Clearcoat ?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 5
From: Newtown Square Pa.
Clearcoat ?
Swirls in the clear coat .What causes them? I'm sure most of them are from car washes and improper drying and waxing. Is the clear coat really that delicate? I am really paranoid about our new GS Cyber Gray.Our C5 was TR and always looked good even in the sunlight The wife and I both have white SUV which is very forgiving as far as showing swirl marks Thanks
BTW I never take the GS to a car wash
BTW I never take the GS to a car wash
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 8,509
Likes: 926
From: Alaska
I would guess that 95% of the swirls are caused by improper washing, drying, and waxing/polishing. Dirt trapped in the sponges during washings, using the wrong type of towels when drying, etc. It isnt that the clear coat is that delicate, it is the abrasives are that powerful. Think of wiping down your car with pieces of sand imbedded in the sponges, towels, etc.
Read every thing you can about the proper way to wash, dry, and wax/polish a car. Then you will likely decrease any potential "swirling" by about 80-90%.
Read every thing you can about the proper way to wash, dry, and wax/polish a car. Then you will likely decrease any potential "swirling" by about 80-90%.
Last edited by Snowwolfe; Mar 13, 2013 at 03:08 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Washing and drying are indeed the area where we can personally add the most care and reduce the swirls and marring introduced to paint. Its funny since the Vettes clearcoat is considered hard (to correct) yet seems to mar so easily. Its really about being careful and using the correct product at the correct time.
EX:
How many times have you seen someone dampen a shop towel to wipe off a birdie doo-doo. Doo-doo is abrasive too. So instead we need to take some time and saturate the area with a well lubricated quick detailer or rinseless wash and a very soft MF towel. Often better to blot then to wipe hard and rub that pooper across the surface.
EX:
How many times have you seen someone dampen a shop towel to wipe off a birdie doo-doo. Doo-doo is abrasive too. So instead we need to take some time and saturate the area with a well lubricated quick detailer or rinseless wash and a very soft MF towel. Often better to blot then to wipe hard and rub that pooper across the surface.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 44
From: Richmond TX
Washing and drying are indeed the area where we can personally add the most care and reduce the swirls and marring introduced to paint. Its funny since the Vettes clearcoat is considered hard (to correct) yet seems to mar so easily. Its really about being careful and using the correct product at the correct time.
EX:
How many times have you seen someone dampen a shop towel to wipe off a birdie doo-doo. Doo-doo is abrasive too. So instead we need to take some time and saturate the area with a well lubricated quick detailer or rinseless wash and a very soft MF towel. Often better to blot then to wipe hard and rub that pooper across the surface.
EX:
How many times have you seen someone dampen a shop towel to wipe off a birdie doo-doo. Doo-doo is abrasive too. So instead we need to take some time and saturate the area with a well lubricated quick detailer or rinseless wash and a very soft MF towel. Often better to blot then to wipe hard and rub that pooper across the surface.
The two bucket wash method with quality mitts and blow dry is a great first step. I have an Air Max blower to dry the car. It's on the same lines as the Air Blaster. A good quality polish/wax will also protect against future damage.
Last edited by spdkilz911; Mar 13, 2013 at 10:07 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 147
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17
The guys are spot on here. Most of the damage inflicted into a clear coat comes from improper washing.
You're on the right track...pooling rinse will save you a lot of running with a drying towel. The less you have to touch your finish, the less likely you are to create new swirls/scratches in your clear coat.
Check out this video on how we suggest to do a 2-bucket wash:
Adam's 2-Bucket Wash Video
You're on the right track...pooling rinse will save you a lot of running with a drying towel. The less you have to touch your finish, the less likely you are to create new swirls/scratches in your clear coat.
Check out this video on how we suggest to do a 2-bucket wash:
Adam's 2-Bucket Wash Video
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Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Alot of individuals have moved to a leaf blower or MasterBlaster in order to remove excess water after a wash. The key is then to spritz the paint with a detailing spray and lightly remove any spotting, preferably by blotting. Another sound advice to keep swirls down during the drying stage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 260
From: Westchester County New York
Alot of individuals have moved to a leaf blower or MasterBlaster in order to remove excess water after a wash. The key is then to spritz the paint with a detailing spray and lightly remove any spotting, preferably by blotting. Another sound advice to keep swirls down during the drying stage.
