I recently purchased a 2012 LR4 with the Buckingham Blue paint. After driving it around for a week or so I began to notice some pretty severe swirl marks. Considering the vehicle is in otherwise mint condition the culprit was likely heavy usage of an automatic car wash that used some type of brush system.
My first option was to use a buffer and a decent quality swirl remover. Keep in mind this method is designed to remove clear coat so that the swirls become level with the rest of the clear coat, so in essence you are bringing the clear coat down to the level of the deepest swirls. I had my buddy use a device to measure the clear coat thickness and we quickly determined the clear coat was just too thin to handle that type of procedure as was my wallet as the cost would have been north of $350.00. So this left me with one option, the marks need to be hidden or otherwise filled in.
Thus began a four step process which I must admit yielded great results and cost me under $100.00.
What you need and steps to take.
Step 1.
clean bucket
microfiber car sponge
dawn dish washing detergent
black trim protectant - Armour all or similar product
1 cold beer
Wash and rinse well two times. Towel dry and pull into the garage. The dawn helps remove some road grime, grease and old was residue. Apply a coat of trim protectant to all black plastic surfaces. This will ensure easy clean up of spilled or misapplied wax. Drink cold beer
Step 2.
Microfiber wax applicator pads
Wolfgang Polish enhancer or other quality paint cleaner/was remover
Microfiber towels
1 can cold beer
This step will ensure that you remove any residual wax and dirt. When applying this product keep in mind you are only using enough hand pressure to apply the product. One you apply to the entire vehicle, go back to where you started and use the microfiber towel too remove the product. Again just apply enough pressure to remove the product. If you are sweating up a storm than you are applying too much pressure, this goes for application and removal. Stubborn spots may require additional attention. When done drink cold beer.
Tip: fold the microfiber towel into quarters. Once a section feels a little wet and tacky turn to a clean section. Once you have removed the product go back over the entire car with a clean towel to remove whatever you missed. Also, more is not better, let the chemicals do the work.
Step 3.
Wolfgang deep gloss paint sealant
Microfiber applicator pads
Microfiber towels
1 can cold beer
Follow the same procedures as Step 2. The goal here is to provide a nice protective sealant on your clear coat. Again apply sparingly and don't press down too hard. The goal here is to apply a nice even coat. When you remove this particular product you will notice it come off easily and does not leave any powder like some old waxes.
Tip:Always go back over your work with a clean microfiber towel, this ensures you remove all of the product. Keep in mind you are still seeing some of the deeper swirl marks.
The product needs to rest overnight and form a nice bond to the surface so enjoy a nice cold beverage and then go find some trouble to get into.
Step 4 Day 2. Most important
Caranuba wax I use Meguires Gold Class Caranuba Plus
Microfiber applicator pad
microfiber wax applicator
2 cold beers
Apply this product and remove it the same as step 3. This is a great product because it also does not leave allot of powdery residue. This is the step where you start to fill in and hide all of the swirl marks. Generally one coat will work but you may have to apply twice. Drink first cold beer when done.
Drink second cold beer while you walk around the car admiring your handy work. This is also a good time to turn on your wife filter as she will likely be heckling you for acting like a nut job about the car.
I would encourage you to do this even if you do not have swirl marks, this is a great way to start off on the right track with a new car and really keep that paint looking showroom new for years to come. Caranuba wax needs to be applied quarterly. The paint sealant will last about 6 months. Twice a year do all 4 steps.
I waxed cars in college to make extra cash so I had the pleasure of experimenting on other peoples cars as I honed my skills. There are many ways to skin a cat but this procedure does work especially for modern cars with clear coats.
Cheers
Matt
My first option was to use a buffer and a decent quality swirl remover. Keep in mind this method is designed to remove clear coat so that the swirls become level with the rest of the clear coat, so in essence you are bringing the clear coat down to the level of the deepest swirls. I had my buddy use a device to measure the clear coat thickness and we quickly determined the clear coat was just too thin to handle that type of procedure as was my wallet as the cost would have been north of $350.00. So this left me with one option, the marks need to be hidden or otherwise filled in.
Thus began a four step process which I must admit yielded great results and cost me under $100.00.
What you need and steps to take.
Step 1.
clean bucket
microfiber car sponge
dawn dish washing detergent
black trim protectant - Armour all or similar product
1 cold beer
Wash and rinse well two times. Towel dry and pull into the garage. The dawn helps remove some road grime, grease and old was residue. Apply a coat of trim protectant to all black plastic surfaces. This will ensure easy clean up of spilled or misapplied wax. Drink cold beer
Step 2.
Microfiber wax applicator pads
Wolfgang Polish enhancer or other quality paint cleaner/was remover
Microfiber towels
1 can cold beer
This step will ensure that you remove any residual wax and dirt. When applying this product keep in mind you are only using enough hand pressure to apply the product. One you apply to the entire vehicle, go back to where you started and use the microfiber towel too remove the product. Again just apply enough pressure to remove the product. If you are sweating up a storm than you are applying too much pressure, this goes for application and removal. Stubborn spots may require additional attention. When done drink cold beer.
Tip: fold the microfiber towel into quarters. Once a section feels a little wet and tacky turn to a clean section. Once you have removed the product go back over the entire car with a clean towel to remove whatever you missed. Also, more is not better, let the chemicals do the work.
Step 3.
Wolfgang deep gloss paint sealant
Microfiber applicator pads
Microfiber towels
1 can cold beer
Follow the same procedures as Step 2. The goal here is to provide a nice protective sealant on your clear coat. Again apply sparingly and don't press down too hard. The goal here is to apply a nice even coat. When you remove this particular product you will notice it come off easily and does not leave any powder like some old waxes.
Tip:Always go back over your work with a clean microfiber towel, this ensures you remove all of the product. Keep in mind you are still seeing some of the deeper swirl marks.
The product needs to rest overnight and form a nice bond to the surface so enjoy a nice cold beverage and then go find some trouble to get into.
Step 4 Day 2. Most important
Caranuba wax I use Meguires Gold Class Caranuba Plus
Microfiber applicator pad
microfiber wax applicator
2 cold beers
Apply this product and remove it the same as step 3. This is a great product because it also does not leave allot of powdery residue. This is the step where you start to fill in and hide all of the swirl marks. Generally one coat will work but you may have to apply twice. Drink first cold beer when done.
Drink second cold beer while you walk around the car admiring your handy work. This is also a good time to turn on your wife filter as she will likely be heckling you for acting like a nut job about the car.
I would encourage you to do this even if you do not have swirl marks, this is a great way to start off on the right track with a new car and really keep that paint looking showroom new for years to come. Caranuba wax needs to be applied quarterly. The paint sealant will last about 6 months. Twice a year do all 4 steps.
I waxed cars in college to make extra cash so I had the pleasure of experimenting on other peoples cars as I honed my skills. There are many ways to skin a cat but this procedure does work especially for modern cars with clear coats.
Cheers
Matt
