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  2. Car Maintenance Guide
  3. Car Wash Guide - Car Wash Q&A
  4. Q2 What are these swirl marks in the paint?

Q2What are these swirl marks in the paint?

This isMicro-marring
or "paint swirls"
Unavoidable scratches

These are in fact tiny scratches in the surface of the paint. These are unavoidable caused when washing the car, buffing off wax, or even just from sand when driving. They stand out particularly on black and dark paint.

This is Micro-marring or "paint swirls"

Polish with compound

Polishing with a mild compound can remove fine scratches

Compound is a cream or paste that contains abrasives. Our Micro Liquid Compound is a mild, fine compound that anyone can use to easily remove ultrafine scratches.

Micro Liquid Compound Set Micro Liquid Compound Set

Scratches disappear with a squeak!

Polish the compound into the paint, applying light pressure with repeated movements in the same direction. It is not long before a squeaking sound is heard. This is the sound of the compound working to remove scratches. As the liquid disappears from the surface, add more to the sponge, as necessary.

Scratches disappear with a squeak!

Work in 50cm square sections

Compounding a whole car is tiring. For best efficiency and a beautiful finish, we recommend working in square sections, 50cm to a side. Wipe off residue with a towel to check your progress.

Work in 50cm square sections

Remove scratches, water stains, and deteriorated paint, all at the same time!

Compound can remove not only swirls, but also water stains and other stubborn dirt like traffic film. It gives your paint a beautifully smooth finish, and is perfect preparation for waxing!

Remove scratches, water stains, and deteriorated paint, all at the same time!

Tips

Combine scratch removal with your regular car wash and maintenance!

It is quite time consuming to polish large areas of paint. You can save time by using a scratch removal shampoo or wax that contains compound to polish the paint at the same time as cleaning or waxing.