Tips For Removing Swirl Marks For Beginners

Swirl marks are fine scratches in the clear coat that become visible under direct light. They’re usually caused by improper washing, dirty towels, or automatic car washes. The good news is that most swirls can be safely reduced or removed with the right beginner-friendly approach.

In this McKee’s 37 video, Nick Rutter shares simple, effective tips to help beginners remove swirl marks while minimizing risk and avoiding over-correction.

Start With Clean, Decontaminated Paint

Before polishing, the paint must be clean. Wash thoroughly and remove bonded contaminants if needed. Polishing dirty paint can introduce new scratches and make swirls worse.

Choose a Dual Action Polisher

For beginners, a dual action polisher is the safest option. DA machines reduce the risk of burning paint while still providing enough correction power to remove light to moderate swirls.

Use the Least Aggressive Pad and Polish First

Always start with a polishing pad and a light or one-step polish. This approach preserves clear coat and often removes more swirls than expected. You can always step up if needed.

Work Small Sections With Light Pressure

Polish one small section at a time using overlapping passes. Light to moderate pressure and controlled speed allow the abrasives to work properly without creating haze.

Inspect Your Results Frequently

Wipe residue and inspect under good lighting after each section. This helps you gauge progress and prevents unnecessary additional polishing.

Finish With Protection

After swirl removal, apply a wax, sealant, or coating to protect the corrected paint and reduce the chance of new swirls forming.

Printable Beginner Swirl Removal Checklist

Tools Needed

• ☐ Dual action polisher
• ☐ Polishing foam pad
• ☐ Light or one-step polish
• ☐ Microfiber towels
• ☐ Paint protection product

Beginner Polishing Process

• ☐ Wash and dry the vehicle
• ☐ Decontaminate paint if necessary
• ☐ Start with least aggressive pad and polish
• ☐ Polish small sections
• ☐ Use light to moderate pressure
• ☐ Wipe and inspect results
• ☐ Apply protection after polishing

Best Practices

• Slow down: Rushing increases mistakes
• Less is more: Preserve clear coat whenever possible