I apply a bead of Honda Polish to the car and turn the rag frequently. I regularly get swirls. Are they inevitable when waxing the car by hand? Are swirls a function of how much wax is applied? Thanks in advance.

 

i would tend to say yes. swirls are inevitable. to limit them use only the finest microfiber towels for drying, polishing etc. to cut down alot on the swirls i use an electric leafblower first (when drying) then a couple large thick microfiber towels. i use a porter cable with numerous dedicated lake country CCS 6.5" pads for any waxing/polishing. waxing by hand takes longer and the results aren't as good. best of luck to ya though!

 

Uhhhh, no.

Swirls are from contaminates on the paint that you are dragging around. Wax will never cause swirls if done properly after prep, wash, etc.

With YouTube, Google, etc... you should be able to find hundreds of DIY how to sites and videos that can do a good job at teaching you how to wash and wax correctly.

 

I use NuFinish in the orange Liquid bottle with an applicator pad, no swirls. Keep the wax away from black plastic though it will stain.

 

Looks like I am going to get a clay bar...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpPls...eature=related

 

clay bar
porter cable
with 3M Ultrafina and a blue pad
Pinnacle Souverane and a polishing pad
microfiber towel to wipe down
Best combo.
The Pinnacle Souveran is the best wax I have ever used. Its awesome on darer colored cars. Its usually about 95.00 a jar but if you catch it on sale you can score one for about 65.00

Here is the results with my Torch Red Vette

 

Sub out the porter cable for a Griott's machine and you are definitely on the right track.

IndyD

 

maybe in a surgical center operating room. not in the real world.

you are bound to get swirls over time. you have two choices. Wax/polish over them (it covers them up and/or fills them in) or use a swirl remover or compound designed to remove swirls. i like the meguiars products but Griots, Mothers, Zaino, etc. all make good polishes to deal with swirls. there are many more products that are "corrective" in nature and combine polishing/swirl and scratch removal.

and if you think you "don't" have swirl marks, bring me the vehicle, i'll show them to you under a light made specifically to find fine scratches and swirls.

 

Whatever. I see your opinion and raise you my daily driver 234,000+ swirl-free, 1st place Mopar Madness 2012 winner, 2nd place All-Chrysler Nationals winning Durango.

The guy was concerned over REAL swirls, very much like those seen on a piece of **** neglected vehicle. Not on a brand new one, taken care of and someone simply looking for a good wax to keep it looking that way. There is simply no reason to scare them away with fear.

Take these words to heart, The Enemy of Good is Perfect.

Nothing is Perfect, plenty of things however can be very very good without mumbo jumbo, spook this spook that and the panic that getting off the couch will result in being hit by a car.

 

simply stating that anyone who claims to not have a swirl on a daily driver is either de-swirling it once a week, or needs to learn what to look for. period.

for an everyday daily driver exposed to the elements a twice a year claying and compounding with a DA + maintaining the finish with a durable synthetic wax every 2-3 months is what is needed to keep it "new looking". throw in the occasional swirl mark remover (again, with a DA) and you're set.

as for the OP, go to autopia.org and read up on the different techniques and products, we could debate this all day. most important when washing to cut down on swirls is the two bucket with grit guard method and carefull when drying. enjoy!