swirls in metallic dark grey paint

[JustLikeJames]

I have dark grey metallic paint that has been neglected and has typical spiderweb swirl marks. They aren't what I would call severe, just the typical we've all seen on daily drivers that aren't maintained as well as needed.

I'm going to wash, clay bar, _________, Klasse AIO, Klasse HSG, maybe carnauba wax.

What product should I insert in the blank to remove the swirls?

I'll be working by hand (I know, it's much harder and time consuming than DA, but I have removed isolated scratches by hand with scratch x. So it can be done, it just takes it to another level to do the entire car). A PC 7424xp will be a future purchase when I can afford it. I have a cheap 10" buffer but don't think it will be much help in the swirl removal, if at all.

Thanks

[JustLikeJames]

I should add, I would like to remove rather than fill the swirls so I don't have to repeat this step each time I detail.

Thanks

[allenk4]

Polishing an entire vehicle by hand will not only take an incredible amount of time and energy, but the end result is never as good as machine polishing

Do all of the sets you have outlined and wait to correct the defects until you can afford a Harbor Freight DA

[JustLikeJames]

One nice thing about doing it by hand is that there's almost no chance of rubbing off too much clear coat. I don't even know if that's a valid concern but just the kind of thing I worry about. I know the DAs are supposed to be safe though.

[Jdsuperbee13]

One nice thing about doing it by hand is that there's almost no chance of rubbing off too much clear coat. I don't even know if that's a valid concern but just the kind of thing I worry about. I know the DAs are supposed to be safe though.

With dual action polishers there isn't a chance of ever burning through the paint. If the pad stops spinning and starts vibrating the machine can tell too much pressure is being applied.


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[spsellars]

Maybe test it out on one panel before committing to doing the whole car? Could even decide to clay/correct/seal a different panel after each wash if it works out for you.

I have to do stuff by hand too (no outlets near the parking in my apartment), and just attempting to correct the insanely soft piano black b-pillars on my car by hand today has me second guessing trying the rest of the car that way.

Your paint will be different, so will your motivation, so it's worth a shot! I'll probably personally stick with hiding them as best I can (Bob's D156 + KSG mix somehow hides my swirls enough to not drive me insane), and attempt real correction when I can use a DA.

[JustLikeJames]

That's actually a great idea.
I don't know what to expect from the klasse twins. But if they hide the swirls well enough I can probably live with doing one panel at a time or until I get a DA.

Thanks

[Charleston]

I am going to be that person.


Don't waste your time. If you want decent results by hand, stick with a glaze and top with a LSP.

OR get the DA and begin read, watch videos and give it a try!

[JustLikeJames]

I expected ^ "that person" to show up much earlier. Lol
It's all good.
Are you saying don't even bother with the klasse AIO or just a swirl remover? It has directions for using by hand.

[The Guz]

I agree with everyone here about investing in a DA. You may enjoy this article.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...s-machine.html

Forgot to mention that KAIO is a chemical cleaner and will not do much for those swirls. If you want to pick up some products locally you could pick up Meguiar's ultimate compound and ultimate polish or your local auto parts store may carry M105/M205.

Originally Posted by JustLikeJames View Post
I should add, I would like to remove rather than fill the swirls so I don't have to repeat this step each time I detail..

That's a judgement call. It depends on how well you maintain your paint.