It's important to understand the difference between Swirl Marks, Spider-webbing, and Surface Scratches. It's also good to know what causes each type of scratch, and how to avoid them. See the next FAQ, "Removing Swirl Marks, Spider Webbing, and Surface Scratches" for solutions.

Here is a brief guide the most common scratches plaguing today's finishes:

1. Swirl Marks are ultra-fine scratches in the finish caused by a high speed buffer and compound. After a vehicle or panel is painted, color-sanded, and buffed, you will see swirl marks, especially in the sun or under lights.

    

   1. Avoid high speed buffers, wool pads, and heavy compounds unless you are a pro.
   2. Avoid low-end body or paint shops. Cheap body and paint work can reduce the value of your vehicle below it's damaged value!
   3. Stick with a Dual Action, Random Orbital Polisher, like the Porter Cable 7424, 7335, or 7336.
   4. Only use foam pads with the D/A Polisher.

    

2. Cobwebbing or Spider-Web scratches look like a spider web when viewed in the sun or under lights. These ultra-fine scratches are caused by a few things:

    

   1. Driving through a Car Wash or other mass-volume wash system is the #1 way to scratch your vehicle.
   2. Using Terry Cloth Towels or Cotton Diapers to wash, dry, or dust is a bad idea, and will always scratch the clear coat or paint.
   3. Use a new Wash Pad every twelve to fifteen washes. It's an investment of $6 every quarter that makes good sense, and helps reduce scratching while washing.
   4. Over-use of a car duster is a bad idea. If you use a duster, it should be at a show, or after a short drive. Don't use a duster on a dark vehicle more than once or twice a month. Use a duster on a light colored vehicle not more than five or six times before polishing and waxing again.
   5. If you like to keep your car free of dust, use one of these methods:
      1. Keep a car cover on the freshly cleaned vehicle.
      2. Use Detail Spray and a Microfiber Polishing Towel to remove dust. This lubricates the dust while picking it up, and adds shine at the same time!

    

3. Fine surface scratches unfortunately happen with vehicle use or storage. If you drive it, it's going to get a scratch or two! Scratches happen, and it's important to think about minimizing their possibility.

    

   1. Don't park close to other vehicles.
   2. Park far, far away! Further is better. Enjoy the exercise!
   3. Think about carrying boxes or bags through your front door, and not your garage. Most scratches happen in your garage or driveway!
   4. Make sure your kids watch my DVD before having them help you wash or detail your vehicle.

    

4. Want to Avoid Scratches all-together?

    

   1. Store your vehicle up on a lift, in a locked garage or warehouse, with a soft cover. I've got many customers who do just this, and it's the only way to positively avoid scratches!