Swirls and Micro-scratches Inevitable?

[Mariner]

Detailing is my hobby so both the 4Runner and Camaro are spotless all the time. Well almost. The 4Runner is still dirty from trail riding yesterday. However with that being said, I ceramic coated both my vehicles so they’re super easy to clean, and swirls are a thing of the past.

 

[BrianSD_42]

They told me that it's inevitable, especially with the soft water-based paint everybody uses now. They did a two step on mine with an orbital buffer using cleaner wax then regular wax. It made a big difference.

They told me to keep it washed frequently and waxed every 90 days.

Water based paint?

I thought that was only at aftermarket body shops, not a the factory. Isn't the factory paint process a completely different animal and also still petroleum based paint.

 

[renau001]

Detailing is my hobby so both the 4Runner and Camaro are spotless all the time. Well almost. The 4Runner is still dirty from trail riding yesterday. However with that being said, I ceramic coated both my vehicles so they’re super easy to clean, and swirls are a thing of the past.

What type of ceramic coating? Worth it?

 

[Mariner]

What type of ceramic coating? Worth it?

CQuartz. And yes, because I did all the work myself. Having a pro do it costs big money. But with it coated, not only is it incredibly hydrophobic, but it’s difficult for sand or dirt to stick to it as well.

 

[Signess]

CQuartz. And yes, because I did all the work myself. Having a pro do it costs big money. But with it coated, not only is it incredibly hydrophobic, but it’s difficult for sand or dirt to stick to it as well.

Do you have to clay bar it before applying, or is a good wash sufficient?

 

[Inv4drZm]

CQuartz. And yes, because I did all the work myself. Having a pro do it costs big money. But with it coated, not only is it incredibly hydrophobic, but it’s difficult for sand or dirt to stick to it as well.

I just bought a kit of CQuartz. Can't wait to try it out, should be awesome.

 

[Hitman]

Darker colors (especially black) show swirl marks the most and light colors like white and silver do a good job at hiding them.

That said, proper washing and more importantly--drying technique can do wonders for avoiding them in the first place. And if/when you do get some, they are easy enough to polish out. My 2004 paint still looks like it did the day I drove it off the lot (and I didn't let the dealership wash it before I took it home, so no dealership-installed swirl marks on my 4Runner)

 

[Throwback]

Yeah two bucket with a clean mitt, lots of pre-wash rinsing, and then drying with a leaf-blower does a pretty good job of keeping it minimal.

 

[shrub1]

CQuartz. And yes, because I did all the work myself. Having a pro do it costs big money. But with it coated, not only is it incredibly hydrophobic, but it’s difficult for sand or dirt to stick to it as well.

Agree.
Trail dust on desert runs seems to not stick much (less the rear bumper and hatch!) once I had this done and washing is a freaking breeze.

 

[Mariner]

Do you have to clay bar it before applying, or is a good wash sufficient?

I clay barred and polished. You want to apply the coating to clean, absolutely bare paint for it to have the longevity they’re designed for. Strip wash and clay bar at absolute minimum. The coating will amplify imperfections in your paint so polishing is wise if you have a paint color that makes everything pop. The coating will only be as good as the preparation beforehand. My wife’s hyper blue metallic Camaro was brand new when I coated it, and it still took 10 hours of clay barring and polishing... the 4Runner took closer to 30. It definitely sucks lol but the benefits are great.

 

[LandCruiser]

I got scratches, dents, pitting, dings, and some rust specks here and there.

What's a micro swirl, some kind of ice cream?

 

[catrains]

Even when washing per the "two bucket method" and using either a micro-fiber or 100% cotton towel I still see straight micro-scratches and some swirling.
This is a new runner, mind you. I don't let the dealer wash it either as I am sure it would be 100x worse than it already is.
Any advice or should I just accept the inevitable?

so I am assuming you have a black vehicle .. you will have to use washing mitt that is micro fiber ..I use a high quality car wash soap.. I also use a black foam pad and 3m finishing final compound with a 6in black foam pad. adjustable speed is set to about 700 RPM.. the pressure of this buffer is very light if you push it to much it will create some swirling so light pressure ..

my 1996 has had some paint work done .. but the old 22 yr old paint looks as good as the new paint ..

I also have white vehicles .. white is easy but I do use the same method .. so the white looks very perfect and less paint stress .... with the sun creating high heat .. the black does require the high quality soap that has a wax in it to protect the paint as the high heat vaporizes the wax then the paint gets damaged from the air / pollution ..

acid washing is not good .. do not use any acid cleaners..

every few months I apply silicone to the rubber window/door parts .. this keeps the rubber soft and last a very long time.. my 96 all the rubber is with no damage as like new.. use a cloth to apply the silicone ..