You mean from a high-speed rotary polisher?? Like what the body shops use?? I can't imagine one of the low-speed buffers causing swirl marks unless the paint surface was dirty or the pad was dirty. The high-speed units are taboo unless you're a pro, and even then most of the body shop's work I've seen leaves polish marks. The low speed units, like from Sears, are safe enough to put your bare hand on. This is the type I use.... a 10" unit with a 2" foam pad that a terry cloth bonnet attaches to. They are very easy to use and almost impossible to cause damage.

Yes, clean the car with Dawn or Simple Green to remove as much filth chemically as you can, without risk of hurting the clear coat. If you find any tree sap, bugs, etc, use the Clay bar properly lubricated. If you use contaminated Clay Bar (like after it was dropped on the ground), you can cause damage, but I've never seen Clay Bar hurt a clean paint finish.

To remove swirl marks, I've had very good success for many years using Mequiar's #9 Swirl Remover. Apply with a low speed buffer on a clean car. You might have to apply twice if the swirl's are deep. If you can feel them with your fingernail, you'll probably need professional work done, or you could try to mask them with something like Zaino Z5. Just did the wife's car last night to fix what mess the body shop left. Looks great, even under flourescent lamps.

The #9 stuff is a very light cut polish. Personally, I would never try a medium or high cut compound, as you could do more harm than good. If the damage is too severe, I would seek out a reputable car detailer that other Corvette owners in your area have used and can recommend.

 

 

Well, exactly how do you really know whether the clear coat is damaged or not?

Yours doesn't talk to you does it? Best,

mtv

 

MTV: What exactly do you want - my warranty or something? Is there a problem if so, spell it out and don't beat around the bush.