Swirl Marks on Your Car: What Causes Them and How 2-Step Paint Correction Fixes Them

See spider webs in your paint in direct sun or under a street lamp? Those are swirl marks: fine scratches in the clear coat that catch the light.

What causes swirl marks

• Tunnel car wash brushes and the rags at the exit
• Wiping dust or pollen off with a dry towel
• Dirty wash mitts and a single bucket
• Drying with bath towels or chamois that drag grit

How paint correction removes them

Paint correction machine-polishes a microscopic layer of clear coat until the scratches are level with the surface. A 2-step paint correction uses a cutting compound and pad to remove the defects, then a finishing polish to restore clarity and gloss. It typically removes 85% or more of correctable defects.

• Stage 1: single-step polish, about 50% of defects
• Stage 2: two steps, 85%+
• Stage 3: multi-step, 95%+, usually 12 to 15 hours

Keep them from coming back

Hand wash with clean mitts, dry with microfiber, avoid tunnel washes, and protect the corrected paint with a sealant or coating. Paint correction in Atlanta.