The Truth about swirl marks and spider web marks
A lot of people have swirl marks & spider webbing on their cars, and probably aren't even aware of it. To the trained eye, these marks are quite unsightly. To the untrained eye, swirl marks can minimise the shine of the car, and affect its overall appearance without focusing on the actual swirls.
The difference between swirl marks and spider webbing in a nutshell:
What are Swirl Marks?
Swirl marks (a term used by detailers and professionals alike) are actually microscopic scratches in the paint work of your car which are circular in shape and can combine to often cover large areas of your car. Swirl marks are often caused by the use of a buffer with the wrong type of polishing pad and/or wax or polish. Hand polishing or removal of product using bad technique can also cause them. It is not uncommon for professional panel beaters and car detailers to cause swirl marks when they cut back the car after painting or repair. Yes, the car may be shiny and smooth, but you can definitely see the marks in the sun.
It is also not advisable to cut back/buff a new car, as the paint is still soft, however, this is a daily occurrence at car yards. They do this on a daily basis to fix minor problems, which are unavoidable due to import/ handling/storage before sale. The safest way to do this is with the least amount of friction and products that do not CUT into paint = GLARE PROFFESSIONAL POLISH.
What are Spider webs?
Spider webs in automotive paint are also microscopic scratches but are usually caused by washing the car. They usually cover the entire car and can be seen easily under any direct light source as a web like pattern around the reflection of the light source in the panel.
It is almost impossible to totally avoid putting spider web marks in your paint when cleaning your car but there are methods to minimize them.
It is important not to use abrasive pads and to avoid sponges or cloths that have fallen on the ground. A cloth that has fallen on the ground can pick up particles difficult to see with the naked eye, but still abrasive enough to leave marks in your paintwork. It is also important to use a specialised cloth (microfibre) when cleaning your car. This cloth absorbs contaminants, instead of allowing them to scratch the sensitive paint. You should also be careful with automatic car washes, and using the wrong cloth by hand. Both procedures can cause spider webs.
Smears or smudges
These are best defined as blotchy patches in the paintwork when under sunlight. This is the result of products melting and smudging or being activated by detergents. A very common and noticeable sight on dark colored cars.
Can swirls and spider web marks be removed?
Yes - they can be removed - however, different techniques can be used to do so. One of the most common methods used by conventional detailing is by use of a cutting cream and or swirl remover. This method usually removes the swirl marks as well as a top layer of paint.
However, there are other solutions that use products that are non-abrasive and do not remove any paint layers. The preferred technique used by GT Paint Protection (Paint protection experts) involves using a non-abrasive, glassplexin based product that FILLS in without cutting or marking paint surface.
The preferred process of removing swirl marks:
- The car must be adequately cleaned with a dewaxer and a non-abrasive microfibre cloth, to remove all dead product and contaminants.
- If the surface is grabby and has industrial fallout (rough feel), a liquid clay or clay bar should be used in conjunction with our water based dewaxer.
- A follow up with our Spider web/ Swirl remover with recommended buffing pads/cloth and variable speed random orbital polisher will fix the problem permanently as our products do not mix with water, nor do they break down with detergents.
- Sealing this finish with our liquid glass - Glassplexin all weather paint sealant will give you the perfect, professional, glass like look everyone is looking for.
Maintaining the finish with our glassplexin based wash will reduce friction on the surface and minimise surface damage. Using inferior after care chamois and cloth is the equivalent to washing/wiping with a piece of carpet or pot scourer, wearing down the protective surface prematurely.
Please remember that you get microfibre & then you get microfibre that is suited to our products. The same goes with buff pads & machines.
Both the individual swirl remover and the complete DIY Paint Protection kit can be purchased from GT Paint Protection. Kits come with detailed instructions and we supply any and all consumables you will need including buffers and pads. GT Paint Protection also offer a service where they can remove the swirls for you - if you don't want to go through the process of trying it on your own.
