Advice on Steps to Remove Swirl Marks
 

I've got swirl marks, towel scratches or whatever they are called and I want them gone. What I would like to know is the steps to remove swirls. From reading the Innovative Detailing post on the BMW, I was left wondering which steps should be taken. My swirls aren't as bad as the BMW so I'm hoping I don't have to follow ALL THE STEPS he had to follow. I’ve purchased a couple of items and have listed them below.
1. Porter Cable 7424xp & Pinnacle Light Swirl Remover Kit http://autogeek.net/xmtpocaliswr.html
2. Griot’s Garage Paint Cleaning Clay http://autogeek.net/griots-detailing-clay.html

I would recommend the following........

Porter Cable XP great choice!

1) Wash entire vehicle thoroughly
2) Clay all surfaces of your vehicle using the clay mentioned above and a clay lube
3) Test a 2 x 2 area of your vehicle using....
a) 12 oz. XMT Ultra Fine Swirl Remover #1
b) 1 CCS White 6.5 inch Polishing Pad

Apply with D/A at speed 5-6 and overlap as you go work the product in thoroughly

Remove using a clean high quality MF and check for desired results. If results are achieved then.....

4) Apply the LSP
a) 12 oz. XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze
b) 2 CCS Gray 6.5 Inch Finishing Foam Pads

If after step 3b above you still have excessive swirls, then I would try using this foam pad for step 3b
1 CCS Orange 6.5 Inch Light Cutting Pad

Using the same polish just a more aggressive foam pad. Check for desired results....If you still fail to achieve desired results, then step up to the
12 oz. XMT Fine Swirl Remover #2
with the Orange pad mentioned above.

If this is the fix, then you will do the following after

1 time around the entire vehicle with...
a) 12 oz. XMT Ultra Fine Swirl Remover #1
b) 1 CCS White 6.5 inch Polishing Pad

Apply with D/A at speed 4-5 and overlap as you go work the product in thoroughly

1 time around entire vehicle with....
a) 12 oz. XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze
b) 2 CCS Gray 6.5 Inch Finishing Foam Pads

I have never used Pinnacle products before, therefore I hope to be accurate with my RX......

It's very basic when it comes down to it.....

Just remember alway's go the least aggressive approach to start. Then work up with pad and product combinations from there. Just do not mix and match products on the pads, use only one type of product per pad.......4 small dots of product at a time will do the job

Thanks Dave, I'm going to print this and hang in on the garage wall :)

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Nice answer / write up Dave:icon_razz:

I see you're starting to generate more and more interest here with posts like these:)

Just lookin forward now to NV's post once this has been completed with a full write up incl pics of course:icon_wink:

It's going to be about a month or so since it's way too cold to wash anything.

Dave, Thank you for the "insiders advise" great write up!