What is marring

Marring is a superficial surface imperfection most commonly seen after claying. It is slightly similar to a combination between swirls and holograms.

Why marring

Marring is a very light surface imperfection caused by mechanical interaction between a hard/rough surface and the paintwork. This is very common after claying. The clay has a rough surface that causes a very light abrasive effect on the paintwork underneath. Marring is a very slight imperfection that is generally very easy to remove.

How to remove marring

Marring can be remove with a light abrasive polish. This can be a paint-cleanser, which can either have light abrasive or chemical polishing agents. These polishes remove the marring. Certain pre-wax products can have a similar effect. Regular wax is able to fill in the microscopic imperfection, just like glaze. This would not remove the imperfection, but make it invisible until the glaze or wax has degrade too much.

How is marring created

Marring can be created by a few different processes. Claying is a very common cause for marring, but so can polishing be. Polishing a surface with a rough abrasive without letting it break down enough, can cause very light imperfections that either look similar to marring or is marring. A rough patch in the paintwork will increase the amount of friction, and thus the amount of marring. Using too little claylube, or using too much difference in pressure can also have a great effect on the amount of marring.
Marring can also be created by using a worn or wrong drying towel. The towel can make slight imperfections in the paintwork during wiping. A difference in pressure or the amount of lubrication between the towel and the paintwork can have an effect on the amount of marring.

Identifying marring

Marring are very light lines of imperfections in the same direction but very short. Unlike holograms, that are long lines in the shape of the movement of the polishpad, marring consists out of short interrupted groups of lines in a similar direction. This can be cause because of the motion of the clay. Marring is also easy to hide from the naked eye. Looking at an area from a different angle, changing the angle of the light source, wetting the area and applying glaze or wax can significantly reduce the visibility. However, this does not remove it, simply hide it from sight.

Marring and swirls

Swirls are similar to marring. Whereas marring is made from short lines in usually a reasonably straight line, swirls are often circular long lines. The cause for marring can also differ. Marring is usually a very light surface imperfection that is easy to remove, whereas swirls are a bit deeper and require more work to remove fully.