It's inevitable.

[KSC]

Trust me when I say I spare no expense when it comes to car care supplies.

• 2 Bucket method with Gritguards
• Griots Heavy Duty Wheel Cleaner
• Griots Microfiber Wash Pad
• [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Class-Shampoo-Conditioner-64oz/dp/B0009IQXFO"]Mequiars Gold Shampoo[/ame]
• Ridiculoasly overpriced drying towell

Yet no matter what I do, I just can't avoid some kind of swirls. I wash half a panel, per side, of a clean mitt, squeeze, rinse, squeeze, rinse, squeeze, then back into the wash bucket, repeat. I don't agitate the water to stir up any particles. I make straight line passes. I fill the 5 gallon buckets to the top and never let the mitt sink below the middle of the waterline. I let the water sheet 80% off the car and I use the towel to dab the excess water off. I never, ever, ever, use circular motions, and yet, no matter what I do...


The only thing I could possible improve is getting a foam gun, water filter, and a leaf blower/dryer, but I just haven't gotten around to it.



Next weekend I'll be doing my first full detail which includes, Iron X, clay, Blackfire Wet Diamond, and Colonite 845. The later which will be applied using foam applicators and removed withPakshak Microfibers. I'm almost afraid to even bother.


The only consolation I have, other than the fact that I'm sure most of these swirls are from dealer washes prior to my owning it, is that it seems every other daily driver on the planet seems to be much, much worse than mine. I always make it a point to scan a row of cars sitting in the sun to see how terribly they are maintained, and sure enough, everything from Audi's to Volkswagons look like ass when inspected up close. I was going to get a paint correction done just after purchasing, but my wallet took such a huge hit that month due to buying two cars, rent, and a bunch of other stuff all at once, I put it off. Now, I'm not really sure I should bother if it's just gonna happen all over again. Might as well accumulate a few more swirls and get a clean slate when I just can't take it anymore.

[eikond]

I'm right there with you.. I've been super anal about how I wash the car and how I take care of it.. and I still have swirls.

It's pretty much impossible to avoid. You just have to try to keep them to a minimum.

[russv]

Heve you tried a glaze such as Meguiars show car glaze #7? I used this on my red Mini Cooper with a good sealant and it kept the swirls away.

[tmcmullins]

Originally Posted by russv

Heve you tried a glaze such as Meguiars show car glaze #7? I used this on my red Mini Cooper with a good sealant and it kept the swirls away.

I was thinking along the same lines. The first time I washed my frs I did the 3 bucket method and after that applied 3 coats of wax. I wax it after every other wash and no swirls yet (knock on wood).

[KSC]

I've basically kept from touching it as little as possible until I got the correction done, but now that I'm second guessing the expense, I'm about to do a full detail myself.

I've only washed the car 4 times, the majority of swirls are from being on the dealer lot, as anything I put on there would be straight lines. I didn't order my car, so I wasn't fortunate enough to get it with all the plastics in. Who knows how many times some dirty brush rakes across it. Still, my last car (black no less) was riddled with my own swirls and I waxed that bitch like crazy.

Maybe I will get the correction, put down the sealant and wax, then I'll know for sure if it's me who's doing the damage.

[Greg Nichols]

Originally Posted by russv

Heve you tried a glaze such as Meguiars show car glaze #7? I used this on my red Mini Cooper with a good sealant and it kept the swirls away.

This doesn't KEEP the swirls away it HIDES them for a short period of time. On newier car paint systems I would find a more duriable glaze if you are into hiding the swirls.

Cheers,
GREG

[Greg Nichols]

Sometimes the swirls show up because they were hidden with glazes that fill in the marring. As you wash the car these fall out and the marring starts showing again. Granted even the most careful washer can pick up some stray materials that can mar the paint, it appears you are doing the process as correctly as possible.

Cheers,
GREG

[whaap]

I can't help but be reminded of a personalized license plate a friend of mine had on his Bimmer back in San Diego - jusacar

[gatorbushmen]

Whiteout barely shows swirls!

[Greg Nichols]

Originally Posted by whaap

I can't help but be reminded of a personalized license plate a friend of mine had on his Bimmer back in San Diego - jusacar

If he truly thought it was only a car, he wouldn't own a BMW..........

:happy0180:
GREG

[radroach]

Believe me, I think GBS is the hardest color to keep looking perfectly clean, it often looks half-dirty from all the pollen and I almost wash mine twice a week.

After paint correction (meguiar's microfiber DA correction system), I still get light swirls from washing but I deal with it because the car looks so fresh anyway. I recommend trying Meguiar's ultimate wax, it seems to have fillers that hide a lot of scratches.

Really you just have to live with the fact that anything will scratch the cc, just try not to show too much displeasure when somebody accidentally rubs your car the wrong way, be respectful and patient with kids and dogs who don't know any better, and don't show any emotion when a small branch falls on your hood.

[tmcmullins]

Op, i know how u feel. I don't think it's your fault but jus one of those things that jus happens regardless. If i were u i would go with the paint correction when finances allow. At least you will have peace of mind with a fresh start. Also, what are your thought about opticoat?

[suaveflooder]

Originally Posted by whaap

I can't help but be reminded of a personalized license plate a friend of mine had on his Bimmer back in San Diego - jusacar

This. Best advice anyone can give you.

[Perfections]

I've said it before and will say it again, the trick to preventing swirls is to get the dirt off before you ever wash the car with your wash media. Get a pressure washer, 1500psi cheap karcher is fine. Hit it with a foam cannon, let dwell 3-5 minutes and the pressure wash that off. You'll be amazed at how clean your media stays while washing the car.

Then if you want to HIDE NOT PREVENT swirls apply a glaze with fillers. Personally I like prima banana gloss or poorboys blackhole. Both only last a little over a month in durability.