What did I do wrong

[joeyp3021]

I just finished claying my car and didn't have time to break out the polisher but wanted to do a test spot by hand with M205. Now all it did was put way more swirls in the paint and looks like it stained it also. What did I screw up?

[cleanmycorolla]

Did you apply some IPA mix to wipe it off? How much pressure did you use? Lots of variables.

[Wheelzntoys]

What type of applicator?

[dorkiedoode]

What did you use to apply it?

[joeyp3021]

I used a cloth applicator pad from autozone that I had left over and really didn't use much pressure at all. It was the first time using the polish and just was curious to see what it would do by hand since I'm planning on using my porter cable for the first time this weekend..now I'm really nervous about screwing up my paint if I use the polish and polisher

[joeyp3021]

Is there something wrong with my paint..it's a 95 mustang that I bought in 97 with original paint except on the hood and bumpers..i have hand waxed and washed the car since I bought it and has also never seen rain and is always garaged..I have the pc7424xp and have bought a ton of different pads..is there any combination I should try that will get me the results I have been seeing on this forum for months

[Pureshine]

Can you post a picture?

[joeyp3021]

I have been trying to post a picture but it won't let me do it..should I give the spot another shot with the polisher and see what happens

[joeyp3021]

I can try to describe what I'm seeing. First the car is black and does have swirls and some scratching even though I tried my hardest to take care of it. After applying the polish there seems to be even more swirls and hairline scratches

[BlackHawk]

a cloth applicator like that with a polish will easily scratch your paint, based on my experience with my car. I cant do anything by hand, as it will only make make my car worse. Seems to me like yours is the same. Is it single stage paint?

[c8n]

I would guess 1 of 2 things.
1. Cloth used to apply the polish. Even mf towel can be agressive when you apply pressure.
2. It was already there. Don't know when was the last time you clayed, but it is possible that the recent clay session exposed swirls and scratches that were covered by contaminants.

[joeyp3021]

I'm pretty sure 95 mustangs were basecoat clearcoat unless I'm completely wrong..I have used the same products and applicators for the last 5 years and have gotten what I thought were great results till I saw what people on here were achieving so I decided to step up and purchase a polisher and some new products but now I'm wondering if I made a mistake and should have just kept with my old ways

[joeyp3021]

There were some swirls after claying but nothing like this and anything I try its getting worse. If anyone can help me get a picture up from my iPhone u can see what I mean

[c8n]

M205 doesn't have much cut. I used to have a 97 black mustang myself and vaguely remember it being on the soft side but even at that i doubt m205 alone could have damage the paint. Even m105 would leaving behind marring but not scratches and swirls.

Was the applicator mf or terry towel material?

[Evan.J]

Ok. So hand application of M205.

How where you hold the applicator in you hand?

Did you use your entire four finger for support or did you happen to use your finger tips and apply too much pressure? That can surely cause marring and swirls.