[QUOTE=MoDat;2386214]Are you doing it by hand or using a buffer? B/c if your trying to remove swirls and scratches by hand your wasting your time. Try getting a portercable 7424

^^^That

 

Do NOT use a sponge. It holds the dirt and grit on the surface and can create those swirl marks that are driving you crazy. So as you're washing, you're scratching. Use a good quality mitt. A mitt will drawn the dirt away from the part touching your car so you don't scratch. Also, if you're using one bucket, make sure it's a BIG one. The bigger the bucket, the more water you have so the dirt will be more diluted and less prone to getting back on your mitt. The deeper it is, the more it allows for the dirt to settle at the bottom.

 

SO basically all that time ive been trying to keep my car looking good I have been ****ing it up even more. I am so ****ing pissed. I am to worried about using abrasive polish (by hand) because I tried it on a very small piece of the surface and it did not help, in fact made it worse.

Is there any other way I can remove light scratches and swirls without using abrasive polish?

 

No.

Step by step detail:

Wash with two bucket system
Clay bar (with Quick Detailer as a lube, or use Clay Lube but wipe it off good)
Polish (start with Medium or Heavy, and finish with Light/Finishing polish)
Glaze (optional, fills in the imperfections)
Sealant (optional*, it's a synthetic wax, last 4-6, not much depth/gloss)
Wax (optional*, use carnauba-based, last 3-6 weeks, lots of depth/gloss)

*Use at least a wax or a sealant, or both! Sealants require to be left on for 24 hours to bond with the paint, THEN, if you want, you should use wax as the last step.

Careful with the retail stuff, sometimes they'll be called Polish when it isn't (it'll be a sealant or glaze filler, for example). Also, you're going to want to use a random orbital buffer ($100 bucks for a PC7424, or $300 for a Flex 3401) to apply the polish. Polishing is what REMOVES the swirl marks and light scratches. Trying to do this by hand is like trying to mow your lawn with scissors.

After this first go, your maintenance washes will be quick and easy because of the protection and beading action of the sealant/wax.

 

Go here- http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9145

this is where I learned everything about detailing. Very good write up and should get you started on the right path