Need help with pg swirl marks

Subscribe
Apr 27, 2009 | 07:12 PM
  #1  
Bought a used 2008 g35xs with 5k miles on it not to long ago. I guess the previous owner neglected the platinum graphite paint because he left some pretty noticeable swirl marks.

I was thinking of getting some zaino(never used before), or getting it detailed professionally.

Any imput on any products or detailing costs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 07:45 PM
  #2  
its a long process to fully get rid of the swirls. Depending on of bad it is
your gonna need
-a wash with soap to get rid of previous waxes and other stuff
-clay bar
-probably medium cut polish to remove swirls
-wax or sealant.

this is a pretty good read:
http://myg37.com/forums/car-care-and...your-ride.html
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 10:04 PM
  #3  
If you've got swirls and don't have the proper equipment, you can't remove them yourself. You either need a DA polisher or a rotary (for very experienced people only) and polishes that have abrasives in them to remove the swirls. If you don't know what you're doing, you can easily make it worse but it's hard to do with a DA.

If I were in your shoes, you can either:
1. Pay someone to have it done, then take care of it properly from that point on, or
2. Invest in a Porter Cable or Flex DA, swirl removing polishes, sealants and waxes and do it yourself. Just beware, you're going to spend an easy 200 or more to get quality equipment (or the Flex alone is that much or more) and supplies.

I did #2 for my last car, but this car was new so there weren't any of the same problems with the paint the last car had. The equipment still gets use every now and then, but I make more use of the sealants and waxes nowadays.

Good luck.
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 10:04 PM
  #4  
Deez, where you located?

Zaino is not a polish... it's a polymer sealant. It's 100% abrasive free and will never remove your swirls. Z5, however, will hide the swirls if you add enough layers.

Like Lucky said, you need a polish. Depending on the depth, a #1 or #2 polish will do the trick. Doing it by hand is a lot of work and never comes out 100% perfectly. You need a machine.
I use a Porter Cable 7424 but the Flex is nice as well, depending on your skill level and the depth of your pocket book.
If you are going to polish, you won't need to clay, unless the car hasn't been properly cleaned in a while, The clay will remove abrasive contaminants that may be in the clearcoat waiting to do more harm.
Wash with Dawn or Palmolive to remove all protective layers, clay, wash again and then dry. Tape off all trim and lights and then use an orange cutting pad and a PC with your polish.
Look for polishing vids on YouTube for advice and proper techniques or swing by my house in MA and I'll help you out.
I've taken out some nasty swirls in my day... like the one that came with my car when I took delivery... stupid idiots at my dealer did this during the prep I told them NOT to do


The dark part is a telephone pole reflection, but the swirl (known as a buffer holygram) was caused by a dirty pad and an inexperienced hack
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 10:42 PM
  #5  
I would be pissed if they left those holograms on my car at delivery
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 10:43 PM
  #6  
LOL.... I was.
I still feel bad about how I spoke to my sales guy the next day when I saw these.
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 10:46 PM
  #7  
Here's a pretty good video to give you an idea on proper technique
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 10:54 PM
  #8  
use the code "[u2b]video number[/u2b]" without quotes to embed the vid.
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 11:00 PM
  #9  
sanman and aeson are correct. you would need a PC buffer. i started with my hands for a while, just graduated to a PC7242 waiting for a good time to do my car.
Reply 0
Apr 27, 2009 | 11:00 PM
  #10  
LOL... I tried and tried, damn thing wouldn't imbed.
I remember reading somewhere that it only works in certain threads, but I couldn't remember what I read or where I read it.
I feel like such a noob
Reply 0
Apr 28, 2009 | 02:24 PM
  #11  
Be careful of some polishes, the hide rather than remove the swirl marks. I have used 3M Perfect it II followed by Finesse It II Then I use a good wax to seal the work.

I have also used Menzerna. With great success. Just keep in mind that car washes and non-microfiber towels will allow swirl marks to reappear.

Good Luck.
Reply 0
Apr 28, 2009 | 03:15 PM
  #12  
Quote: Be careful of some polishes, the hide rather than remove the swirl marks. I have used 3M Perfect it II followed by Finesse It II Then I use a good wax to seal the work.

I have also used Menzerna. With great success. Just keep in mind that car washes and non-microfiber towels will allow swirl marks to reappear.

Good Luck.
I use Menz PO85RD and love it. The gloss it leaves is wonderful. After polishing, I use Jetseal 109 with 50/50 as a lsp.
Reply 0
Apr 28, 2009 | 09:42 PM
  #13  
Thanks for all the info guys but it seems that its a bigger job than expected so ill probably get this professionally done and hope it wont cost me an arm and a leg. After researching the zaino-5 it seems it would just fill and cover the scratches and im looking to fix this not just cover it up.
I usually am pretty good with the upkeep coming from a white wrx.
Reply 0
Subscribe