Best Way to Remove Swirls from Black Paint at Home
Think you need a pro to fix swirl marks on your black car? You don’t. With the right tools and technique, you can remove swirls in your own driveway—without making the paint worse. Here's how to do it right the first time.
🎥 Watch: How to Polish Black Paint Without Swirls
Step 1: Wash and Decon First
Before you polish, make sure the surface is 100% clean. Wash the car with The Super Soaper and clay it to remove embedded dirt that could scratch the surface during polishing.
Step 2: Use the Right Polish and Pad
Use a polish that cuts lightly but finishes clean—especially on black paint. I recommend Picture Perfect Polish. Pair it with a burgundy foam pad for correction or a black pad for finishing.
Avoid heavy compounds unless the paint is truly trashed. Otherwise, you’ll likely create haze that needs even more polishing to fix.
Step 3: Use a DA Polisher (It’s Beginner-Friendly)
You don’t need to be a pro to use a dual action polisher. Spread your polish at low speed, then polish on speed 4–5 with overlapping passes. Use light pressure and let the machine do the work.
After polishing each section, wipe clean with a Softer Than Soft Microfiber Towel.
Step 4: Check Under Lighting
Use an inspection light or direct sunlight to check your progress. If you still see swirls, you may need a slightly more aggressive pad—or slower polishing passes.
Don’t Forget: Technique Matters
Even the best polish and machine won’t help if you rush or press too hard. Keep your arm speed slow, overlap your passes, and always use clean pads and towels.
Recommended Products
- Picture Perfect Polish – Designed for swirl removal with a clean finish
- Softer Than Soft Microfiber Towels – Safe and gentle for dark paint
- The Super Soaper – Prepares the paint without scratching
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