I seem to be having a problem again with "swirlies". I am using all Zaino products and love them, Charisma towels laundered in liquid detergent, Viking wash mitt, etc. I think I am doing everything as I should so the swirls dont't become worse but they are quite apparent again. I was reading an article that mentioned the "Blackfire" line of products for dark colored cars and also noted a 3M product called Perfect-It Swirl Mark Remover for Dark Cars. Anyone ever tried either of these products and what happened? I'm a little frustrated at the moment. I'm thinking of switching to the microfiber towels and applicators. . . opinions, please??? Thanks BTW, my car is Bright Rally Red

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Rox

[This message has been edited by SSRox (edited August 07, 2002).]

 

If you are referring to circular marks seen in the paint in the suns direct reflection, that is normal all darker paint surfaces no matter how good the paint job will have those.

The 3M product is 3M Swirl Mark Remover part number 39009

The 39009 is very mild, you will not hurt the paint at all but it will of course remove the Zaino or any other wax or polish present on the paint as the 3M is an abrasive.

Here are some tips:
3M Foam Polishing Pad Glaze use By hand:
Simply apply a small amount (about the size of a quarter) to a cotton diaper or piece
of cotton towel and rub back and forth into about a 1'X 1' section using light to
medium pressure until it starts to dry out. Then take a second towel and lightly rub
back and forth until the polish residue disappears and the gloss comes up. If there
are still some swirls visible you can repeat this step until they are minimal. I prefer
using a less aggressive product a couple times instead of using a more aggressive
product once. After you have done the entire car you can Dawn wash and reapply
your favorite wax/polish or Zaino Z-1 and Z-5/Z-2.

3M Foam Polishing Pad Glaze use By orbital:

Use a 100% cotton bonnet or a foam bonnet and apply the polish in a thin lined
growing circle starting from the center and spacing the growing line about an inch
from the last round all the way to the edge. Place the bonnet flat on a panel and
activate the polisher and begin working the entire panel using light to medium
pressure. When you have worked the panel thoroughly then take a clean towel and
wipe the residue off in a back and forth motion using light pressure. Then simply
move to the next section. When the entire car is done do a Dawn wash and Zaino.




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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
Remember #3

 

You should try using the 3M Swirl Remover first. If the swirls are really bad like mine were, you may want to go over it with some 3M rubbing compound and a buffer. I did that on my hood and it looks a lot better. Not perfect but much better.

 

Hey Rox!!

Sorry to hear about your swirly problem... Since you already use Zaino, have you tried multiple coats of Z5? If the Z5 isn't helping, you'll need to work with something more aggressive. As Kevin suggests, a small amount of swirling is normal under the sun's natural light, especially on daily drivers. I've seen plenty of very high quality show car finishes with those pesky little circular swirlies. I'm not completely swirl free either, but I'd say I'm 98% to 99% there. The other 1 or 2 percent will be present regardless of what you do. And it takes a very careful eye to notice it in direct sun light, which is the way I try to keep it.

The 3M #39009 SMR is a very popular product among detailers and professionals for light swirl removing. It's a light abrasive that usually requires multiple coats to remove anything significant from the finish. The Meguiar's #9 SMR is pretty similar in abrasiveness, but I feel the Meguiar's works best by hand if that's the way you polish. The 3M seems to be made more for buffers, even though it can be used by hand too, with a lot of elbow grease.

As far as BlackFire products, I can only tell you what I know about them. They are a heavy silicone product, with very little actual polymer content for protection or durability. I personally don't feel they are able to layer, because of the presence of either abrasives or chemical cleaners, which will also strip anything already on your finish. The product does leave an impressive instant shine, but it does not last. After testing it's twin brother, Platinum, I was extremely diappointed that it stripped the Zaino from half the car, and only lasted 2 weeks to boot. However, if you don't mind applying it often, like every week or so, it will leave a nice shine, with less clarity than Zaino. I was not impressed...

Mike


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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

Hmmm, thanks for the replies, guys. I just washed it last night and the swirls are predominantly evident on the rear spoiler. I am going to go ahead this weekend and apply more Z5 and see what happens. I wanted to use the Z clay bar I got but it got too late and too dark. Now, unfortunately, I have to drive it today so I suppose I will have to rewash it before using the clay bar???? I have a nasty buildup of bugs, etc. It's not been a good summer for that poor car as I have been diagnosed with a serious illness at the end of May and haven't had the energy to properly wash, polish and protect the paint. . . my husband is not too much into car care and when he does it, it's with a heavy hand. Which reminds me, I used the Absorber for the first time last night and it did a terrific job, only had to use one towel to complete the drying process, much more kind to the paint. Again, thanks for all your help over the last year. . .
Should I completely rewash before clay bar??

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Rox

 

I would do the rewash just in case there is some fine grit that has settled on the car since the last wash. The clay might pick it up, and as you use the clay, cause fine scratches. You could do one section tonight, such as the rear hatch and rear quarter panels, and another section tomorrow. Hope you're feeling better.

 

Rox,

Really sorry to hear about your health troubles. I hope everything works out for the best and you are feeling good as new soon.

As far as claying, yeah, I'd wash just before using the clay. You could probably use some detailing spray (Z6) and a clean towel and be OK, but I would feel safest by washing first. Whichever you feel the most confident and comfortable with would be fine.

Now, get to feeling well so you can give that Vette more attention!

Mike


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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

Mike, EXCUUUSE ME?!? That 'Vette is my hubby's problem. Or sometimes mine as last night he had it in the driveway behind my SS and I accidentally dropped the hose and yep! it sprayed right inside his baby. You should have seen him jumping up and down in the driveway and screaming at me. It was quite a scene, haha, I had to run real quick and wipe it out. Oh well, **** happens, right? Thanks for the well wishes, guys, it's ironic but it was one time I was emailing you, Mike, asking for advice that I realized my vision was not right and henceforth got to spend the whole first weekend of June in the emergency room. A high price for good advice, just kidding, it probably was one thing that helped save my life. . . see all the good things you guys do for me??? Have a great rest of the summer, everyone! And I will rewash before doing anything else.

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Rox

 

It is possible that the Z-5 is filling in the old swirls and you are putting in new ones. Take a good look at your technique and supplies used. I had a Zaino newbie ask me a question yesterday about if he should rub so hard or even harder with Zaino, he was using the same technique as with a cleaner wax (abrasive) and using an old shirt. With no abrasives, there is no reason to ever rub hard with Zaino. If the supplies you use are 100% cotton, including the mitt, and you use a very light touch, minimal pressure, the Zaino will gradually fill the existing swirls in.

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Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, STB, SLP loudmouth, Direct-Flo lid with Holley filter and Mallory polished MAF ends.

Louisville, KY

 

I'm using the Viking chenille wash mitt, the Charisma towels (have a question about those later), Zaino applicator pads and I have started using the Absorber to cut down on towel drying. I use a very light touch with all the products and wash the towels and applicators after each use. However, I'm noticing that the towels still feel a bit rough. I don't know why that should be, I use liquid detergent, our water is super soft, zero grains of hardness, we had it tested when we needed a new water softener last summer. Partially dry them and shake them out later. BUT, here's my question - my applicator pads even after thorough washing, either by hand or machine, always feel hard and scratchy so I generally end up throwing them out after one or two uses. I think I might start using the Detailer's Choice apps. as they feel very soft and are inexpensive enough to discard every time. I also am condering switching to the microfiber towels for buffing as they feel much softer than even the Charisma towels. Any experience with the microfiber products? It's a real head-scratcher, this one, because I just can't see where these new "swirlies" could be coming from. I do use the California Duster but have checked it thoroughly and cannot find anything in it that shouldn't be there. I'm starting to believe that poltergeists come into the garage at night and tap dance on my car! Either that or do some ice dancing on the slick Zaino finish!


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Rox