-the-fly" technique to keep the pads clean. I mostly use Wally World towels so can't comment on the Cobra's. I do have a few large name brand (not Cobra) drying towels.

I neither like nor dislike white. I don't have a white car so I don't know what the process will be for a white car.

[alfadub]

HeavyMetal,
Could you please describe (or provide a link) the "clean-on-the-fly" technique to keep the pads clean?
Thanks!

[Mike Phillips]

HeavyMetal,
Could you please describe (or provide a link) the "clean-on-the-fly" technique to keep the pads clean?
Thanks!

You can find the "How to clean your pad on the fly" article in my list of articles (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html), the link is in my signature line.

Pad Cleaning

Why it's important to clean your pads often... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/28755-why-s-important-clean-your-pads-often.html)

Cleaning Pads with the Flex 3401 and the Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-tools-accessories/20713-cleaning-pads-flex-3401-grit-guard-universal-pad-washer.html)

How to clean your foam pad on the fly (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20135-how-clean-your-foam-pad-fly.html) <-- this one

How to adjust the Pad Cleaning Plate in the System 2000 Pad Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/wool-foam-buffing-pads/22460-how-adjust-pad-cleaning-plate-system-2000-pad-washer.html)

New - Video: How to use the Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/24325-video-how-use-grit-guard-universal-pad-washer.html)




:)

[freaksavior]

Awesome, I really appreciate the help with this. I will be placing an order in the next week or two. In the meant time here is what I am "hoping" to correct.
Not going to resize the images but i'll post a thumbnail instead

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/th_clearcoat.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi&#37;20A4/?action=view&current=clearcoat.jpg)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/th_insidedoor.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/?action=view&current=insidedoor.jpg)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/th_passengerrear.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/?action=view&current=passengerrear.jpg)

That is the goal to correct and then the swirls in the paint.

[freaksavior]

I was hoping to edit this and not have to post a new reply. I dislike this feature of the forum. :(

My current list
Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover Kit 3.0 -- $119.99
Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher -- $124.99
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish 8 oz. -- $8.99
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 8 oz. New D.A. Version -- $8.99
Dual Action 5 Inch HD Backing Plate --$18.99
Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Pads 6 Pack $32.99
Pad 1 : Orange
Pad 2 : White
Pad 3 : Gray
Pad 4 : Blue
Pad 5 : Red
Pad 6 : Red
then i'll get some microfibers

[freaksavior]

Man I wish I could edit posts
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/th_IMG_1381.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi&#37;20A4/?action=view&current=IMG_1381.jpg)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/th_IMG_1382.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/?action=view&current=IMG_1382.jpg)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/th_IMG_1383.jpg (http://s99.photobucket.com/albums/l294/freaksavior/Audi%20A4/?action=view&current=IMG_1383.jpg)

Keep in mind the water is not damage, it's simple from the much needed rain Cypress/Houston needed and the car hasn't been wiped down/washed since.