Hi folks,
Am very new to this site, have a question for you guys. I had a problem with halos and swirls on my 2003 Honda civic. dark gray metallic.now have a scion TC black sand pearl.same issues. I have tried black foam pads, white, light blue, cannot seem to get the halos from the finish. I am from the old school of lacquer and some epoxy, but never had these problems. I am not sure if it is technique or products or both. I have a Makita buffer variable and the porter cable. have read a ton of forums and how to to get rid of the halos. biggest problem I have is this car is so hard to see how I am progressing . even in a little sun, this car is red hot in seconds , but that is the only way I can see the swirls is in direct sun. I hope to get some halogen lights and maybe find a shaded shop. but I was in Va with a 2 car garage and same problem. I am fla now. all the flourecsents in the world did not show the swirls until out in the sun. I know how to use the machines, just am not sure of the best products. I have orange foam cutting pads.black pads. 3m dark swirl remover ,puts more swirls in than removes. these products are so costly I hate wasting money on stuff that doesn't work. many of the supply website seem to push their own brands.any help would be appreciated.

I put up an old 1000 watt grow light I had

shows the swirl marks great and we use 3m swirl remover and a black foam pad

oh and to the site

I seem to have a lot of problems removing the 3m.goes on OK but can't seem to finish wiping with a microfiber , re-smears all over again. I was told scion's in particular are a pain in the butt, but does not explain my honda?

do you have a final wipe like meguiars tech wipe to use with you micro fibre cloth

dry wiping will create more micro scratches.

I suggest buying a white or silver car JK

dark colors require a ton of attention to maintain the finish.


black cars look better in the shade

Make and model shouldn't really matter, the darker the color, the more swirly it will look if not done right. Keep the speed down and avoid using the polishers edge. You can get the 3M ultrafina, it works well on dark finishes, its finer then the swirl mark remover....but ya a good final wipe product can help you with removing the compound...I use Norton detailing spray, any one should do.

I usually use a little detail spray on the cloth. I have recently been seeing the things called "finishing" glazes or cremes on blue pads. I also see people using one polish, step down the pads.I have to learn all the grits. all we used when I was doing it for a living was Mcleer K-38stuff was awesome. gave you that nice petroleum smell! then we had liquid ebony by cleanbrite then 3m pink glaze then wax. I think my touch IS a little off . i keep reading how hard these clear, so I don't think I am breaking the compounds down enough. I have trouble getting the "feel" with the foam. years ago we had the schlegel round over wool pads, then a wool bonnet over that, but you could feel the way the buffer was working as well as see. so. I have a bit of a learnign curve as to when the creme is broken down enough to move on. how are these guys down here in Fla working in parking lots detailing with no shade?? If this car is too warm the stuff powders right up.