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General => Detailing => Topic started by: baggiemad on 09 September 2012, 18:01

Title: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: baggiemad on 09 September 2012, 18:01
Hoping for some help with this one, have spent two weekends trying to remove swirl/scratch marks on my Tornado Red MK4 Golf. Have been recommnded Meguiars Swirl X, it leaves great reflections and is easy to remove but sadly the swirls still remain  :sad:

I dont posses a electric polisher, so its been hard graft by hand, can anyone recommend a product which is designed for hand use to remove these swirls?

I can try and take pics if it helps..
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: Dan J on 09 September 2012, 19:45
Your not going to get the finish you want unless you machine it, hand polishing as you have discovered will only get you so far, technique is key with hand polishing but you'll never get the finish right without machining,

If machining or getting it machined isn't an option then I'd suggest glazing it after you are semi happy with the finish after polishing, it will mask the fine swirls a bit.
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: Mr Blue on 09 September 2012, 23:01
You could make more marks and scratches by hand. A machine will break down the polishes properly.

May be better off masking the scraches and swirls. SRP or AutoFinesse tripple is a good one.
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: baggiemad on 10 September 2012, 19:25
Had a feeling that might be the case, i guess i will have to start saving for a machine polisher..
Never used one before so will be a tough learning curve but hopefully the results will be worth it!

I'm sure i will be back with a couple more questions when i get one  :wink:
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: Mr Blue on 10 September 2012, 19:30
Start off with a dual action polisher. DAS6 Pro is popular and its easy to use. You simply cannot burn through the paint with a DA polisher on factory paints.

The hardest and expensive bit is finding the right compounds and pads.

Waxamomo should be able to sort you a package i'm sure!

Once you start machine polishing you wont look back.   :smiley:
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: Cadde GTI Turbo on 15 September 2012, 10:06
I brought one of the 8" electric polishers for about £20 off ebay DO NOT USE THEM!!! no good for removing swill marks  :angry:

You can got the pro ones for about £45 off ebay, saving my ££ for one 
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: baggiemad on 15 September 2012, 17:07
i'm looking at this one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150505583111?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

any reviews?

looks great value, i dont have the budget for the very expensive machine polishers, meguiars etc
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: gm8 on 15 September 2012, 17:10
thats a rotary, different from a d/a but will yield great results. But maybe get a test panel to practice technique first
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: Mr Blue on 18 September 2012, 22:34
Silverline is a heavy rotary.
I would save up for a DA or you might end up burning through that paint!
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: Guy on 18 September 2012, 23:11
if you're beginning to machine polish and its only for the occasional car then I would suggest getting a DA.. its safer and easier to master, yes it does take a little longer but its worth it  :smiley:

as said, the DAS-6 Pro is a great machine... good balance and comfortable to use
Title: Re: Struggling removing swirl marks, what next?
Post by: MonkeyP on 19 September 2012, 11:13
You can get a DAS6 Pro for £100 from clean your car.

Take into account tho that you would need to get a 3" backing plate (for the bumpers and pillars) and pads to suit which can add another £40 on top.