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  #1  
Old 03-20-2012, 06:15 PM
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Is there really a problem with BMW Jet Black?

Getting ready for my spring polish and wax. I have read through countless posts on multiple sites that indicate BMW Jet Black is all but impossible to keep free of swirls, due to the "soft" nature of the paint (or clear coat). My neighbor, who has sold automotive paint for 20+ years, indicates there is no such thing as a soft clear.

I polish twice a year with my Porter Cable using Menzerna SIP and seal with Klasse AIO/SG. It looks great when complete. I am obsessive about washing it at home with my products (when temps allow), or at a self service coin op that uses boar's hair brushes (when temps are low). I dry with a California water blade and synthetic chamois.

So, the question is how do I keep ending up with swirls? I take every precaution and still need to correct at least twice a year. I would prefer to polish just once a year and wax only the other couple of times.

Anyone care to offer tips for maintaining a swirl free finish?
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Old 03-21-2012, 03:18 PM
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The car wash brushes are your main problem. Regardless of the material used they are still exposed to people who use them to clean the wheel wells and engine bay etc and they pick up tons of debris. When I go to the local do it yourself car wash I always bring my own microfiber wash sponge.

Beyond that, if you're touching the car with anything other than a stream of water, use very clean microfiber towels, lubricated with a soap or liquid detailer.

NEVER wipe the car in a circular pattern. On horizontal surfaces, such as the hood, roof and trunk, move the microfiber in a linear fashion, front to back. For vertical surfaces such as the doors and tailgate, use an up and down linear motion.

This will still leave very minor scratches (unavoidable in any scenario) but at least they won't reflect the sunlight as obviously to the eye.
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Old 03-22-2012, 12:10 AM
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I had once used the California blade(from BavAuto) to dry a new car and noticed scratches after that. Nothing else had touched the new car. I use towels or a leaf blower since then. Leaf blower is good as blows water from all joints etc where you can't reach.

Do you use car wash soap every time or occasionally? I only use soap(Meguiars Gold) when car is very dirty. Otherwise I rinse with water and mitt. Soap takes away shine no matter what soap it is. The less the better. And no public car washes for my car. If I can't do it...I take to known detailer.
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Old 03-23-2012, 11:55 AM
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Thanks for the replies. I have used the leaf blower on occasion, but not every time. It is just frustrating to work so hard to remove swirls only to have them show up again 4 months later.
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Old 03-28-2012, 09:35 AM
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I've had Jet Black for 11 years now on 2 X5s. I agree with the others that your issue is using the brush at manual wash. That's the worst thing you can do--to any paint.
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Old 03-29-2012, 01:02 PM
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I would never, ever use the brush at any public car wash. Yikes!

Not sure if you use the double-bucket wash method (1 soap water, 1 clean water) and the grit-guard to keep the floaties to a minimum.
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Old 03-30-2012, 12:43 PM
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I have the bucket with grit guard, but have not been using two buckets. I will have to try that.
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