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FAQ Main Categories

     Auto Detailing Clay
     General Questions
     Paint Care
     Paint Questions
     Product Questions
     Swirl Marks
     Wheels and Tires
     Working with a machine versus working with your hands


1. What causes swirl marks?

2. How do I remove swirl marks?

  • Shallow swirls can be removed using light swirl removers such as ScratchX or #9 Swirl Remover 2.0 Both of these products will safely remove light swirls and scratches from your finish without using harsh chemicals or sharp abrasives.
  • Moderate to deep swirls will require a thorough machine cleaning using a rotary buffer, the appropriate Meguiar’s foam buffing pad and the correct paint cleaner and/or cleaner polish.

Machine cleaning and polishing paint with a rotary buffer needs to be performed by a skilled and experienced professional. Removing swirls by machine must be followed by an application of a polish and then a protective wax. If you are unsure as to whether or not the swirl in your finish can be safely removed, take your car to a professional painter or detailer and ask them for their opinion.

Some swirl marks are too deep to safely remove and attempting to do so may result in buffing through the top layer of paint.

To learn more, you can order our newest video that provides tons of information on how to remove paint defects including swirls along with detailed information on how to use both the rotary buffer and the dual-action polisher. The name of the video is, ""How to Remove Paint Defects"" and the part number is PES101V.