I spent many hours on the autopia.org site...my understanding is that swrils are essentially scratches in the clearcoat, so when you use a "compound" (i.e. an abrasive paste) with a power polisher, it will grind down the clear coat to an even level (which they should do if your clear coat layer is thick enough, detailers can measure the thickness with an electronic gizmo) and presto, swirls/scratches gone.

If they aren't as aggressive with the compounding, then the edges of the swirls/scratches are rounded but the scratch still remains...the rounding of the edges makes them less noticeable to the eye.

 

Thanks, nice pics R8Me! My car definitely looks like the "before"...

 

I hear the same thing. The problem is there is a fine line between using the buffer to level the clear coat and buffering too much where it can cause more damage than do good. Detailers are always cautious about crossing that line (as they should be) and even when the swirls are leveled off by taking off a layer of clear coat getting them back is sooooooooo easy......then what do you do? another layer off........you can run but you cant hide.

 

@will_da_man - Thanks! The thread you posted is correct,

However, you are only taking off a few microns of paint at a time which is very minor, Factory paint should be at least 100 microns thick, although there is no industry standard and all cars are different.

I forgot to mention, I took these pics while working on this car.

@imaddaoud - It is easy to swirl up your paintwork. But most can be avoided by washing the car properly. Not taking them to tunnel washes and making sure your wash media and towels are always clean, will help save your paint for a very long time.

 

"duplicate post"

 

I just bought this Detailing deal at $120 for Mobile Car Detailing/Complete Cleaning (Value $295).

For $120 you get the works....

A pretty good deal I think...

I might buy another for the winter....

 

Let us know how it goes. I've seen those types of deals offered before, but the caveat is that you really do get what you pay for i.e. you will not get $295 of service, you'll get $120 worth. That's the problem with having discounts on "services"...they can skimp on what they actually do for you, it's not like you're actually buying a tangible item that normally sells for $295 on sale for $120.

I can't believe they're charging another $120 for claybarring/waxing...you can buy a claybar kit for under $30 and do it yourself in about half an hour (it's dead simple) and the bars will last you a couple years easy.

 

Hello, I've had the best experience with Mobile Detailing Pros' mobile car detailing near me.