Fine scratches in clear coat after first wash

Which color? The Toyota paint is a bit on the soft / weak side if you ask me. I have a micro-fiber wash mitt that works really well to reduce swirls.

If it matters a lot to you, you might have to have the scratches buffed out by a shop or try the process yourself with the right tools.

 

How many buckets did you use? It's best to use two, one being soapy and the other being clear rinse water, so that the dirt is rinsed out of your cloth. Otherwise, you're just concentrating the dirt and rubbing it all over your car. That's where the scratches come from.

 

It could be you didn't cause the swirls, but rather were caused by the dealer prep process. Those free details and car washes with service aren't really free.

When I take delivery of a new car, I tell the dealer to not detail the car, and on service visits tell them not to wash the car (and I put a "do not wash car" sign on the dash). If you've ever seen the dirty rags and buckets of dirty water they wash the cars with at most dealers, you'll know why I do this.

Regarding how to get rid of the swirls, unless they are very superficial, only using a machine (such as a PC orbital) will truly remove them. Anything you do by hand will only mask them, by filling in the imperfections with wax, etc.

 

EXACTLY what happened to me. After my first wash it has swirly scratches all over it. And I have been washing cars for YEARS! I too was SHOCKED and SAD!

 

oops - duplicate post (deleted)

 

Autogeek.net has everything you need to fix the problem and minimize it in future. The two bucket washing method is good and 'grit guard' bucket inserts are supposed to help too. Microfiber or real sheepskin mitts are good for keeping grit away from the surface as you wash. Also, wash in straight lines front to back, not swirling washing motions - the straight lines are less obvious to the eye. Don't overwash any given area.
Let me guess, you have a darker colored car? My silver requires a VERY close look under just the right light to show the 'swirl marks' but they are there. Red or black cars reveal them readily so it's an ongoing curse!

- D

 

I definitely recommend autogeek. I got my stuff there (optimum no rinse, and dp cleaner stuff for my tinted windows.) AWESOME stuff.

 

I don't see where anyone else suggested it, but avoid fabric softener when washing you towels. It leaves swirls. All the suggestions have been good, a couple wax jobs and careful attention and you'll be satisfied. I have another car that is black--the Prius is red, and the black one seems like it can get swirls just from driving in the wind!

 

My guess is its just as stream said, you unearthed what the dealer had done and covered up with a glaze with your wash.

Proper wash technique is important though. For instance I wouldn't use a sponge, get a good microfiber or sheepskin wash mitt or pad. Only wash and dry in straight lines, never in circles, etc.

ALL automotive paint swirls very easily, darker colors just show it better.

 

I use only 100% cotton towels. Never Micro fiber products. The cloth shell on the sponge? what was covering it? Micro fiber or Cotton?
You now have the problem with webbing. Is the color of your car dark or light?
I have black. it is a difficult color but I keep on top of this with hand washings only and Zaino Care Products.

 

If you hate scratches on you car, do not take it to an automated car wash. You could try Bubbles or Shamies, they do hand washing, but costs a bit more than a usual car wash. But to me, if you're going Zaino, just do one good wax job with 2 to 3 coats of Zaino and it will be pretty shiny for at least a month or 2 until you get to do a wash.

 

I too have had great luck with the Griot's garage spray-on car wash. It cleans off normal road dirt well and gives a nice shine, great for between car washes. It is a little pricey however.