Mother's three step is the same product I use on mine right now and it works wonders. I do my waxing by hand in straight back and forth strokes to avoid swirling, especially with the black. I have used Turtle Wax's Black Box in the past, right after I bought the car, and that works pretty good, especially on black paint that needs help. However, that stuff turns everything black: applicators, towels, hands, anything else it touches. I'm not about to throw towels with black wax all over them in the washing machine, so they usually would get scrapped after so long. Sticking to Mother's now.

Also, drying the car after a wash with a microfiber towel helps keep swirls and scratches to a minimum.

 

I had to buy one this spring because I saw all the swirls on my car. It's 11 years old and I don't know if it was ever done. I bought the meguiars DA polisher and I've already did my whole car twice in the past 5 months. I could definitely notice a difference immediately after the first time.

Wash
clay bar
polish
carnuba wax

 

Just bring it here and I will remove the swirls!!!

 

Not sure what a professional detail costs these days (seeing how I refuse to pay someone to do something I can do myself).

BUT, with that $$$ you could probably have a good DA to use that will last you a lot longer than a one time detail. Also, keep in mind it's not just the polish or swirlx or scratch x that eliminates the swirls. It's all about the PROCESS. (sorry to sound like I'm yelling but I can't stress that enough LOL)

A good DA, teamed up with good pads, along with the right compound, as well as proper technique can go a long ways



If your car is truly that bad you could also do as others have said and "pay" someone to remove them for you and hope that you can maintain it. Not doubting your abilities but I personally would rather have ultimate control over what goes on my car and what effects it has

If you do choose to take on the challenge yourself, I'd recommend doing this in a garage and plan to have the car away for a while. And if you're going to use a physical abrasive such as "Ultimate Compound", make sure you've got ALL old wax and contaminants off of the paint. And start with super light pressure. If no results are seen, go a little harder. But in most cases the DA should be doing most of the work. I think for Ulimate Compound it's recommended that you apply no more than 15 lbs of pressure. I'd get a scale and practice (I honestly did ) but then again I'd rather spend a weekend detailing that pressing to hard and screwing up my car's paint/decals And don't forget to seal up that exposed paint with a polish and wax.

I'd say that's about enough info for you to get started

 

thanks for the tips!
I have done detailing and am starting to run my own detailing business for it. Thanks to my two last cars I've had alot of test runs with things. Such as a powerball. Similar concept to the DA, just less control with higher speeds. I did notice a bit of a difference when I did apply compound by hand. I wish I had a picture!
I did do a clay, compound, polish, wax treatment on one side of the hood to compare it to the just waxed surface from the dealer. After the compound the results were stunning! Defenatly brightened the color. Once I go with the DA i know for sure they will dissapear, I just wish I had my old cars for practice..

 

You need to get you a good quality machine like the flex or porter cable and go to the junk yard and get youself a hood or trunk lid to practice on.

 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zUHRnHsSXZU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I basically watched this videos (3 parts) and bought the Porter Cable and was VERY satisfied. My blue was awful in sunlight. After learning the techniques on how to use and with some meguires swirl remover, polish and wax the color came out perferct.

I recommend anyone who wants to detail their car to watch the vids. You wont be disappointed.

 

My co-worker bought a portercable, and the results that DA did to his evo was amazing. I never knew white could shine like his!
I do plan on buying one, just money is a bit tight right now. Those results on that video are amazing!

 

How much is it to take it to a professional?

 

Depends on the detailer really. A GOOD detail can range from at LEAST $150 for something basic, $200+ for minor correction and up to $400, maybe $500 for a overhaul. Alot of people charge rediculous amounts, but you gotta remember your at this all day, the product isn't cheap and neither is the tools!