How to Remove Swirl Marks From Car Paint (Professional Detailing Guide)

Feb 25, 2026

Swirl marks are one of the most common paint defects seen in car detailing. Those spider-web style scratches that appear under sunlight or LED lights can make even a freshly washed vehicle look dull and neglected.

The good news? Swirl marks sit in the clear coat, which means they can be safely corrected using the proper washing, polishing and drying techniques.

In this professional step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to remove swirl marks from car paint - and more importantly, how to prevent them from coming back.

Swirl marks are fine circular scratches in the clear coat of your vehicle’s paintwork.

They are usually caused by:
Poor washing technique
Dirty wash media
Low quality towels
Automatic car washes
Incorrect polishing

Because they sit in the top clear layer, they can typically be removed through polishing - not repainting.

So What Causes Swirl Marks?

1. Incorrect Washing

Using a single bucket, harsh sponges or contaminated towels grinds dirt across the paint. To minimise this risk, use:

A quality snow foam pre-wash like: ADBL Yeti Pearl
The two-bucket method
A plush microfibre wash mitt
Dedicated microfibre drying towels

2. Cheap or Incorrect Microfibre Towels

Not all microfibres are equal. Blends (like 80/20), stitched edges or low GSM cloths can cause micro-marring during wipe-off. For safe paintwork, use:

Step-By-Step: How To Remove Swirl Marks

Step 1: Pre-Wash & Foam / Pre-washing reduces contact damage.

Apply a thick foam layer using ADBL Yeti Pearl or ADBL Snowball to loosen dirt safely before touching the paint.

Allow dwell time, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Safe Contact Wash

Use:

Two buckets (wash + rinse)
Grit guards
Premium wash mitt
pH neutral shampoo

This stage is where most swirls are created - so slow, straight-line motions are key.

After rinsing, dry with a twist loop drying towel to prevent dragging water minerals across paint.

Step 3: Decontaminate The Paint

Even after washing, bonded contaminants remain.

Use a clay bar or clay mitt with proper lubrication to create a smooth surface before polishing.

Skipping this step can cause further marring during machine polishing.

Step 4: Machine Polish With A DA Polisher

A Dual Action (DA) polisher is the safest and most effective way to remove swirl marks.

For correction, you’ll need:

DA machine polisher
Foam polishing pad
ADBL compound or polish
Professional microfibre polishing cloths

For effective swirl removal, we recommend using:

ADBL Roller DA Polisher
ADBL Compounds
450GSM Edgeless Dual Pile

Step 5: Panel Wipe & Inspect

After polishing, remove remaining oils using a panel wipe like: This reveals the true correction level and ensures protection bonds properly.

Spray Lightly: Spray the panel wipe or paint prep onto a panel, or directly onto your towel.
Use a Clean Low-Pile Microfibre Cloth: A 300-350gsm low-pile microfibre towel is ideal for wiping away residue without scratching.
Flip to a Dry Side: After wiping once, flip the towel to a clean side for a final, streak-free wipe.
Inspect Under Proper Lighting

Use bright lighting (LED light or direct sunlight) to see the true level of correction.

This reveals whether the polishing step really removed the defects or if you need another polish pass.

Step 6: Protect The Pain

Once swirl-free, protect the finish.

You can use:

Apply using a clean, plush buffing cloth to avoid reintroducing marks.

Can You Remove Swirl Marks By Hand?

Minor swirls may improve with hand polishing, but machine polishing delivers:

Faster results
More consistent correction
Better finish clarity

For professional results, a DA polisher like the ADBL Roller range is recommended.

How To Prevent Swirl Marks Returning

Swirl prevention comes down to process and product choice.

Use premium Korean 70/30 microfibre only
Separate towels by task
Wash microfibre correctly (no fabric softener)
Always pre-wash before contact washing
Use quality car shampoos and lubrication

What Is The Best Microfibre Cloth For Swirl Removal?

For paint correction and polish removal, our Korean Edgeless is perfect for the job:

70/30 Korean blend
400–500 GSM
Edgeless design
Dual pile construction

Lower-grade towels can undo hours of correction work in seconds.

At Microfibre World, our professional-grade paint correction towels are trusted by commercial detailers across Australia for safe polish removal and swirl-free finishes.