Need advice on Swirl Removal - Detailing Steps

[-yz-]

Over the past 6yrs or so I've had 2 new cars where I would use Klasse AIO _ SG and a wax for pretty good results every time. Now, I've got a 07 S4 w/ 60k on it and it's got Swirls, not horrible but just needed advice.

My car is the Dolphin Grey color so:

#1, should I get Natty's Red or Blue to use as the final Wax?

#2, What would you guys apply after the clay bar but before the Natty's Blue?

Thanks.

[VroomVroom]

More info needed - are you working with a machine, and if so, which one? What's in your polish and pad collection?

For now, I'll guess that you're working by hand. In that fashion, you don't want to even try to correct the finish. Instead, I'd recommend a glaze. Sticking with the Poorboys brand - another assumption - I'd use Black Hole. Mild cleaners and lots of swirl-filling oils. After that - your choice on the wax. Natty's Blue is formulated for dark colors, and would work great. Red has more oils and fillers for a VERY wet look, but it won't be as durable.

Game changer if you are working by machine and want to tackle that hard clearcoat, so I'll wait for your response....and I'm sure others will have input as well.

[OTDetailer]

Its all about the wax ! wax will make your paint look new! [>_<] j/k but a picture would help...

[-yz-]

Thanks Vroom, yea I've got a small orbital (Simoniz) and a large 8" version of it but it's just a buffer for the final wax removal. They both just have an on/off switch with no speed adjustment. They're def no porter.

Anyhow, they've taken out swirls just ok in the past on this car but I just don't know if I applied in the right order.

I have wool pads and over the counter applicators with microfiber towels but am willing to go with whatever you guys suggest.

You tell me what I'll need? I do want to try the red or blue wax this time tho as my final protection. Just want to clean up the swirls and get that wet look.

Thanks fellas.

[VroomVroom]

You've probably read all the threads, but if you're really after true paint correction....leveling the finish to remove the swirls and marring - you'll want to upgrade your hardware. Personally, I'm a PC fan - the 7424XP is a great, great tool. I use it with 4" Lake Country pads, and Meguiar's 105 & 205. Audi clear is HARD, so you can expect some time and effort, and maybe even a bump in either product or pad abrasiveness, depending on the severity of correction needed.

It's a small source of pride that not many folks notice, but there's nothing like looking at the car once you've completed a true detail. Glazes and many waxes do a wonderful job of filling and hiding light scratches, but only for a while. Good luck and have fun!

[-yz-]

Thanks again & I agree that I'll prob need to upgrade my buffer. Having said that, with what I have now & being that swirls are at a "moderate" level in the paint, what product(s) would you suggest I apply before the Blue wax? Should I be doing a Clay-Cleaner-Polish-Wax or like a Klasse AIO-Wax?

[VroomVroom]

After claying, you can certainly go with a cleaner...Poorboy's Pro Polish, Four Star UPWC...something along those lines, that can be applied by hand or by your current buffer. After that, I'd probably still go with a glaze. Trying to correct that hard clearcoat will simply be frustrating with your existing arsenal...in fact, my guess is that you'd actually create more hazing and micromarring, simply because your buffer won't be able to break down the polishing abrasives. Poorboy's Black Hole is perfect for your color, and you can top it with as many coats of Natty's Blue as you'd like.

I'd avoid the AIO products, in this case Klasse, for fear of the acrylic protectant not playing nicely with the glaze. I hope that helps...as always, filter my stupid opinions against what others have to say. :)

[-yz-]

Thanks again, last question... will the McGuiars Cleaner Wax do the trick before the Poorboy's Glaze & Wax? That's what I have currently. And what pads should i use on the orbital to apply? I may just get the Porter since I'm long overdo anyways.

[mr.booie]

this:

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-dual-action-polisher-g110.html

with this:
http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html

in my opinion is the best bang for the buck. works great!!! i can show pics if you want. gets all the swirls out. like ALL of them.

[VroomVroom]

Re: cleaner wax > glaze. I'd avoid this. By definition - and the Meg's product certainly applies - the product will leave wax behind. This means you'll be layering a glaze on top of a wax. While this is an old trick of detailers on Car Show Day, it pretty much eliminates any durability. Unless you're planning on doing actual correction work, I'd go with clay > glaze > wax. Good luck...

[ENV²]

I say get a griots orbital from Detailersdomain. Its better than the PC and get M105 and some Mazerna SIP and Finishing polish and get 8 hours of your day ready. Get a sealant and also some Einzett Glanz for that wet gorgeous shine

[-yz-]

Thanks for all the input guys... I actually just ordered the PC 7424XP so I can do something about the Swirl Marks. Having said that and having already ordered the PC, Poorboy's Black Hole and Blue Wax.... What do you all suggest I use as a Swirl Remover after the Clay Bar treatment & before the Black Hole stuff. I've got McGuiars Swirl-X already so if I can just use that and not have to spend any money then perfect.

[Black3.2]

Thanks for all the input guys... I actually just ordered the PC 7424XP so I can do something about the Swirl Marks. Having said that and having already ordered the PC, Poorboy's Black Hole and Blue Wax.... What do you all suggest I use as a Swirl Remover after the Clay Bar treatment & before the Black Hole stuff. I've got McGuiars Swirl-X already so if I can just use that and not have to spend any money then perfect.


I am a fan of Adam's Swirl remover, has always worked well for me

[-yz-]

I am a fan of Adam's Swirl remover, has always worked well for me

Yea, that seems to be the consensus with a lot of you guys. The orange remover and pad right? Is it ok to use the other Adam's pads with the Poorboy's stuff? (ie, black pad for blue wax and white pad for the black hole)?

BTW, that Junkman dude on YouTube is awesome.

[VroomVroom]

FWIW...if you're open to other than Adam's (by all means, research on the detailing forums....there are reasons some folks love the stuff, and others...like me, don't) I'm a huge fan of Meguiar's 105 & 205. 4" Lake Country pads - orange for the 105 and white for the 205. As one person mentioned above, it'll take some time...Audi's clear coat is HARD....but if your goal is true paint correction/leveling, with no oils or fillers left behind, the effort will show in the results. As always, just my two cents. Good luck...

[OTDetailer]

Good luck to you YZ! Have fun with the PC

[-yz-]

Thanks, I'll hit you all back with pics when I get around to getting all this crap done.

[DetailersDomain]

yup pics would help.

[-yz-]

Back again with a quick Q. So with the Porter 7424XP in my hand, which sized backing plate and pads do I get? I get lost with the pad sizing so I need to know what size backing plate I'll need and the sizes of the pads that go with it?

I was looking at the Lake country pads here and the Adam's pad for their product.
http://www.pinnaclewax.com/pc7424-5inch-pad-kit.html

Adam's Swirl & Haze- Adam's PC Swirl & Haze Remover & Polishing Pad
Poorboy's Black Hole - White Low Profile Polishing 5.5 inch Foam Pad
Poorboy's Blue Wax - Red Low Profile Ultrasoft Wax/Sealant 5.5 inch Foam Pad

Does that sound good enough?

[OTDetailer]

Back again with a quick Q. So with the Porter 7424XP in my hand, which sized backing plate and pads do I get? I get lost with the pad sizing so I need to know what size backing plate I'll need and the sizes of the pads that go with it?

I was looking at the Lake country pads here and the Adam's pad for their product.
http://www.pinnaclewax.com/pc7424-5inch-pad-kit.html

Adam's Swirl & Haze- Adam's PC Swirl & Haze Remover & Polishing Pad
Poorboy's Black Hole - White Low Profile Polishing 5.5 inch Foam Pad
Poorboy's Blue Wax - Red Low Profile Ultrasoft Wax/Sealant 5.5 inch Foam Pad

Does that sound good enough?


I had good luck with 5 in and 3 in backing plates. I think you're just wasting your money on those 3 combos, but try it and let me know. cause I never tried those combos.

heres my suggestion if you want swirls removed.


Meg M105 with foam cutting pad ( LC or DD ubers )
Menz powerfinish with polishing pad
Menz powerlock with wax pad


good luck

[VroomVroom]

Kinda' said this before, but if you're really looking to correct the finish, you need to fight power with power. I use a 3.5" backing plate and 4" LC pads. Orange and white should be sufficient...try yellow if you need more cut, and try red or gray if you want to apply LSP's by machine. I use Megs 105 and 205, although I'll certainly second the Menzerna recommendations for the finer polishing. Just keep in mind that if you're working in high humidity, the Powerfinish may gum up a bit.

[-yz-]

Thanks again, I took y'alls advice and got the MeGuiars 105 & 205. Also got that Adam's backing plate, orange & white pads, and some Natty's Blue.

Lastly, I don't have access to do a 2 bucket wash (because I live in condo community). I usually do the self-wash bay's at local car wash since they use warm water. I was going to wash car w soap, clay it, then run it through the bay again and towel dry. Anything wrong with that?

[VroomVroom]

If you're planning to polish right away - and assuming the water isn't too hard - feel free to skip the towel dry. Do you have a good spot to do the polishing? Condo dwellers may not appreciate the sound of a buffer for that amount of time. Good luck and have fun!

[-yz-]

If you're planning to polish right away - and assuming the water isn't too hard - feel free to skip the towel dry. Do you have a good spot to do the polishing? Condo dwellers may not appreciate the sound of a buffer for that amount of time. Good luck and have fun!

Where the wash bay's are is a huge Target parking garage. I usually just find a level (usually above the tree lines to avoid pollen and where sun/shade is 50/50)... where nobody else is parked too. They have outlets on all the pillars + if I need like extra towels or accessories I can run in real quick. I'll prob just clay it after a nice soapy wash then bring it back in for a final rinse (non sand blasting speed) to get all the loose dirt and crap that falls low on the car with the detail spray while clay'ing.

Thanks again for your help, didn't know I was doing everything wrong all these years ha. Good thing is my car isn't swirl city. 1-10, 10 being the worst it's prob like a 5.5... the 101 I'm hoping will get rid of that after a few passes.

[-yz-]

Guy's, I know I'm all over here asking questions... just trying to do it right.

I've been watching the JunkMan videos on YouTube and notice he uses 3-4 dots of swirl remover & polish on a small section at a time. That said, when I move to another section of the car do I apply more beads of swirl remover or use what's left on the pad first? Also, should one pad do the whole car or do I need to buy another orange, white, etc.?

[DetailersDomain]

if you are using the Adam's set up follow the videos.

[VroomVroom]

Those junkman videos scare me. If you're after correction, seriously, spend quality time on the big detailing forums. Lots of how-to's and articles written by pros who walk the walk.

That said...you need more than one pad. On a correction detail, even on a small car, I'll use two or three orange pads. Part of this is laziness/efficiency...it's just easier to pop on & prep a new pad than it is to keep cleaning the first one. (When I've got the buffer running, I want to maximize that time...if you're going this route, you'll be making two complete passes to correct and then jewel the finish...it'll take longer than you think, especially on Audi clear.)

[DetailersDomain]

why are you afraid of him LOL.

you really just need to tell us what you want to do.

[-yz-]

why are you afraid of him LOL.

you really just need to tell us what you want to do.

He actually makes me feel comfortable a little bit, easy to understand but can be a little over dramatic at times. I'm not trying to be a pro or spend weeks on a detailing forum. I just want the basic tools and strategy... I have the patience already to do a good enough job for me. I think those Junkman videos are right up my alley and I've watched a lot of youtube vids. But yea, i'll have to grab another set of pads. Are there any in like Sears or something I can purchase off the shelf? Was planning on detailing this weekend.

[VroomVroom]

Fair enough....I've offered all I can. I'll bow out at this point and wish you the best.

[-yz-]

Ha, I hear ya... this thread has me stressed out. I'll post pics when I'm done & of course thanks for all the tips and advice.

[DetailersDomain]

He actually makes me feel comfortable a little bit, easy to understand but can be a little over dramatic at times. I'm not trying to be a pro or spend weeks on a detailing forum. I just want the basic tools and strategy... I have the patience already to do a good enough job for me. I think those Junkman videos are right up my alley and I've watched a lot of youtube vids. But yea, i'll have to grab another set of pads. Are there any in like Sears or something I can purchase off the shelf? Was planning on detailing this weekend.

lol I hear that all the time. : )

[-yz-]

Ok, I finally got around to detailing the car and christ, you guys weren't kidding about the clear being hard as hell on these. things. I only had my 8MP android phone cam.

You can see (very slightly) some swirls here, partially I just couldn't get the right light to really expose them. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst... the hood was easily a 5-6.
http://i42.tinypic.com/1610rh5.jpg

I had to hit my test area 3 times with the McG's 105 and twice with the 205. I streamlined the process however on the other areas of the hood by using 105 on a speed setting of 6 initially, spraying mist on pad & hitting it again at 5, then 4... then I put my coat of 205 on. Speed 6 seemed to do the trick, I removed a good 80% of the swirls:
http://i42.tinypic.com/166hnnm.jpg

The roof, hood, doors and stuff we're all in pretty good shape so I was able to do it rather quickly. On the roof I only had to use 205 & the way I did the Natty's Blue at the end was I applied it by hand then smeared some on the PC (black pad) and on a speed setting of 3 simply spread it out evenly on the car. Think I did that just so I can say I used the black pad. Waited an hour and wiped off.
http://i40.tinypic.com/15oynwp.jpg

All in all, the only problems I had we're the pads got dirty quick... I used the Adam's pads and only had 2 of each color so I need to find a way to quickly clean them on the fly. I also had a hard time doing the front DTM bumper because of all the curves and frankly, it needs a re-spray anyways. Here is a run down of what I did for what it's worth, I used a drive in wash bay to do the washing btw... the coin-op ones. My only choice where I live.

Mcguiars Wheel Cleaner (did a really good job getting dirt off)
Soap/Wash
Clay bar
Another Wash
Spot checked with Clay bar
Mcguiars 105
Mcguiars 205
Natty's Blue
Mcguiars Plastix on headlights
Mcguiars Back to Black on trim (great stuff imo)

Interior to be done tomorrow. Sorry for the diagonal pic, had to fit it in. & Thanks to all here that helped out. I'm pretty happy with the job I did (began at 6:30am, finished around 3:30pm) My forearms and hands are finished ha.
http://i42.tinypic.com/28mhaqf.jpg

[VroomVroom]

Nice work...congrats! FYI #1, here's a link to one of my favorite tools:

http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-pad-brush.html

A little QD, spin the pad @ 3-4, and pretend you're a DJ with the brush. :)

FYI #2, both 105 and 205 should finish just fine @ speed 6. If you find that you need more working time with the 105, add a wee bit of 205.

[DetailersDomain]

or you can pick it up from your sponsor ; )

Meg's Foam Pad Brush (https://detailersdomain.com/Meguiars-Pad-Conditioning-Brush_p_661.html)

[VroomVroom]

^ ^ Totally my bad, Phil. I did (honest!) try to find that on your site first, but for whatever reason, nothing came up on that attempt. I just visited again, and sure enough. Strange.

[DetailersDomain]

LOL now worries at all.

[-yz-]

Thanks Vroom, yea I'll need a cleaning brush next time. Pads go to hell fast!