How to Fix Swirl Marks on Your Car in Blackpool — Real Answers, Not Quick Fixes

Platform Auto Detailing
Nov 23
2 min read

If your car looks dull, hazy or “scratched in circles” under the sun, you’re looking at swirl marks. They’re one of the most common issues for vehicles in Blackpool, Lytham, Poulton-le-Fylde and surrounding North Lancashire areas — especially after drive-through washes or heavy sand from coastal winds. This article explains where swirl marks come from, what actually removes them, and how to prevent them from coming back.

🔎 What causes swirl marks?

Most swirl marks come from incorrect washing and drying, such as:

Drive-through brush washes
Dirty sponges or mitts
Using one bucket for wheels and paint
Wiping dust with a dry cloth
Automatic car washes
Cheap drying towels

These fine scratches build up over time until the paint looks tired or faded, even on newer vehicles.

✋ Why you can’t “polish out swirls” with shop products

Many over-the-counter “scratch removers” or “polishing waxes” contain fillers, not abrasives. They:

Temporarily hide the scratches
Wash off in weeks
Leave the paint looking dull again

To fix swirl marks, you need abrasive machine polishing, not temporary fillers.

🛠️ The real solution: a single-stage machine polish

A single-stage correction safely removes a layer of damaged clear coat to reveal a smoother, higher-gloss finish underneath. This gives:

Sharper reflections
Deeper colour
Clear, swirl-free paint
Higher clarity under direct light

When is a single-stage correction enough?

It’s ideal for:

Mild to moderate swirl marks
Light scratches
Oxidised or dull paint
Newer cars that just need improvement

🔐 Protect the result: ceramic coating

Once the paint is corrected, the finish should be sealed. At Platform Auto Detailing, we apply a 7-year ceramic coating to lock in the gloss and protect the corrected paint from:

UV fading
Chemical stains
Bird droppings
Salt, grit and winter contaminants
Light scratching

It also makes washing much easier and reduces the chance of new swirls.

🌊 Why swirl marks are worse near the coast

Across towns like Blackpool, Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Knott End and Lytham St Annes, vehicles face:

Coastal winds carrying sand and salt
Winter grit and moisture
More frequent washing (because cars look dirty quicker)

Sand and grime act like sandpaper if wiped, washed or dried incorrectly. This is why ceramic protection is especially important for coastal areas.

🧴 How to prevent swirl marks after correction

Once the paint is corrected and coated, follow these rules:

Use a safe wash method (two-bucket system)
Use microfibre wash mitts and towels
Avoid drive-through washes
Rinse heavy dirt before contact washing
Dry with quality microfibre towels, not chamois

If you don’t want to maintain it yourself, a professional maintenance plan keeps the coating performing as it should.

🚘 Professional Paint Correction on the Fylde Coast & North Lancashire

At Platform Auto Detailing, we provide professional single-stage machine polishing combined with a 7-year ceramic coating, suitable for vehicles across: