Bringing some life back to this Range Rover from Improper Washing

January 1, 2017 Phil Yiu

Got a call from a great customer of ours asking us to help him out with his dad's Range Rover. He told us that the car is in bad shape due to improper washing. I said really why don't you fix it yourself. He said no time and it's too far gone. I said you have everything to do it. He said you don't understand he washes it with bleach and various home cleaning goods. I said what! I told him if we do this you will have to teach him the right way to wash his RR, he said I can't promise you anything and this is a gift to him, what he does after he's on his own.

Figured a quick run down on swirls removal and paint correction would help those on this article.

What Is Car Paint Correction?

AKA - swirl mark removal or machine polishing, paintwork correction is the reduction or removal of marks in the top layer of paint to produce a more refined finish.

Paint correction can involves machine polishing of varying grades of cleanser, polish or compound. (can also be done by hand but in todays time and with todays finishing I would recommend machine polishing, preferably via an orbital polisher)

Paint correction requires a high degree of skill and concentration, but done properly, it really can transform the look of a car by dealing with hard water marks, etching caused by bird droppings or bug and tar, swirl marks, scratches and fading or dull paint.

Done professionally, paint correction is entirely safe and will not cause any issues for your paint.

Why Consider Paint Correction?

A vehicle’s paint has to deal with a lot of environmental challenges:

Road grime and grit
Bird muck, fly squash and tree sap
Tar
Water spots
People brushing against the car with their clothing or bags
Poor valeting techniques and/or products
Poor machine or hand polishing techniques
Auto car washes
All of these things can leave the finish of a car looking less than perfect and at worst, dull, faded and covered in light scratches, swirls and other marring. Not only does this detract from your car's appearance but it ultimately reduces its value as well.

For most, paint correction really can make a substantial difference and will completely remove or significantly reduce most marks. Not only this, but the resulting finish will have an amazing gloss, depth of reflection and slickness.

Will swirls and paint issues reappear?

New marks may appear over time (we can't stop future scratches), but with proper care you should be able to prolong them from reappearing.

Paint Defects

This project will:
Remove all light haze swirl marks
Remove any existing buffer trails/holograms
Add an amazing shine and depth of reflection
Restore most faded paint & reduce surface oxidation
Create a stunning smooth/glossy finish
Provide paint protection(3-6 months)
Leave a slick feeling finish which is easier to clean

This project will not:
Remove the deepest swirl marks (circular scratches)
Remove deep etching from bird muck, water, etc.
Remove more than the very lightest of scratches
Restore heavily faded paint or sub-clearcoat issues
Improve the appearance of stone chipping

Full list of products used during the new car process

Exterior
Nanolex Prewash Concentrate
Nanolex Wheel Cleaner and Iron Remover
Stoner's Tarminator
Nanoskin Autoscrub Sponge
Uber Clay Bar
Nanolex Ultra Glass Sealant
Nanolex Glass Cleaner
Meguiar's M101
Meguiar's M205
Nanolex Tire and Trim Restorer
Nanolex Spray Sealant

Interior
Nanolex Interior Cleaner
Nanolex Textile and Leather Sealant

Tools used:
Metro Vac N Blo Car Vac Pro Series PRO-83BA CS
Metro Air Force Blaster 8 hp
Rupes LHR15 MKII
Rupes LHR75E
Meguiar's Microfiber Cutting Disc
Uber Green Foam Pad
Uber All Purpose MF Towels
Uber Classic MF Towels
Uber High Tech Glass Microfiber Towels
Scangrip Multimatch Light

Before shots

Short on the prep shots but some foam shots and work flow shots

Paint Correction
Driver's Side Fender
Before

After

Driver's Side Door
Before

After

50/50 shots

The biggest difference was on the piano black trim

Much much improved this is not done yet, we had to finish it down further.

Final shots