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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs Paint correction for swirls on metallic paint

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      05-04-2022, 02:03 PM   #1
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Paint correction for swirls on metallic paint

When I bought my M550, the previous owner must have taken it through the car wash too many times, and now it shows those ugly swirl marks when the sun is out (I have the carbon black metallic paint color). I talked to a local detail shop, he is recommending a paint correction, and then adding protection with Revivify, which has a 5 year guarantee to prevent swirls and scratches (heat will get them out). No maintenance to the paint for 5 years, either. He was a big proponent of this stuff, saying it’s the newest and best protection. I did try to get the swirls out myself with an orbital polisher, medium cutting pad and specific swirl compound from chemical guys. I wasn’t very happy with the results and most likely need to do another pass or two. Based on pictures, I’d say the swirls are light to medium - only noticeable in the sun. However, even with that, it’s likely I’ll get them again, even doing the two bucket wash method, with a wash mit and high quality microfiber towel. The local shop in town said $1,600 for the paint correction plus coating, and will look like it came off of the showroom and be protected for 5 years (I’ve seen their work, looks amazing). What are everyone’s thoughts? I’m sure to the average person this is silly, but I’m OCD and the swirls bother me daily (ha). I’m also not against DIY but don’t want to put in all of this work just to get swirls again 6 months later. Thanks in advance.
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      05-06-2022, 02:34 AM   #2
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Your car is the hardest color to keep swirl free. If you take it to a car wash the swirls will return. Ceramic coating do help but they are not a miracle product.

I never heard of the product listed above so I cannot comment.
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      05-06-2022, 08:50 AM   #3
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I did my own paint correction on my new black 2022 M550i (had some factory issues + I had taken it through the car wash 3 times and I could already see swirl marks) using CarPro essence and a very light touch.

It came out beautifully and then I topped it with CarPro CQuartz UK 3.0, which is a lengthy and time-consuming process, but again, it turned out great.

A ceramic coating (or graphene if you go that route) will help with swirl marks, but as has been stated already, it's not some sort of magic coating that can protect your finish against everything. I have gotten swirl marks via a car wash on a ceramic coated vehicle. You're best bet is to either: go to a touchless car wash (which are hard to find and do a fair but not great job), or hand wash your car.

I'm not familiar with the product you mentioned, but I can say that with a little time and patience, paint correction is something you can do yourself (yes, even on a black car). Just don't be in a hurry. Watch a lot of YouTube videos. Start with a small spot / panel and go from there.

Then again, if you don't want to be bothered, pay someone else to do it. In my view when paying someone else to do it: don't shop based on price. Shop based on reputation and hopefully getting feedback from people you know how have frequented a particular shop or detailer. If all you do is look for the same advertised service (i.e., "paint correction") at the lowest price, it's a 50/50 shot how good of a job you'll be getting. Paint correction (and coatings) are very labor intensive. That's what you're paying for (and the expertise/skill that goes with the time required).

My two cents. Good luck!
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      05-06-2022, 11:14 AM   #4
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Yeh once you get it corrected, make sure you clean the car the correct way. Improper cleaning technique will damage the paint and create the swirls again
So don't let anyone else clean the car including the dealers
No sponge, don't wipe with a chamois leather , pat car dry.

Many videos and advice out there but cleaning correctly is the key to this
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      05-06-2022, 04:00 PM   #5
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I don't know that product and I'm new to this, as well. But that price isn't bad. People definitely pay more for that level of protection.

If you go to a carwash, you will have swirls. It's $1,600 up a hog's ass if you go back to the car wash.

For a 550, assuming it's otherwise is fantastic shape, it would be worth it to me. But if you're not going to maintain it with hand washing and good wash techniques, I'd just skip it.

I'm taking my 2018 540 for a polish and coating next week (it's dark graphite metallic). But I know the shop owner, so I'm not paying that kind of money. I'm the only person that washes my car.
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      05-06-2022, 08:08 PM   #6
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Thanks, all. I think I’m going to do another pass with my orbital polisher and swirl removal compound from chemical guys. I’m then planning to use their hydro slick ceramic coating that is supposed to last a year. I never take my cars through a car wash - always do a hand wash with wash mitt, two bucket method and good MF clean towels. Hopefully this does the trick, but if not, may consider the shop mentioned above.

Ps. My next BMW will not be metallic!
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      05-06-2022, 10:43 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkaser21 View Post
Thanks, all. I think I’m going to do another pass with my orbital polisher and swirl removal compound from chemical guys. I’m then planning to use their hydro slick ceramic coating that is supposed to last a year. I never take my cars through a car wash - always do a hand wash with wash mitt, two bucket method and good MF clean towels. Hopefully this does the trick, but if not, may consider the shop mentioned above.

Ps. My next BMW will not be metallic!
I'm waiting to try this myself after I get my ceramic done, but I've read you can maintenance wash just by rinse/foam/rinse/blow dry without having to touch the car. I'm skeptical but I will find out soon!

If I had any experience polishing, I'd try to do what you're doing. I just don't want to experiment with paint correction on this car.

Good luck!
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      05-08-2022, 05:36 AM   #8
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It’s kit the metallic that s problem. It’s the black or dark colorss
That show swirls easier and are harder to polish

Silver and white are a breeze compared to black.

“Black is not a color it’s a part time job.”
-A detailer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mkaser21 View Post
Thanks, all. I think I’m going to do another pass with my orbital polisher and swirl removal compound from chemical guys. I’m then planning to use their hydro slick ceramic coating that is supposed to last a year. I never take my cars through a car wash - always do a hand wash with wash mitt, two bucket method and good MF clean towels. Hopefully this does the trick, but if not, may consider the shop mentioned above.

Ps. My next BMW will not be metallic!
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      05-09-2022, 08:13 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsf721 View Post
“Black is not a color it’s a part time job.”
-A detailer.
Jesus, that's funny . . . and true!
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      05-10-2022, 02:23 PM   #10
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$1,600 sounds about right for a multi-step paint correction and a quality ceramic. I am not familar with the ceramic product you mention. I have had a Ceramic Pro done on other cars and I am getting a Kamikaze Ceramic done the week after next. I also have Carbon Black Metallic and I honestly don't have too many swirls, more like spiders here and there. I am as OCD as they come, you are doing the right thing. My car has never been through and automatic wash and I honestly keep it so clean that I can clean is with Opti Clean which is a waterless wash. It's almost impossible to not develop something. Even wiping it down with Opti Clean can cause swirls if it's got enough dirt on it.

Two bucket system is great, but a foam gun and a power washer followed by a Ego 765CFM blower will keep your new ceramic pristine. I am going to lay off the Opti Clean or any other type of hand cleaner/detailer after the ceramic. As my detailer said, you either wash it correctly or leave it dirty.

It sounds like your car will need three passes. Do a wheels off Ceramic. The wheels and calipers will clean off like butter. This pic was after a coat of Gtechnic C2V3 which is what you should use on the ceramic, you have to do something contrary to what he said. This product is easy and fast.
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      05-10-2022, 02:39 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NGT2 View Post
I'm waiting to try this myself after I get my ceramic done, but I've read you can maintenance wash just by rinse/foam/rinse/blow dry without having to touch the car. I'm skeptical but I will find out soon!

If I had any experience polishing, I'd try to do what you're doing. I just don't want to experiment with paint correction on this car.

Good luck!
I own a brand new orbital, never took it out of the box. Detailers don't use orbitals, they are extremely hard to control.
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      05-10-2022, 02:47 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsf721 View Post
It’s kit the metallic that s problem. It’s the black or dark colorss
That show swirls easier and are harder to polish

Silver and white are a breeze compared to black.

“Black is not a color it’s a part time job.”
-A detailer.
I think you meant "it's not" the metallic that is the problem, right? You are 100% correct. My Jet Black E39 (non metallic) swirls 10x worse.

The issue is dark colors. It's the price you pay to have a dark color. Been there done that on the silver scratch hiding doesn't look dirty. You know what, silver also doesn't look clean when it is clean. There is nothing better than the wow effect of washing your dark gloss color and having it just pop. Do they show scratches, sure, but that is manageable. Do they show swirls more? Yes, also manageable. Sure in direct sun you see a shit ton sometimes, but in the early morning or at dusk, my car looks like wet glass.

Just my $0.02 cents on dark colors and the rewards of them.
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      05-22-2022, 09:05 PM   #13
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I ended up doing the ceramic plus wax coating mentioned above (chemical guys hydro slick). Car looks great. I’ll still eventually do another cut on the swirls, but maybe next year.
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      05-22-2022, 09:10 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33 View Post
$1,600 sounds about right for a multi-step paint correction and a quality ceramic. I am not familar with the ceramic product you mention. I have had a Ceramic Pro done on other cars and I am getting a Kamikaze Ceramic done the week after next. I also have Carbon Black Metallic and I honestly don't have too many swirls, more like spiders here and there. I am as OCD as they come, you are doing the right thing. My car has never been through and automatic wash and I honestly keep it so clean that I can clean is with Opti Clean which is a waterless wash. It's almost impossible to not develop something. Even wiping it down with Opti Clean can cause swirls if it's got enough dirt on it.

Two bucket system is great, but a foam gun and a power washer followed by a Ego 765CFM blower will keep your new ceramic pristine. I am going to lay off the Opti Clean or any other type of hand cleaner/detailer after the ceramic. As my detailer said, you either wash it correctly or leave it dirty.

It sounds like your car will need three passes. Do a wheels off Ceramic. The wheels and calipers will clean off like butter. This pic was after a coat of Gtechnic C2V3 which is what you should use on the ceramic, you have to do something contrary to what he said. This product is easy and fast.
Yeah, I want to go the foam gun route soon, but currently I’ve spent too much money at chemical guys! Your car looks great btw - our cars are very similar.
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      05-22-2022, 11:18 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkaser21 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33 View Post
$1,600 sounds about right for a multi-step paint correction and a quality ceramic. I am not familar with the ceramic product you mention. I have had a Ceramic Pro done on other cars and I am getting a Kamikaze Ceramic done the week after next. I also have Carbon Black Metallic and I honestly don't have too many swirls, more like spiders here and there. I am as OCD as they come, you are doing the right thing. My car has never been through and automatic wash and I honestly keep it so clean that I can clean is with Opti Clean which is a waterless wash. It's almost impossible to not develop something. Even wiping it down with Opti Clean can cause swirls if it's got enough dirt on it.

Two bucket system is great, but a foam gun and a power washer followed by a Ego 765CFM blower will keep your new ceramic pristine. I am going to lay off the Opti Clean or any other type of hand cleaner/detailer after the ceramic. As my detailer said, you either wash it correctly or leave it dirty.

It sounds like your car will need three passes. Do a wheels off Ceramic. The wheels and calipers will clean off like butter. This pic was after a coat of Gtechnic C2V3 which is what you should use on the ceramic, you have to do something contrary to what he said. This product is easy and fast.
Yeah, I want to go the foam gun route soon, but currently I’ve spent too much money at chemical guys! Your car looks great btw - our cars are very similar.
I hear you on spending to much already with Chem Guys or Adams, etc. Just fyi - if you already have a pressure washer, a foam gun can be bought pretty cheap. I have a Sun Joe pressure washer and I got a foam gun off Amazon. It's great and produces foam like crazy.
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      05-23-2022, 02:22 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mkaser21 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33 View Post
$1,600 sounds about right for a multi-step paint correction and a quality ceramic. I am not familar with the ceramic product you mention. I have had a Ceramic Pro done on other cars and I am getting a Kamikaze Ceramic done the week after next. I also have Carbon Black Metallic and I honestly don't have too many swirls, more like spiders here and there. I am as OCD as they come, you are doing the right thing. My car has never been through and automatic wash and I honestly keep it so clean that I can clean is with Opti Clean which is a waterless wash. It's almost impossible to not develop something. Even wiping it down with Opti Clean can cause swirls if it's got enough dirt on it.

Two bucket system is great, but a foam gun and a power washer followed by a Ego 765CFM blower will keep your new ceramic pristine. I am going to lay off the Opti Clean or any other type of hand cleaner/detailer after the ceramic. As my detailer said, you either wash it correctly or leave it dirty.

It sounds like your car will need three passes. Do a wheels off Ceramic. The wheels and calipers will clean off like butter. This pic was after a coat of Gtechnic C2V3 which is what you should use on the ceramic, you have to do something contrary to what he said. This product is easy and fast.
Yeah, I want to go the foam gun route soon, but currently I've spent too much money at chemical guys! Your car looks great btw - our cars are very similar.
Yeah, the money can certainly get out of hand. I was feeling guilty about dropping $1,300 on a Ceramic this past weekend because I "thought" the paint was in great shape. After seeing this video my detailer posted, it was worth it. Hopefully you can see this.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cd1qw...d=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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      06-02-2022, 08:27 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33 View Post
Yeah, the money can certainly get out of hand. I was feeling guilty about dropping $1,300 on a Ceramic this past weekend because I "thought" the paint was in great shape. After seeing this video my detailer posted, it was worth it. Hopefully you can see this.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cd1qw...d=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Yeah, that looks nice!
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      06-03-2022, 06:03 AM   #18
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Why do people continue to put 90,000 dollar cars through automatic car washes??

When will they learn?
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      06-06-2022, 07:01 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NGT2 View Post
I hear you on spending to much already with Chem Guys or Adams, etc. Just fyi - if you already have a pressure washer, a foam gun can be bought pretty cheap. I have a Sun Joe pressure washer and I got a foam gun off Amazon. It's great and produces foam like crazy.
Bought myself a Sun Joe pressure washer and an Adams Foam Cannon. Came Friday and I used both on Saturday. LONG overdue. I didn't even need a two bucket approach with the fresh ceramic. Man, the Foam Cannon with a Pressure washer works so much better than the Foam Gun and a hose.
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      06-06-2022, 10:07 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by NGT2 View Post
I hear you on spending to much already with Chem Guys or Adams, etc. Just fyi - if you already have a pressure washer, a foam gun can be bought pretty cheap. I have a Sun Joe pressure washer and I got a foam gun off Amazon. It's great and produces foam like crazy.
Bought myself a Sun Joe pressure washer and an Adams Foam Cannon. Came Friday and I used both on Saturday. LONG overdue. I didn't even need a two bucket approach with the fresh ceramic. Man, the Foam Cannon with a Pressure washer works so much better than the Foam Gun and a hose.
Yep. Big difference. My detailer said I didn't need a bucket at all, if I was using a foam cannon. But I still keep one rinse bucket, if I'm actually touching the car. I just rinse the mitt about 4-5 times as I move around the car.
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