Just got my car back from the body shop. The front and rear bumpers were replaced do to minor accidents. They did a beautful job with the paint and blending. But after the first wash I noticed today that there is significant swirlls left by the orbital where they faded in the bumpers. Also a slight dull fogginess that looks almost like an oxidized gelcoat on a boat. Only noticeable in the shade of the dim setting sun.

I have always kept my car free of swirls and only polished waxed etc by hand. I had time to use some paint cleaner (regular meguiars) today and it took the slight dullness and swirls away. How do I know if I am just filling the swirls or removing them? Do I need something more professional? What do you recommend? Thanks.

 

if you have swirls than paint cleaner will not fix them, you need a da polisher and some polish.

 

Something else to keep in mind is if you wipe the area you used the "cleaner" on with IPA (rubbing alcohol)/water 50/50 mix it will remove any fillers and you can see how the paint really looks.

 

You will need a machine to remove those swirls

 

Problem: Swirls
Solution: 7424 XP, Optimum Hyper Polish Spray, Orange, White, Red 5.5" Erasure Pads. Follow up with your sealant of choice.

 

Thanks for the info. What do you think about Adams swirl and haze remover over op?

 

OP? You suggesting using it "after" Optimum Hyper Spray?

 

No, in place of. The swirls aren't bad. I'm anal about my paint. But I am also not experienced with and orbital on a car. I am however experienced with a rotary on a boat (gelcoat).

 

A PC is pretty forgiving .. I would use that before the rotary on the car. As for the Adams .. dunno. But I knoe Patrick would suggest what he knows will work.

 

John, whats in your arsenal now?

 

The PC would be my choice if i decide to buy one. I think a light polish would be fine since the paint is pretty soft, and not too bad. I take it the optimum is a light or less abrasive polish?

 

Nothing able to tackle a paint correction job. I would have to buy the pc, pads, polish and sealant. And maybe a light, since my garage has terrible lighting. It's gonna be pricey.

 

John, one thing for certain is your not going to get any swirls out unless youve got Popeye arms, or a PC......

 

where are you located? maybe one of us can help you or you may just have to shell out and take it to a detailer to get it corrected for you...

 

I'm in the boston area. The only thing I would need help with are the supplies, since the only thing holding me back right now is shelling out a few hundred on hardware and software. The process itself doesn't look that hard. Like I said, I have experience with a much more powerful rotary buffer (Dewalt).

 

Do you have a rotary still? I use a Makita. That way you wouldn't have to buy a PC and you could just get a backing plate and pads, people make rotaries out to be hard to use, but it's actually much easier than they make it seem. As long as you read up and tape any trim you'll be fine.

 

This is one of the funniest posts ever!

 

Yes, but I have only used it on a boat. I wouldn't feel comfortable using it on my car. It's very powerful, even on the lowest setting.