Raptor2k

I've had fine swirls for a while now. I've always used microfiber towels to wash/dry/wax my car. I usually use an up and down motions instead of circular motions. I tried the Zaino Z-PC Swirl Remover today and I don't think I see a difference under flourescent light.

I've come down to two things:

1). Zaino's website says to use 100% cotton towels, made in the US. My towels are apparently made in Korea. Anyone have suggestions on what towels I can buy, preferably online?
2). Maybe I need more than one coat of Z-PC before I see a difference?

ECHO1

don't know where to find those, probably because i've never needed to look. i've always used the porter cable with the sonus grey pad for application and the microfiber bonnet for removal and have always been pleased with my results. espescially after multiple trips to the dealer and the monkeys running their car wash (whom i always tell to not wash it, but it always comes back washed and undried).

how would u.s. manufacturing differ (substantially) from others?

Raptor2k

According to Zaino, towels made outside the U.S may be inconsistent with their material. What is this sonus grey pad you talk about?

ECHO1

hmm, interesting.

looks like they have different bonnets than the ones i have now
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/sondas.html

Raptor2k

Interesting, thanks

Raptor2k

Looked into it, and the Porter Cable is $150? I don't know if some swirls are worth that.

edit - ok, it may be worth it...

jonw440

The PC is available atPC7424 from Coastal Tools coastal tools for 119.(plus shipping)

It really is worth the cost!!
I have NEVER said "Why did I buy this" I DO say "How did I get along without this" a lot!!

You should get a better set of pads for it. The one for swirl mark removal would be the white lake country pad.You should also get a finishing pad for applying a finish polish or even applying wax.
A hook and loop backing plate makes changing the pads easy and quick.
Be sure to wash the pads after polishing. Keep them clean and they will last for a few years!
How to polish paint

Raptor2k

I ordered the PC last week, and a couple of sonus pads, should be in by tomorrow. Thanks for the links.

jonw440

Cool! You will love it

Post some before and after pictures when you get a chance!!

Raptor2k

So far, not good. I bought an orange and green pads, tried Poorboy's SSR2 swirl remover. I tried it on the hood for days, spending around 2 minutes in a small area (about a square foot). The hood's swirls don't look as defined as the swirls that are on the top of the trunk for example, but they're still there and noticeable. I'll have to try stronger polishes and perhaps a different pad (and use more money...)





Suggestions would be appreciated.

lazi

swirl remover 2.0 works magics works pretty well for my black 8

ECHO1

bummer man! i've never used anything firmer than the blue polish pad for application (usually stick with the grey), but then again, i haven't tried a swirl remover yet. are you using the bonnet for polish removal or microfiber towels?

Raptor2k

Lazi, can you gimme a link?

Echo: I used the towels to wipe it off after it looks like it's dissolved basically

IZoomZoomI

cotton towels is the culprit.

Kings8

http://www.dftowel.com/ordertowels.html

I got some of these for my zaino. So far no swirls.

Kings8

Oh, and if you're still stuck, you may want to try and ask here.

http://autopia.org/forum/index.php?

buyinan8

Believe it or not, you can pick up a good product for getting those swirls out at your local auto parts store. It is called Meguiar's fine cut cleaner and it works surprisingly well on our black cars. It should take the swirls right out but if not you might be ok to go to the medium cut. I always do it by hand simply because I don't own a polisher and I don't have to worry about cutting too much. Once I get the swirls out I always finish with a glaze and then a few coats of wax. Give this a try.

Good luck.

Raptor2k

I haven't been using them

Raptor2k

Yes, I posted there and it turned out to be a 5 page thread. Apparently the rx8's paint is just a bitch, and I'll have to order more agressive polishes and see if I get anywhere..


Buyinan8: I had Meguiar's Scratch X at first, if that's what you're referring to. I did it by hand and there was no difference, but I'll try it with the PC.

Kings8

http://autopia.org/forum/showthread....highlight=RX-8

Here's the link to the thread in case anyone's interested.

Raptor2k

I got a more powerful polish, a recommended swirl removing pad...no difference. I guess I'll have to live with the swirls, which are only really visible in the flourescent lights in parking lots at night and a little bit in direct sunlight. I'm young anyway and will probably have more cars of my own in the future, so lesson learned (DON'T USE SPONGES, OR ANYTHING NOT USA-MADE MICROFIBER!!!!!!).

ECHO1

well, at least your car isn't black

good luck!

RX-Aight

I've got exactly the same problem: Red, Swirl Marks. Although I think mine are due to poor dealer lot washing habbits. I've used Z-PC and 3 coats of Z-5 and I don't see much of a difference. I just e-mailed Zaino to ask them what to do so I'll post back when I hear from them.

Raptor2k

ZPC was bs, Meguire's Scratch X wasa bs. I've tried Poorboy's swirl removers with the porter cable like I've said, a highly recommended polish at autopia.org, and the severe swirls are gone but there's still very fine ones that may be hard to notice, but they still bother me.

My guess is that this would take a professional...

LittleJohn

I've had some success with PB SSR2.5, Edge2k Yellow pad and a rotary running first at 600rpm, 900rpm then 1200 rpm.. it takes a while, but eventually you get there..
I'm thinking of getting SSR 3 and trying it with my DA first and if that doesn't work then I'll use it with the rotary.

I'll keep you posted on how I go..