ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Lexus: How to Remove Swirls in Black Paint

Learn how to polish out the imperfections on your black paint.

By Gabriella Massari - December 12, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS, ES, GS, RX (2005-2014).

Whether minor or unsightly, swirls and scratches are an unwanted yet inevitable occurrence and are especially noticeable on cars with black paint. Swirl marks appear over time due to improper washing, drying, waxing, claying and dusting techniques, and even from quick wipe-downs and car covers. Fortunately, polishing a black Lexus to remove these imperfections is a simple and cost-effective process that you can do in your driveway. Read on to learn how to properly polish and protect your black Lexus' paint.

Polishers range in price from $20-$250 online (Amazon) and in stores like Walmart and Harbor Freight Tools. Find the best polish for your paint. Using a medium-grade strength polish is recommended. If you use a polish that's too weak, it may not cut through the surface to remove scratches, and if you use a polish that's too strong, it could end up leaving additional scratches in the process. V36 Cutting Polish, available online through Amazon, is a recommended brand to use. Likewise, it's recommended to use a microfiber buffing pad, which go for about $10 online and in stores.

Materials Needed

  • Dual action polisher
  • Microfiber buffing pad
  • Cutting polish
  • Black car wax
  • Car wax pad (microfiber recommended)
  • Black microfiber towels
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • Car washing supplies

Step 1 - Wash the car and inspect the paint

Give your Lexus a gentle wash and dry. Once it's dry, inspect the paint surfaces for swirls and scratches. You're looking for areas of the paint that contain bumps or are otherwise not smooth and glassy.

Figure 1. Lexus with paint swirls and scratches.

Pro Tip

Park your car in the sun while inspecting the paint as swirls or scratches are more noticeable in this light.

Step 2 - Assemble and prepare polisher

Secure the buffing pad to the polisher. Apply five drops of the cutting polish to the buffing pad. Spray the pad twice with the water spray bottle to lubricate it.

  • Figure 2. Evenly apply the cutting polish to the buffing pad.
  • Figure 3. Spray the pad with water.

Step 3 - Polish the car

Turn on the polisher and begin using it over the affected area. Slowly move the polisher back and forth over the paint. Turn off the polisher when finished and set it aside.

Figure 4. Gradually polish the affected area.

Step 4 - Wipe surface with towel

Once you've finished polishing, gently wipe down the surface with a microfiber towel.

Figure 5. Wipe the polished surface with a clean towel.

Step 5 - Apply black car wax

Using the car wax pad, scoop the car wax from its container and cover the polished area with the wax. A little of the black wax goes a long way. Wait 20 minutes for the wax to dry.

  • Figure 6. Scoop wax using the wax pad.
  • Figure 7. Apply wax to polished area.

Pro Tip

Apply the wax back and forth in lines instead of in a circular motion; this will help to ensure the best coverage.

Step 6 - Remove wax with towel

Once the wax is dried, remove it using a clean, black microfiber towel. Run the towel over the surface in a circular motion.

Figure 8. Use a clean towel to remove car wax.

Featured Video: How to Remove Swirls from Black Paint on Lexus

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