So I just bought some 3M SMR and was all stoked to use it on my black 328.

Now when I look at my hood and trunk lid (the only areas I used the SMR) in the direct sun, it seems *qute* swirly. :mad: :mad:

I used the SMR by hand, as directed, and followed up with two coats of Meguiar's Yellow Carnauba paste. (#26)

My paint was in great shape before...

Any suggestions?

What kind of prep work did you do before you put on the SMR? If you have dirt/contaminents on it, buffing/waxing/ any wiping motion could make it worse.

Anyhow, it is definitely techniques that cause swirls, not the product. Many forum autopians swears by 3M's SMR, including myself.

Improper polishing/washing/waxing techniques are the cause of most swirls.

What did you do prior to using SMR. When you did it by hand, how did you polish the car - back/forth, circular, etc. What did you use to polish the car - terry cloth towel/microfiber, etc.

Remember SMR is an abrasive - improper use of any abrasive polish will cause swirls. Your best bet is to either pick up a PC and polish out the swirls that you've created or learn the proper techniques to polish by hand (you'll be in great shape, but you may look like Popeye :D ). Otherwise, find a good detailer and they can usually get the swirls out quickly and inexpensively - most are willing to do just a spot buff if that's all you're interested in.

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't really do any prep work, as my paint is in good shape. Within the past month, I Klassed my car (including my trunk & hood) and put a coat of the Meguiar's #26 yellow carnauba on it.

Is that bad?

Forgot:

I used primarily a circular motion to put on the SMR, as that is what they dictate on the bottle.

I used straight-line motions to put on the meguiars.

Thanks

How good is the Meguiars #26? Is it easy to put on and take off by hand? I have always preferred doing waxings by hand.

I love the Meguiar's #26. It goes on and off quite easily and provides excellent protection. Water beads like you wouldn't believe. It sometimes "hazes" a bit, but only due to me either not buffing well enough or applying too much. The haziness of course washes away with the next wash. Overall, I love it.

BTW, I love your sig: "America was made with GOD, GUNS, and GUTS!" :D

Originally posted by Drjones
Forgot:

I used primarily a circular motion to put on the SMR, as that is what they dictate on the bottle.

I used straight-line motions to put on the meguiars.

Thanks

What are you buffing with? You did wash the car right before using SMR right (yeah, I know, stupid question, but...I've been burned too many times by assuming).

Also if your paint's in great shape, why are you using SMR?

bmw325iman, #26 is pretty easy to use, but if you really like waxing by hand, try S100/P21S. It's the easiest wax to apply and buff off by hand. #26 is OK, but I usually use the PC to apply it because it stays slick about twice as long as buffing it by hand or with a cheap buffer (slick to the point that a clean towel will still slide off the car if it's clean after two to three weeks).

Yep. I just examined my paint pretty thoroughly in the sun, and it is VERY swirly. It almost appears cloudy its so bad. F--k I'm so mad!!!!!!

Argggghhhhhh!

I guess I'll just find a professional detailer to fix my stupid mistake.

Any idea what it would cost to get just the hood and trunk done? Just a ballpark figure so I have a point of reference...thanks!

Oh, and how much for the whole car? I might just have them do the whole thing....what the heck...


Thank you

Most detail shops charge around 80-120 for a full exterior detail with machine buff.

My problem and the reason why I got into it is they don't really take care of the problem (using the same bonnet on multiple cars, etc) and usually end up making more swirls. Out here, I went to the 2 detailers with a good rep and was disgusted to see the amount of micromarring and swirls on freshly detailed cars. They shined, but in sunlight, lets just say, they had lots of halos. I was in there to see if they could remove some scratches, but after seeing that.....

So, if you want it done right, do it yourself. It sounds like you've got a good idea of what you want. Think of it this way, if you have the time, you'll pay for most of the basic equipment (PC, pads, MF, product) within the first 3 complete details.

For me it's relaxing (even when I'm doing it for $$ or for friends). I'm not planning on it as a second (or is it third) job, but it's braindead work, but you see the results within hours...If nothing else, it gives you the sense of accomplishment even if no one else acknowledges it. It's nice to look at your car and go....hmmm it looks better than that new car on the lot!:alright