[FlashEngineer]

I just looked at my car in the bright sunlight and I noticed some sort of different swirlmarks... or something... it's not the regular ones you see on cars that are easily visible, you have to look at a certain angle and lighting and it's very minor but plentiful...

Does anyone have this or know what this is or it's just swirl.....

[upncummr]

Sounds like it's the early stages of swirl marks.

Since the car is so new, there hasn't been much of an opportunity for the clear coat to be scratched and to have the swirl marks become clearly visible.

As the car ages and the swirl marks accumulate, they should become more noticeable under more conditions.

The swirl marks result from car washing sponges and cloths, drying towels, automatic car washes, brushing up against the car, etc.

I think the only solution is periodic buffing/polishing of the paint. Plus a good coat of wax so that the wax becomes the sacrificial layer and absorbs the punishment rather than the clear coat finish.

By the way, that's advice from an '05 STi guy. So take it for what it's worth.

Gary

[STI Sibb]

One solution to swirl marks is to:

1. Wash the car with an automotive car wash (not dish detergent unless you want to strip whatever wax is there).

2. Dry the car with 100% cotton terri cloths or a high quality microfiber. I don't trust the cheap microfibers you can buy at Walmart. They feel a little harsh.

3. Clay bar the car to remove any surface contaminants. (Meguiar's is my personal choice). Surface contaminants will introduce more swirls if you elect not to remove them.

4. Polish / Buff the car. If you don't use a polish, you will notice subtle spiderweb like marks when looking into the suns reflection. If you have some serious scratches, go ahead and use a Scratch removing agent before polishing.

5. Wax the car. Meguiar's NXT Tech wax is a good starter.

[FlashEngineer]

The thing is, I did do all of that, when I just got the car... Let me see if the camera will allow shots of it, it's very hard to see the marks, not like the typical spider web you can see easily.

[upncummr]

Originally Posted by FlashEngineer

The thing is, I did do all of that, when I just got the car... Let me see if the camera will allow shots of it, it's very hard to see the marks, not like the typical spider web you can see easily.

I would guess as part of the Pre-Delievery Inspection, the dealer had the car washed and dried for you. The sponges and cloths used were probably not brand new. The lot technician was probably more interested in getting it done quickly than getting it done right and therefore you probably have some light swirls.

When you started taking care of the car, you probably already had this small bit of accumulated damage.

You said you clayed the car upon getting it. Did you use a hand polish or a machine polisher to polish and buff after you were done claying? Did you apply wax?

In most cases you're going to need the right product and the right machine to get a near flawless job.

Check out the work and suggestions from the professional detailers on this site.

Gary

[06grip]

Look, the car is going to develop swirles in the paint if you drive it and (even occasionally) wash it... No way around it. If you can keep the vehicle in the garage and eliminate driving/washing, you’ll have show quality paint for a lifetime. That said, here is the quick and dirty on how to detail (e.g., remove the unwanted blemishes) your vehicle…

1. wash thoroughly with dish detergent,
2. clay (I recommend Meguiars clay),
3. wash with a quality car wash (I recommend Meguiars Gold Class)
4. polish (I recommend Optimum Polish for light scratches/scuffs... if additonal corrections need to be addressed PM me),
5. seal (I recommend Klass All-In-One),
6. wax (I recommend Pinnacle Souveran in the summer (a carnuba.... excellent finish but poor durability… you’ll be waxing every couple of weeks to keep the finish up) and Collintine 476S in the winter (decent finish but execllent durability… it will go 3 – 6 months easily).

Hope this helps!

[FlashEngineer]

That is what I do more or less though.. except for the last layer wax every 2 weeks.. I have Klasse and I thought that is enough to last at least 6 months...

[06grip]

Originally Posted by FlashEngineer

That is what I do more or less though.. except for the last layer wax every 2 weeks.. I have Klasse and I thought that is enough to last at least 6 months...

AIO should see 6 months of coverage... how are you applying it? I've found that using a Porter-Cable at a medium speed (e.g., setting 3 on the PC) with a moderately damp finishing pad works best for my OBP.

[FlashEngineer]

I use a variable speed damp terry cloth hand to apply it.. lol I use the AIO then the grey box sealer, 2 coats. then a Carbana Wax after.

Weird thing is, after washing it once, I don't feel the slipperly wax feeling...

Using Meguires wash.

[06grip]

Originally Posted by FlashEngineer

I use a variable speed damp terry cloth hand to apply it.. lol I use the AIO then the grey box sealer, 2 coats. then a Carbana Wax after.

Weird thing is, after washing it once, I don't feel the slipperly wax feeling...

Using Meguires wash.

Sounds like the wax is not adhering properly. In this case the AIO would likely last a month at best in the direct sunlight. Yiour AIO application is dead on.... I'd try reapplying the AIO and topping with a coat of Collintine 476S (available at Harbor Freight for ~$10 - 15 USD)... It will adhere extremely well and give you that slippery look (and feel) for months. This will allow the AIO to do it's job... producing that deep hue and luster it is famous for. Just my $.02... hope this helps!