Tough Swirls....Out Of Idea's

M

matt heebner

New member
Today I got to spend some quality time with my van...an onyx green 2004 Dodge Caravan SXT. The hood had some serious swirls since the day I bought it.
Today I :
Washed with Megs Gold Class Car Wash
Clayed with Mothers
Polished with....okay here's what happend. I started off with Megs #9 which wasn't really doing too much for the swirls. I removed the #9. Then I switched to #83, and really worked that with my PC and a white pad from the DAP Kit from Classic.. I have read up on all the forums, and did exactly what people have advised. I worked it till almost dry, the wiped off with a good microfiber towel. I then re-applied #9 with a clean white pad to remove any micro-marring.

I removed probably 90% of the swirls from the hood, but some are still there under direct sunlight. I am getting very frustrated. I probably worked the front clip of the van for like 3 hours. I wish I could attach some pics but the wife has the camera today. I really, really want a mirror finish on the hood. Funny thing is there are zero swirls anywhere else on the car. The roof is almost perfectly mirror-like (except for a little orange peel).

Anyone want to chime in with some additional idea's, suggestions. etc ???

Anyways I continued on with the detail doing the whole van with #9, and following up with a PC applied coat of UPP. Tomorrow coat number 2 of UPP goes on, and then possibly Megs #26 for a deep warm look. The grey-green paint is not the best reflector BUT it does look amazingly DEEP !!! (man I wish I could share some pics.)

Matt
 
I'm not to up on Megs products , I know #83 is DACP , try stepping up alittle to a SSR 2 or 2.5 or SSR 1. I dont know what the equivalent in a Megs product would be . Maybe#82 or #85 Diamond cut. Like I said I'm not very familiar with the Megs line
 
When using #83 with a PC(DACP), don't be afraid to go over the area a second time (or even 3rd time). Just be sure not to overheat the paint. Anyhow, DACP, or SSR2.5 should be able to remove any spider web marks, and many minor scratches............ it just takes time.

If I've gone to the trouble to get out the DACP, I'm going to make sure the marks are gone as far as I can see, and then finish up with #9 or SSR1 just to "make sure"! :bigups
 
3 hours is a long time to be only working on the front. What setting was the PC in?
Like boss said, I usually try and get all the imperfections out with the stronger polish and follow up with a weaker one to get rid of the marring (if any) from the previous polish.
 
What usually happens to me is the first pass takes out most of the swirls, leaving the deepest 10% behind. It's up to you how many times you want to go back over the panel again to chase the last 10%.....
 
If they are that bad, you really need to use a cutting pad and a good cutting product. DACP for as good as it is really is not made to remove heavy swirls. You can use Megs Compound Power Cleaner, then go back to SFP with a polish pad. It also may need a rotary to do it.

Once swirls are gone, step down in polish and pads and you'll do fine.

Regards,
Deanski
 
Just for clarification....I went over 2 x 2 ft. sections twice with DACP, and twice with #9. I had the PC set at 4.5, and bumped up to 5 after a even spread. Judging by some of the pictures here on DC, I would say that my swirls are not that bad. I've seen worse that were taken care of by DACP. Mine however are stubborn.
I am going to try and get the last 10% out with a few more passes of DACP, and followed by #9. Maybe I will use the DACP with a yellow pad, and #9 with a white pad and see how that works. I really don't want to go more abrasive if I can help it, especially on a 6 mo. old car.
I am on a mission now........

Thanks for the replies guys.


Matt
 
Sounds as if you were using a polishing pad. For swirl removal, use your cutting pad, let the DACP break down to powder. Once swirls are gone, switch to polish pad and #9 or SFP or PB SSR1.

I know the feeling on new car, dealership sent my new SC430 to the "Swirl Mark and Scratch Application" Dept. I told them to leave the finish "as is" but my guess is they don't listen or didn't want it to leave dirty.

Run the PC up to 6 and apply a little downward pressure. Remember, you're trying to level the clearcoat of swirls. Keep checking the work and adjust pressure and time with DACP and cutting pad accordingly. You may geet a haze from it, that's OK, once you change pads and product, finish will be nice and glossy! Another way to avoid the haze is to switch to PB SSR2.5. Tested it and removed swirls on one finish and left a nice shine! I step down in polishes, SFP, Menzerna then sealant or wax.

It takes time if you're not used to doing it. Keep at it and you'll do fine!

Regards,
Deanski
 
Hi Matt;

I'm a 'newbie' myself, but here's my $2.00 (Cdn) worth (that's $.02 US - LOL)

I've had pretty good results from SSR3 followed by SSR1 (the greatest product ever invented). The only problem I encounter is that my LC pads can't take anything over 4.5 on the PC, so I am limited to about 4.5. I use an orange pad for the SSR3 and a white pad for the SSR1 (they are nice and pink now, so I don't mistake the product LOL). I've also had good luck on a couple of really nasty scratches with SSR3 and my 'toy' Wen rotary.

The SSR3 definitely will leave a 'haze' that you will have to polish out with - TADAAAAH - SSR1.

When you are finished and admiring your work, add some SSR1 to your beer - it really kicks up the flavour.

Just kidding about the beer.

Not the SSR1 tho.

Cheers
 
Matt,

Your situation sounds a lot like what I was experiencing a few weeks ago. I was doing everything correctly but the swirls were still there when I was done. There are a lot of helpful hints from other DC members in the thread I made about it (link). What worked for me was spending a lot of time on the trouble areas, with the PC cranking away at 6, and applying a little more pressure to it on the surface. I think working at the highest speed is especially important. I, like you, used something like 4.5 the first time because it seemed "high enough", but when you put the machine to full speed you will really notice that it works significantly harder, even if numerically 4.5 is close. If you have tough swirls you should take advantage of all the PC's power because you'll need it. Taking your time is big too, remember to work in more than one pattern and pass over the entire panel you are working on more than once. Bottom line: if you get done polishing and the swirls are still there, go back at it again and see what happens. Sometimes all it needs is time.
 
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