How-to Remove Swirl Marks
Zaino: Step-by-Step Instructions here
Although popular internet myth may have you believe that Zaino Z5 can magically remove swirl marks, the unfortunate truth is it only hides minor swirls (emphasis on "minor"). For this reason, Z5 Show Car Polish is an excellent base coat on black paint, but it's not a substitute for polishing. All paint finishes require occasional polishing to remove blemishes, oxidation and swirl marks. You can mask and hide these problems for a while, but not for ever.
Paint Preparation
In the traditional Zaino application methodology, Dawn dishwashing detergent is recommended for pre-wax cleaning (i.e., use to prepare your paint for Z2, Z3 or Z5). My experience is that Dawn detergent, or any dishwashing detergent for that matter, is overly harsh on plastic, rubber and paint. In my experience, using Dawn to wash your car will noticeably reduce the natural sheen of plastic and rubber.
The best solution for paint preparation is to wash your car with Z7 Car Wash (or another
quality shampoo), use detailing clay, then wash again with a fresh bucket of Z7. This will safely and effectively remove all contamination. If you wish, you can use a fresh bucket of your Z7 Car Wash as your clay lubricant. My favorite way to use clay is to fill my bucket with fresh water (warm) and add an ounce of Z7.
Again, internet myths would have many Zaino Show Car Polish users believe that polishing is bad for your paint because it reduces clear coat thickness. This statement is true if you're using a rubbing compound or heavy cutting polish, but is not correct when talking about fine pre-wax polishes and gloss enhancing polishes.
Fine polishes serve to keep paint healthy by removing microscopic surface oxidation. They also round over the edges of swirl marks to reduce or eliminate their visibility.
Swirl marks are nothing more than micro marring in the paint surface. Under a microscope, they appear to be scratches; however, you can't feel these scratches with your fingers or finger nail.
The reason swirl marks and other micro marring show up so prominently on black and other dark colors is because the sides of the marring reflect light. When you polish, the edges are rounded and reduce reflection.
The most noticeable areas for swirl marks are the hood and trunk. On dark-colored cars, they might also show up on the doors and fenders. Bright colors do not show swirl marks as much because they reflect more light. That doesn't mean they don't get swirl marks; the marks just show up more readily on dark colors. Black, of course, is the worst of all colors for displaying swirls and other imperfections.
Swirl marks can be removed by polishing. Polishing out swirl marks without a buffer is a lot of work. I recommend polishing your car one small section at a time so you can see the progress.
To remove swirl marks, use a good polish or "swirl remover." Many polish manufacturers market a special polish for removing swirls. Swirl remover polish formulas typically contain fillers and oils to help hide swirl marks. With regular polishing, over time, swirl marks will diminish. It's very difficult to completely remove swirl marks. Even the best towels and wash tools cause some micromarring.
