While the previous owner of my car kept it in pristine condition, (as far as no rust, no fading etc.) he wasn't too careful when waxing it and left a TON of swirl marks. I want to get the car show ready for memorial day weekend, and I just wanted to know from you show guys what the absolute best product that you would use for getting rid of said swirl marks? Thanks in advance CZ28ers.

 

i have used scratch-x for light swirl marks and it worked very well

 

Scratch-X for light swirls

But if it's that bad then Zaino Z-5

I used 5 coats on my old Mitsubishi that sat for 3 years, and nobody ever knew If the car's never been taken care of, a nice wash with dish soap, and maybe a clay bar if it's really really bad Then just keep putting on coats of Z-5 till you can see you're own smile

Then a coat or two of Z-2, and it's simple maintainance from there on out

 

Well, I'll describe the condition the best I can so you can make a better recommendation.

You can only REALLY see the swirls in the reflections of artificial light, but scarcely if at all under daylight. They're in a formation as though someone rubbed a dirty rag into it in a circular motion at some point, and it spans a good 90-95% of the body. I'd post some pics sometime tomorrow showing more what I mean.

Also on a partially related note, how would one go about getting off wax residue from the corners of the emblems? I haven't been able to get it all off the whole time I've been in posession of the car, and it's starting to get on my nerves.

 

My suggestion would be go with the Zaino Z-5.... Scratch X would probably work as well in removing the swirls, but the Z-5 is going to be easier to put on over the entire car.

I use scratch-x as a more of a spot fix than overall swirl remover. The good news it sounds like only 1 or 2 coats should do the trick. I'd also recommend Z-2 to apply as top layer over the Z-5. Not required but it will really enhance the finish compared to Z-5

As to the excess wax on emblems, you can try simply scrubbing it with soappy water using a dish detergent. This is the best way to remove the wax already on the car pre Z-2. Dish detergent will strip off most waxes, so then you have a clean start for swirl removal If that doesn't take the wax off the emblems, then try Mothers Back to Black (or some other plastic cleaner).

PS Zaino doesn't leave a residue as it goes on as liquid and rubs off super easy, so the Z-5, Z-2 combo will avoid that issue after you get it off

Can't wait to see nice clean car pics

 

Hmm, so Z-5 you say? Okay, I think I can locate some. Also thanks for the advice with the wax buildup, I actually did that tonight and it looks soo much better. Oh and as for the pics...






Like I said, you can't see them unless light is hitting them directly, but that's about the worst it gets across the whole body. Only that's the issue, I have swirls pretty well everywhere.

 

Zaino Z5 or Z2 are not swirl removers. Multiple coats of any sealant or wax will simply work by hiding the fine scratches that you have.
If you actually want to remove the defects you'll need to use an abrasive polish. Some "off the shelf" products (like those mentioned from Meguiar's) will work to do this, but most polishes are best used by machine to maximize their effectiveness.
There are also specific wax remover products to help take wax from plastic and rubber trim. A good all-purpose cleaner and a small brush with some elbow grease also works well

 

Meguires #7 Show Car Glaze

 

I still say use Zaino.. Yes it's 'technically' not going to repair the issue it will solve the problem

Based on the pics I'm guessing about 3-4 coats of Z-5, but it goes on and wipes off easy

I was in the EXACT same boat and 5 years later I still get compliments on my paint. I use ONLY Zaino and wax the car about 3 times a year

PSU98: Z-5 IS a swirl remover, it WILL fill in the swirls (hence removing them). It IS NOT permanent, so you will have to re-use it every once in a while, but hey don't you have to wax the car no matter what. There is no permanent wax / polish. Not trying to be a dick, it's just you seemed to take the stand the Z-5 is not the right answer, and well it pretty much is designed for EXACTLY the issue described, and I can attest from personnel experience to it's use and success

 

I have to say that i personally wouldnt use anything other than meguiars products. i use their swirl remover first than go for their NXT tech wax 2.0. for the price and availablity of their products you cant beat-em. just check out their website and see the difference. www.meguiars.com

 

Z5 will help, but those swirls look pretty deep. I'm thinking a machine buffer with an abrasive polish will do the trick. Z5 may work after about 3-4 coats, but it many not. They do look pretty deep.

Z5 is great stuff!

 

Try the mequiars swirl x then there nxt tech wax, you want be sorry.

 

I would wetsand it and than buff it. Done it once and be done.

 

I like megs ultimate compound, use that on a DA with the megs yellow pad, then follow up with megs synthetic sealant. The shine on black is amazing.

 

This is exactly what I used on my car for swirl scratches and was absolutely impressed with the results! While the wax looked amazing for a few weeks, it wore off pretty quick. I would use Meguires over Ziano.