When most people including me talk of swirl marks, they are just talking of very small scratches in the paint which only look like they are in swirl patterns because they are seen as they radiate around a bright spot light
It’s the bright light that catches the edges of the scratches and makes them appear to be in a swirl pattern but of course they aren’t
It’s a common misnomer that these are a result of washing or polishing in circular patterns
As Dean says real swirl patterns are only caused by rotary polishers when used incorrectly and allowed to stand still and either burn the paint or abrade in a circular fashion
To avoid putting scratches in paintwork, it is important to be absolutely maticulous in getting dust and grit off the paint and off any cloth or sponge prior to applying any pressure of any kind during the cleaning process
The main aids to this are
Running water (not too much pressure)
Lots of carefully folded and properly cleaned and dry microfibre cloths which use static to lift dust
Grid guards in buckets to prevent grit getting on cleaning mits
Plenty of clean water if using buckets
Well written Stewart +1
