light question

[guess23959]

hi guys. i have a black grand prix 2dr and i notice lots of people are using odd lights to highlight swirls and imprefections? why not just use the sun on a bright day or just a regular flash light? is there a uv/bright bulb difference or is there a preference?

[alko]

The reason you'll see someone trying to "find" swirls in the paint is because we're getting ready to polish or correct the paint, to remove the swirls and imperfections in the paint. Some of us use Halogen lamps that show the imperfections. Alot of others use "sun guns" or "swirl finder lights." You will see us out of the sun, mainly in garages or under car ports because you shouldn't detail a vehicle in direct sun light. We also check our work to make sure we are correcting the finish.

AG sells different sun guns and swirl finders here:
Auto Detailing Supplies: quality detailing tools & auto detailing equipment (http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtools.html)

I have a set of these:
Shop Utilitech 1000-Watt Halogen Stand Work Light at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_320775-337-TQS1000QDUT_0__?productId=3179077&Ntt=shop+light&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dshop%2Blight&facetInfo=)

[jbrown287]

Plus this is like any other hobby. Its was something to buy and a tool in the drawer. Well it is for me anyway.

[guess23959]

so whats the difference between this and a high intensity light. i have my dads back when he was a cop and that thing is quite bright and he has the interchangable led lense.

[jbrown287]

Unless it is a surefire or that type light you wont get the intesity out of it like a dedicated swirl finder. Most that I have seen have dual bulbs. I would actually like to see if a led light would pick the swirls up. I wouldnt see why it wouldnt you just need to make sure you are putting out a good deal of lumens.

[guess23959]

this is a light thats like 17" long (i think). either that or i can use one of them camping style spot lights i have that have that big square battery. i guess the only way for me to know is to take what i have and shine them to the car and if i see swirls then there it is... my dad was laughing at me cause he saw me outside with the flash light and it was a sunny day. i told him "laugh all you want, my car isnt going to have any swirls you watch."

[jbrown287]

One of those huge maglites may work but I think the spot light would be your best bet. Wait till dusk then go out and blast it.

[garcin]

I just bought a 1200 watt halogen light with twin bulbs 600 watts each at home depot for 48.97I. Works great but it does get hottt.

[guess23959]

i will try. i mean i dont need 100% of it gone i just want an improvement and the paint to pop. thx guys i will post pix on how everything went.

[alko]

I just bought a 1200 watt halogen light with twin bulbs 600 watts each at home depot for 48.97I. Works great but it does get hottt.

The set that I have you can remove the lights from the tripod...I don't know how many times i've burned myself with that thing. I've only used mine for two big detailing jobs and one time to paint a room inside my house. Granted I've used them for long periods of time. Either way I wouldn't detail them without it.