Results 1 to 2 of 2

Thread: Removing swirl marks on Maldives blue

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Posts
    25
    My Cars
    2004 e85 Z4 2.5i 5-spd

    Removing swirl marks on Maldives blue

    I have an 04 Z4 in Maldives blue, which looks great under no reflections. At night in parking lots with fluorescent lights, the swirl marks are super noticeable. They came on the car when I got it. I always hand wash, and when I do I don't double dip the towel into the bucket - I just grab a new towel to apply soap. They're not as noticeable during the day but you can still see them if you look at the right angles. I was wondering a few things (links to other threads are welcomed too!):

    -What DIY methods have you found effective but safe on the clear coat? I understand that the process of swirl removal basically involves polishing away the top layer of the clear coat such that the depth of the scratches is reduced all around. I would like to do as little damage as possible

    -What methods do professional detailers do, how much do they cost, and how long do they last? I'm happy to take this to a detailer to do the work if DIY is unlikely to work well or is too expensive. However, I'm worried that if I don't wax with the correct technique (see question below), I will be back at square 1 in 5-6 washes. I'm also worried that the detailer may strip down too much of the clear coat, but I'm not sure if that's a thing or how the process works. I don't want to be worse off in the long run.

    -What is proper waxing technique? Can you link to a vid showing how to not introduce swirls? I actually haven't waxed my car yet in nearly 1 year of ownership because I'm afraid of introducing more swirls. Can someone point me to a video that explains technique well?

    -What is your recommended wax and why?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    2,869
    My Cars
    2004 Z4R 06&12 Cooper S
    Maldives Blue here as well.

    My paint had severe swirls also when I first bought my car. It still has some but this is what I did.

    Note: Cutting the clearcoat is really the only way to remove swirls 100% but below is what I did and it is satisfactory to me for my street driven weekend car.

    1. Good soapy wash with detergent water. Rinse and repeat. Rinse. Be sure to rinse all road grime from under the wheel lips and door sills so the glaze and wax do not pick up dirt during those processes.
    2. While still wet claybar the entire car. Pick your favorite bar.
    3. Rinse off and thoroughly dry the paint.
    3. Glaze and wax using your favorite products. Try to use a polymer product for greater buildup to fill the minute scratches that are the swirl marks.
    4. Use a good quality detailing spray after each wash to add a minute layer of protection over and above the glaze and wax.



    Quote Originally Posted by jonnyd42 View Post
    I have an 04 Z4 in Maldives blue, which looks great under no reflections. At night in parking lots with fluorescent lights, the swirl marks are super noticeable. They came on the car when I got it. I always hand wash, and when I do I don't double dip the towel into the bucket - I just grab a new towel to apply soap. They're not as noticeable during the day but you can still see them if you look at the right angles. I was wondering a few things (links to other threads are welcomed too!):

    -What DIY methods have you found effective but safe on the clear coat? I understand that the process of swirl removal basically involves polishing away the top layer of the clear coat such that the depth of the scratches is reduced all around. I would like to do as little damage as possible

    -What methods do professional detailers do, how much do they cost, and how long do they last? I'm happy to take this to a detailer to do the work if DIY is unlikely to work well or is too expensive. However, I'm worried that if I don't wax with the correct technique (see question below), I will be back at square 1 in 5-6 washes. I'm also worried that the detailer may strip down too much of the clear coat, but I'm not sure if that's a thing or how the process works. I don't want to be worse off in the long run.

    -What is proper waxing technique? Can you link to a vid showing how to not introduce swirls? I actually haven't waxed my car yet in nearly 1 year of ownership because I'm afraid of introducing more swirls. Can someone point me to a video that explains technique well?

    -What is your recommended wax and why?
    04R 3l 6 sp VF SC, custom ducting, alphaN, 2.62 pulley, multiport WMI,Severn Tuning(Pokeybritches), Tial BPV,Ceramic header, magnaflow section 1, SS race muffler/y-pipe, megan mounts,42 design catch can, CDV delete ,custom strut bar,3.91 LSD, H&R bars, Hotchkis links.Eibach Pro Kit,Koni Yellows.Megan camber arms. Carbon interior,SSK,UUC lines.CF aero. Poly bushings.

Similar Threads

  1. Removing Swirl Marks
    By RhInO328i in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 02-02-2004, 07:56 PM
  2. how much to have a shop remove swirl marks?
    By 1995red318i in forum Car Detailing and Show & Shine Prep sponsored by Autogeek.net
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-15-2004, 09:01 AM
  3. Can pro shops remove swirl marks?
    By Drjones in forum Car Detailing and Show & Shine Prep sponsored by Autogeek.net
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-09-2003, 07:37 PM
  4. Assistance with removing swirl marks/scratches
    By NoSoup4U in forum Car Detailing and Show & Shine Prep sponsored by Autogeek.net
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-08-2003, 12:47 AM
  5. Zaino Users: to remove swirl marks
    By ///Arman in forum Car Detailing and Show & Shine Prep sponsored by Autogeek.net
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 04-01-2003, 03:58 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •