Auto Care Articles
What Causes Swirl Marks And Surface Scratches
What causes swirl marks and surface scratches, and how can I avoid them?
It's important to understand the difference between Swirl Marks, Spider-webbing,
and Surface Scratches. It's also good to know what causes each type of scratch,
and how to avoid them.
Here is a brief guide to the most common scratches plaguing today's finishes:
• Swirl Marks are ultra-fine scratches in the finish caused by a high-speed
buffer and compound. After a vehicle or panel is painted, color-sanded, and
buffed, you will see swirl marks, especially in the sun or under lights.
Avoid high-speed buffers, wool pads, and heavy compounds unless you are a pro.
Avoid low-end body or paint shops. Cheap body and paint work can reduce the
value of your vehicle below its damaged value!
Stick with a dual action, random orbital polisher.
Only use foam pads with the dual action polisher.
• Cob webbing or spider-web scratches look like a spider web when viewed in the
sun or under lights. A few things cause these ultra-fine scratches:
Driving through a car wash or other mass-volume wash system is the #1 way to
scratch your vehicle.
Using terry cloth towels or cotton diapers to wash, dry, or dust is a bad idea,
and will always scratch the clear coat or paint.
Use a new wash pad every twelve to fifteen washes. It's a small investment that
helps reduce scratching while washing.
Overuse of a car duster is a bad idea. If you use a duster, it should be at a
show, or after a short drive. Don't use a duster on a dark vehicle more than
once or twice a month. Use a duster on a light colored vehicle not more than
five or six times before polishing and waxing again.
If you like to keep your car free of dust, use one of these methods:
Keep a car cover on the freshly cleaned vehicle.
Use Detail Spray and a micro fiber polishing towel to remove dust. This
lubricates the dust while picking it up, and adds shine at the same time!
• Fine surface scratches unfortunately happen with vehicle use or storage. If
you drive it, it's going to get a scratch or two! Scratches happen, and it's
important to think about minimizing their possibility.
Don't park close to other vehicles.
Park far, far away! Further is better. Enjoy the exercise!
Think about carrying boxes or bags through your front door, and you’re your
garage. Most scratches happen in your garage or driveway!
For more information on the finest car care detailing products visit
http://www.addictedtoyourcar.com
About the Author
Mitchell Nydish is the President and Addict of Addicted To Your Car and yes he is addicted to his cars. Please email addict@addictedtoyourcar.com with any questions or comments or call 888-D-Tail-MeArticle obtained from: free automotive articles