Topic: Swirls

[1TSX]

So the weather has been warming up lately...which means car cleaning time!

After a quick wash at the Coin Op car wash (not warm enough for hand washing yet...), we noticed many swirls in the TSX's paint (black, 2004), especially on the hood. We bought the car back in December, so we haven't touched it with any type of cloth yet.

However, we believe its caused by the snow brush we use to clear off the snow (the car is parked outside).

We will give the car a hand wash and WAX, but are there any more steps we should take to make the paint look like new? We use microfibre cloths from Costco to apply wax and to wash the car. I was thinking of Meguiar's 3 step system; Cleaning Wax, Polish then Wax.

Black is such a PITA to take care of. But looks great when clean.

Any tips are welcome.

[carcrazy]

I'm in the same boat. I was thinking Meguiar's X-Scratch, but I don't know anything about it or other similar product.

[tortoise]

Don't have high expectations for Scratch-X.   Maybe after several vigorous applications you'll see a result, but even then.

As far as I know the only way to remove swirl marks is to

1) Take it to a professional detailer where they will buff it out with a power buffer.  You could do this yourself, but run the risk of doing sifnificant damage to your paints finish.

2) Take 5 steps back.

[carcrazy]

I may take #2 as I'm sure they will come back next year.

[tortoise]

A good coating of wax should be enough to make them less visible.  They'll return once the wax wears off, but applying another coat is cheaper than taking it to a professional.

[1TSX]

I guess I should have updated this thread.

On Friday, we washed and waxed both the Odyssey and TSX. We used a product called Diamond Kote Paint Restorer.

http://www.diamondkote.com/default.htm

It removed MOST of the swirls on the TSX, but there are still some that are visible (I guess thats what you get with a black car). We could have done a cleaner wax, polish and wax...but those products are abrasive, and it is time consuming.

I should have taken pictures after the wax....but damn they look good! 

[G]

Yup, most snow brushes are killer on paint, but there may be more reasons for your swirl marks.

Check out this site for more info than you likely want to know. Happy reading. 
www.autopia.org