Removal of swirl marks in met. black paint - Manchester or NW?

[clk208]

My recent CLS acquisition is my first time owning a black car and I'm a little disappointed to see lots of tiny but visible swirl marks mainly but not exclusively on the boot and bonnet when the sun comes out (albeit this doesn't happen a great deal round here at the moment!). No doubt due to lack of care when the previous owner washed it, or took to dodgy car wash places.

Anyway, I have a couple of duties in the car over summer - driving bridesmaids at a friends wedding etc and I want to ensure the car is looking faultless.

I'm not comfortable having a go on this car myself as it is (to me at least) too expensive a car to be practising this sort of thing on

Anyone recommend any good professional detailing type places that could do the necessary (machine polishing or whatever) to remove the swirls without costing a fortune? A couple of places I looked at on the web with indicative prices you could probably have a car resprayed for the money they were asking!

Any downsides to having this done? Presumably there is only a finite number of times you can machine polish before needing a respray - will I be fine to have this done a couple more times over the next 5 years or whatever if needed?

Thanks for any pointers!

 

[Dr-Nab]

Have a look through the detailing section or PM Detailed or adam87 on here, they do a great job judging by their threads on here

 

[Igurisu]

How about trying something less drastic than machine polishing first?

I have the same with my CLK (black also). I gave it a coat of Prima Amigo during a good detailing session and it does make a huge difference. Its a glaze with silicone fillers, so it doesn't remove the swirls but fills them in to hide them. I can honestly say it hid 70%-80% of the swirls on my car, the difference was huge.

Not sure where abouts in Manchester you are but I'm happy to pop over, even lend you my bottle if you want to try it (I'm in Burnley).

 

[neilz]

If you want fillers and swirl removal, give Bilt-Hamber Cleanser-Polish. Comes with a very good, free applicator and did a fantastic job on my C124. Not too expensive either

 

[ringway]

HERE.

Hanston's in Altrincham are superb.

They get all the top Mercedes-Benz repairs, you might even see a SLS AMG or two in there. They really are that good.

They polished the swirls out of my Obsidian Black vito - Spot on job.

 

[clk208]

Guys- thanks so much. Some great tips and outside the box thinking here, this is the kind of info I need.

Have a look through the detailing section or PM Detailed or adam87 on here, they do a great job judging by their threads on here

Cheers Dr N - I do need to familiarise myself with this section. Already read up on 2 bucket washes and lambswool. I won't go near this car with a sponge now

How about trying something less drastic than machine polishing first?

I have the same with my CLK (black also). I gave it a coat of Prima Amigo during a good detailing session and it does make a huge difference. Its a glaze with silicone fillers, so it doesn't remove the swirls but fills them in to hide them. I can honestly say it hid 70%-80% of the swirls on my car, the difference was huge.

Not sure where abouts in Manchester you are but I'm happy to pop over, even lend you my bottle if you want to try it (I'm in Burnley).

This sounds like a great thing to try before hitting a machine polish approach. Did you have to clay your car before applying this stuff? How long does it last before needing a reapplication?

Very kind of you offer to try it and see the results. I'm often over visiting mum near Bolton so a pint and a detailing chat somewhere over your way would be good if you're free. Week evenings generally good for me.

If you want fillers and swirl removal, give Bilt-Hamber Cleanser-Polish. Comes with a very good, free applicator and did a fantastic job on my C124. Not too expensive either

This looks like a fantastic product too. I like the applicator etc that comes with it. On the website they acheived fantastic results on the red merc there - didn't realise they swirled too! How often do you find this lasts?

HERE.

Hanston's in Altrincham are superb.

They get all the top Mercedes-Benz repairs, you might even see a SLS AMG or two in there. They really are that good.

They polished the swirls out of my Obsidian Black vito - Spot on job.

This would be the thing to do for the ultimate finish. What did you pay approximately for this if you don't mind me asking Mr Ringway? Appreciate could vary somewhat due to different vehicle sizes etc

 

[neilz]

Lasted a good few months as the Cleanser-Polish had abrasive micro-beads (or whatever they're called) in it too so it did some permanent repair, and filler finished off the effect. My 124 was badly swirled (needed a respray,oh - and a rebuild, it was falling to bits!) and with this it looked absolutely fine (as opposed to being washed with brillo pads like before)

 

[ddavidm]

Had the same issues with black and went the DIY route. Results here (on much softer paint too, so somewhat riskier than on a merc)

RX8 Owners Club • View topic - Bye bye swirls

 

[ringway]

This would be the thing to do for the ultimate finish. What did you pay approximately for this if you don't mind me asking Mr Ringway? Appreciate could vary somewhat due to different vehicle sizes etc

To polish the whole of my Vito and paint the bonett cost around £400. I'd guess that to polish the whole of your car would cost around £250?
My Vito was in very good condition, but the swirls were spoiling some parts of the paintwork. I had the bonett repainted because of some stone chips.

Hanstons also do Zirconite Protection which is a very good product.

 

[Ian_Mac]

I don't think you'd be disappointed with the services of Miglior Detailing Ltd – Swissvax Detailing North West Manchester Preston Lancashire | Detailing In the North west, Manchester and Lancashire

Here's a little example

 

[EVL]

If you're near Rochdale, we could have a look at it for you. An enhancement detail to remove swirls would cost you less than £250.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to offer services by my company
if I'm not, than I apologise.

 

[clk208]

Thanks guys!

Going to try the DIY clay/polishing route to begin with and see how well it works/lasts.

If the results aren't satisfactory I'll book into one of the "pros" above.

My attempts to start today thwarted by none of the recommended products above being stocked in either Halfords or Motorworld There were similar products but thought I would stick to something tried and tested.

Looks like I'll have to order online unless other anyone can recommend a stockist?

On the plus side I learnt my mum owns a power washer so I will try to pick up a snow foam attachment for washing going forwards.

 

[millo777]

If you're ordering the Bilt Hamber cleanser polish do it over the phone and mention the July Issue of practical classics magazine and you'll get a Bilt Hamber clay bar included for free!

If you're doing the whole car you'll probably want to buy a machine polisher. Personally I use an orbital sander with a velcro polishing pad, but if you're feeling brave the cheapest rotary polisher is £39.99 from Tool Station.

Bilt Hamber only sell direct to the public (As far as I know), but for other supplies, my favourite online shop is cleanyourcar.co.uk and I can recommend the Menzerna sampler kit of polishes they sell.

Don't forget if you polish the swirls out you'll probably want a decent wax or sealant to apply afterwards.

 

[Ian_Mac]

Whilst Halfords do have a limited range I find online retailers much better for the specialised products.

Personally I use - Elite Car Care or Car Care Products | Detailing Products | Free UK Delivery

I've used both of these on numerous occasions and have always been happy with the service.

One thing to remember about these polishes with fillers in is all they do is mask the problem and will wear off eventually. Its a bit like meeting a woman in a nightclub after a few beers, next morning you wake up and her make-up has worn off

 

[Dream Works]

Ian_Mac, thanked you for the advice on women in night clubs, where were you 25 years ago before i got married, silver wedding in two weeks, dreaded beer goggles

 

[Igurisu]

This sounds like a great thing to try before hitting a machine polish approach. Did you have to clay your car before applying this stuff? How long does it last before needing a reapplication?

Very kind of you offer to try it and see the results. I'm often over visiting mum near Bolton so a pint and a detailing chat somewhere over your way would be good if you're free. Week evenings generally good for me

I did clay the car first, all together it took me around 16 hours over one weekend to do the car from start to finish. Here is a link to my mini detail thread, you can see the steps I used http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/detailing/128282-first-detail-my-clk-big-pictures.html

So far the finish is still good, since I did the original detail and made that thread I've been using Prima Banana Gloss as a top up once a month. Takes around 30 minutes to do the whole car.

Evenings are generally fine for me but I'm away most of this week. Coming weekend or one evening next week is fine

 

[RichAJ]

As you are NW based, feel free to join us for one of our monthly/bi-monthly meets at the dog-inn for food and a chat. Ive had my 208 machine polished and I polish every week so you can see the results also if you pop down .. Im trailing Finish Kare's range at the mo and im very impressed of what ive done so far, everyone comments on how deep the shine is which is always nice.

 

[AJA]

I'd personally recommend Iain at Finer Details

 

[clk208]

I did clay the car first, all together it took me around 16 hours over one weekend to do the car from start to finish. Here is a link to my mini detail thread, you can see the steps I used http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/detailing/128282-first-detail-my-clk-big-pictures.html

So far the finish is still good, since I did the original detail and made that thread I've been using Prima Banana Gloss as a top up once a month. Takes around 30 minutes to do the whole car.

Evenings are generally fine for me but I'm away most of this week. Coming weekend or one evening next week is fine

Great work - finish looks excellent! Def worth the time invested. I'm not around this weekend but most week evenings free next week.

As you are NW based, feel free to join us for one of our monthly/bi-monthly meets at the dog-inn for food and a chat. Ive had my 208 machine polished and I polish every week so you can see the results also if you pop down .. Im trailing Finish Kare's range at the mo and im very impressed of what ive done so far, everyone comments on how deep the shine is which is always nice.

Sounds good - always good to see a shiny W208.

Yes I did make it to the Dog once, I think over a year ago now, but haven't been since due to schedule. The food was excellent IIRC. I'll be along next time for sure if I'm free. Got to see some very impressive cars last time including Mr Walker's bargain W124 coupe and Shude's CLK AMG amongst others.

 

[dan1502]

Useful post as I will want the swirls removing from my new acquisition at some point. I'm happy to do some of the prep work (clay etc) to keep costs down.

Edit to add I'm also in th NW.