So last week I polished the car after I washed it. Used Meguiars. Left giant swirl marks all over my hood because I polish the way you're supposed to - circular motion.

This time I re-did just the hood and used some 3M polish and did it just in a left/right back and forth motion (when facing the hood in the front) and wiped it off using that same motion. Came much better. No more swirl marks. I used a LOT of polish though.

Stupid stupid stupid.



Got enough polish on there?



Ugh, I'm posting this via dialup because my cable modem isn't getting like 40% of Internet sites I try to. I can't get here and I can't get to Amazon.com. Adelphia sucks. No wonder they went bankrupt.

 

Jrock,
Do you usually go side to side when waxing? If so, then you should stop. Only top to bottom for washing, drying and waxing.


back of the HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD
^
|
|
|
|
V
Front of the HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD

Use the same for the trunk and the roof.


ShawnS,
Yes for sure, ONLY vertical strokes.

 

WOW....If you ever decide to switch over to the good stuff (hint...it starts with the letter Z ) don’t EVER apply it that thick.
You will be wiping for a month and still have streaks.

Shawn S

PS....I also encourage the “Front to Back” application method.

 

You really need to look at what is causing the swirls. If you're getting swirls waxing in a CW direction, I doubt seriously that switching directions will help tremendously.

What kind of applicator pad are you using?
Has the car been washed immediately before applying the wax?
Is it possible you didn't do such a good job washing and there were still contaminents on the finish.
Are you sure the swirls weren't there before you waxed?

What 3M product did you use? It sounds like maybe you just filled the swirls.

 

I applied it sideways because the point was just to do it in a single direction instead of a circle. From now on I will make the direction front-to-back since you suggest that.

Yeah I'm hoping it filled in the swirls! So far on first inspection it looks MUCH better. Will have to check it in different light later.

I used... 3M Premium Liquid Wax 06005. Detailer at the dealer recommended it when he saw how shitty my hood was.