Can't see swirls on light silver paint. I assume you have a dark color?

 

Blue slate. Take a look at that silver paint the next time you go to a gas station at night...that'll scare you.

 

Mine is Liquid Platinum. I checked and checked, from different distance under various lighting -- couldn't see a thing. As a matter of fact, I have always had my cars washed when getting service at dealership, including BMW, Volvo, Lexus. Never had a problem. I guess swirls are extra charges.

On the other hand, the paint chips at the front end of G37 are much more visible. And THAT bothers me.

 

I also have Liquid Platinum on my G37 sedan. We also have a light silver 2001 Honda Accord which I have had washed at dealerships, commercial washes, etc. for almost 10 yrs. I have noticed that if I put my nose up to the paint & look very closely, I can just about see swirl marks. However, they are very hard to see and are not apparent at all when standing in front of the car.

My point is that the dark paint colors show every minor defect and are therefore very hard to maintain. If you have dark paint, then I agree: it would be best to do your own careful hand washing, drying, waxing, etc., or the car's appearance will age very quickly. I am too lazy to do this. So, I achieve a "new" look by going with light metallic colors.

However, I really admire those who go to the trouble to maintain cars with dark paints. These cars are really beautiful.