Commercial Car Wash paint swirls or holograms

ViperJPB · 02-06-2012, 01:46 PM

After a trip to the local popular hand wash car wash, I noticed in direct sunlight what looked to be a film of hologram like streaks on my drivers side door and fender. Upon further examination they are directional swirl like scratches most likely caused by a dirty wash mitt. They also cant be seen in shadows or overcast weather.These are my first legit marks of this kind. They cannot be felt under your fingers and don't come off with a subtle finger touch.

I use Zaino when I wash the car myself, however I am under the assumption that Zaino products are more fillers and sealers. I have no experience with rotors or machine detailing tools. What's a good hand applied product to remove or polish out these markings? I have been looking at multiple products from mezerna to chemical guys and I'm not sure what to go with. I don't want to create new issues with the wrong product. Tempted to find a local pro and have them work on it. Any suggestions?

Zechariaha · 02-06-2012, 01:49 PM

Wont solve much by hand get porter cable and a few pads and go to town. Or if you dont want to mess with it get a detailer to polish and seal car just make sure its not some cowboy with and rotary tool that will just make everything worse Scratch and Swirl B gone by CG is decent but there v36 (i think) cutting polish does real well for me

sdalpha · 02-06-2012, 02:02 PM

Paint correction by hand will more than likely be a painstakingly long process.

In my opinion, if you want them gone quick, then I would recommend getting it done by a professional detailer. You can always go through the process of learning how to get rid of them and purchasing the products to do so, but this requires some time and patience. It's a rewarding feeling, especially since you learn a new skill and can use it in the future; but you have to decide if spending the time now to do so is something you have time to do and want to do.

Otherwise, my recommendation is to have a professional detailer do the paint correction and then ask him or her about proper wash technique to minimize the amount of swirls induced during washing.

If you decide to solicit help from a pro, make sure to find a reputable pro in your area. Paint correction can get pricey, so expect to pay a little more for a quality job from someone you can trust.

ViperJPB · 02-06-2012, 03:49 PM

Thanks guys for your responses. I am thinking I will try to track down a pro. I don't know of any so that may be a challenge. As far as washing I have done a lot of research on autopia and have a lot of gear for the process....takes me about two days to do the whole process since I am anal, ocd, and a perfectionist. Never had any issues. But since it takes me so long I have been going to this local well established hand wash place for quick cleans. After this experience I am done with that.

sdalpha · 02-06-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperJPB

Thanks guys for your responses. I am thinking I will try to track down a pro. I don't know of any so that may be a challenge. As far as washing I have done a lot of research on autopia and have a lot of gear for the process....takes me about two days to do the whole process since I am anal, ocd, and a perfectionist. Never had any issues. But since it takes me so long I have been going to this local well established hand wash place for quick cleans. After this experience I am done with that.

Since you are on autopia, I would check out the regional forums and see who is recommended in your area.

What is involved in your wash process that it takes you two days?

In my opinion, a wash involves washing the car, drying it, and maybe applying a layer of wax if it needs it; oh, and cleaning glass and applying tire dressing. If you're including clay bar and a one-step polish, I would consider that an exterior detail. Beyond that, i.e. a two step or three step polish, etc., I would consider that process paint correction.

A maintenance wash should take about an hour or two. If you're tossing in a layer of wax, maybe add another 30 minutes to an hour. If you're doing an exterior detail, I could understand why you're spending more time.

Adding in a quick interior wipe for dust and a quick vacuum shouldn't add very much time. An interior detail would take a little longer, but if you keep up with it, you shouldn't have to do any serious cleaning when you are performing an interior detail.

Envious Eric · 02-06-2012, 08:22 PM

Jeff with immaculate reflections is up in your area I THINK.

Or if you are in the Orange County area any time, I can try and arrange my schedule to fit you in (planning ahead of time of course)

ViperJPB · 02-06-2012, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdalpha

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperJPB

Thanks guys for your responses. I am thinking I will try to track down a pro. I don't know of any so that may be a challenge. As far as washing I have done a lot of research on autopia and have a lot of gear for the process....takes me about two days to do the whole process since I am anal, ocd, and a perfectionist. Never had any issues. But since it takes me so long I have been going to this local well established hand wash place for quick cleans. After this experience I am done with that.

Since you are on autopia, I would check out the regional forums and see who is recommended in your area.

What is involved in your wash process that it takes you two days?

In my opinion, a wash involves washing the car, drying it, and maybe applying a layer of wax if it needs it; oh, and cleaning glass and applying tire dressing. If you're including clay bar and a one-step polish, I would consider that an exterior detail. Beyond that, i.e. a two step or three step polish, etc., I would consider that process paint correction.

A maintenance wash should take about an hour or two. If you're tossing in a layer of wax, maybe add another 30 minutes to an hour. If you're doing an exterior detail, I could understand why you're spending more time.

Adding in a quick interior wipe for dust and a quick vacuum shouldn't add very much time. An interior detail would take a little longer, but if you keep up with it, you shouldn't have to do any serious cleaning when you are performing an interior detail.

Yeah I suppose it's more of an exterior interior detail in that case

I do a long wash and hand cleaning of the rims, wash the car in zones from top to bottom using a CR Spotless washer and jugs of distilled water, then start applying three layers of various Zaino polishes and Zaino detailed spray downs between each. Then I detail spray the rims and apply a sealer, and some tire wash products and protectants. For the interior I use a Zaino leather cleaner followed by a Zaino leather conditioner. Dust, and vacuum the rugs.
The bulk of the time that drags it into the second day is the polish applications. Then between these sessions I have been taking it to Jacks car wash for maintenance hand washes. After this situation that will stop for sure.
Thanks for the tip, I didn't think to check autopia for a local pro.

ViperJPB · 02-06-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

Jeff with immaculate reflections is up in your area I THINK.

Or if you are in the Orange County area any time, I can try and arrange my schedule to fit you in (planning ahead of time of course)

Thanks I will have to check him out. He's in the Fresno area?

02-06-2012, 01:46 PM	#1
ViperJPB Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fresno, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 335i [0.00]	Commercial Car Wash paint swirls or holograms After a trip to the local popular hand wash car wash, I noticed in direct sunlight what looked to be a film of hologram like streaks on my drivers side door and fender. Upon further examination they are directional swirl like scratches most likely caused by a dirty wash mitt. They also cant be seen in shadows or overcast weather.These are my first legit marks of this kind. They cannot be felt under your fingers and don't come off with a subtle finger touch. I use Zaino when I wash the car myself, however I am under the assumption that Zaino products are more fillers and sealers. I have no experience with rotors or machine detailing tools. What's a good hand applied product to remove or polish out these markings? I have been looking at multiple products from mezerna to chemical guys and I'm not sure what to go with. I don't want to create new issues with the wrong product. Tempted to find a local pro and have them work on it. Any suggestions? __________________ 2009 E90 335i 6AT / Procede / Vishnu DCI / Space Gray / Oyster Dakota Leather / Light Burl Walnut / / Sport, Premium, Cold Weather Pkg / Paddle Shifters / iDrive / Logic 7 / Park Distance / Comfort Access / iPhone Port/
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02-06-2012, 01:49 PM	#2
Zechariaha Lieutenant 20 Rep 587 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: OC, Yorba Linda iTrader: (0)	Wont solve much by hand get porter cable and a few pads and go to town. Or if you dont want to mess with it get a detailer to polish and seal car just make sure its not some cowboy with and rotary tool that will just make everything worse Scratch and Swirl B gone by CG is decent but there v36 (i think) cutting polish does real well for me
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02-06-2012, 02:02 PM	#3
sdalpha Private First Class 38 Rep 174 Posts Drives: 30 Jahre M3 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SD iTrader: (0)	Paint correction by hand will more than likely be a painstakingly long process. In my opinion, if you want them gone quick, then I would recommend getting it done by a professional detailer. You can always go through the process of learning how to get rid of them and purchasing the products to do so, but this requires some time and patience. It's a rewarding feeling, especially since you learn a new skill and can use it in the future; but you have to decide if spending the time now to do so is something you have time to do and want to do. Otherwise, my recommendation is to have a professional detailer do the paint correction and then ask him or her about proper wash technique to minimize the amount of swirls induced during washing. If you decide to solicit help from a pro, make sure to find a reputable pro in your area. Paint correction can get pricey, so expect to pay a little more for a quality job from someone you can trust. __________________ - Mark
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02-06-2012, 03:49 PM	#4
ViperJPB Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fresno, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 335i [0.00]	Thanks guys for your responses. I am thinking I will try to track down a pro. I don't know of any so that may be a challenge. As far as washing I have done a lot of research on autopia and have a lot of gear for the process....takes me about two days to do the whole process since I am anal, ocd, and a perfectionist. Never had any issues. But since it takes me so long I have been going to this local well established hand wash place for quick cleans. After this experience I am done with that. __________________ 2009 E90 335i 6AT / Procede / Vishnu DCI / Space Gray / Oyster Dakota Leather / Light Burl Walnut / / Sport, Premium, Cold Weather Pkg / Paddle Shifters / iDrive / Logic 7 / Park Distance / Comfort Access / iPhone Port/
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02-06-2012, 08:22 PM	#6
Envious Eric Banned 37 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	Jeff with immaculate reflections is up in your area I THINK. Or if you are in the Orange County area any time, I can try and arrange my schedule to fit you in (planning ahead of time of course)
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