4. Polish 2-4 coats is recommended dependent on paint condition and application method - hand or PC
Now that the paint is clean of all contaminants, it's time to address those scratches and swirls.
You have two choices here:
Hide the swirls or remove the swirls.
Nothing wrong with either. It's just what you want to do.
-Hiding the swirls-
Is most common because true polishes are more expensive and not as readily available. Most "swirl removers" hide swirls with oils and fillers. The problem with using this method is that the swirls and scratches are still there and you have to keep hiding them.
The average consumer is more likely to use an OTC swirl remover than a polish.
Pros & cons:
-Easy to use
-Inexpensive (initially)
-Great immediate results
-Swirls are still there, just hidden. Repeated use is necessary to keep swirls hidden.
-Removing the swirls-
Swirls are small scratches in your clearcoat. Polishes are designed to take away some clearcoat to get to the level of the scratch so that the swirls are no longer there.
Yes, it sounds kind of scarey, but polishes are used all the time - most commonly used by professional detailers / knowledgable consumers / serious detailers.
Pros:
-More expensive (initially)
-Once swirls are gone, they're gone
-Hand application is difficult
-Porter Cable (PC) will net you amazing results
*Notes:
1. Read the directions on the bottles! Different products recommend different curing times for optimal results ranging from 4-24 hours. Do not be upset that you didn't get the optimal results you expected if you didn't follow the directions!
2. Different swirl removers and polishes may recommend different techniques - foam, terry, microfiber applicator or circular application vs back and forth. Just follow the directions on the bottle. (Using a polish by hand vs PC is night and day.)
3. DO NOT use the same applicator for each step. You need one for each product!
4. Remove the swirl remover / polish with a microfiber towel. You can pick up a bundle of microfiber towels at your local Wal Mart, Target, auto store for not that much.
5. People knock polishes and prefer swirl removers because they are:
a) applying by hand and don't see immediate / great results
b) lack of knowledge regarding polishes / swirl removers
