What is marring
Written by: Vinnie van Rooij
Marring is a superficial surface imperfection most commonly seen after claying. It is slightly similar to a combination between swirls and holograms.
Contents
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.
- It is often asked on detailing fora and social media: "what is the best lights". Off course there is a difference between certain products and brands, but it is important to know what you are asking. In this guide I will try to explain what the problem is with this question unless it is asked more in-depth....
- It is often asked on detailing fora and social media: "what is the best TFR, Fallout Remover or Engine Bay Cleaner". Off course there is a difference between certain products and brands, but it is important to know what you are asking. In this guide I will try to explain what the problem is with this question unless it is asked more in-depth....
- Kärcher is a German manufacturer of several technical products, most known for its high pressure washers. The company mainly aims at cleaning equipment and has been in service since 1935 by Alfred Kärcher....
- Polishing a certain surface, using a certain technique will not always yield the same results. This is one of the difficult parts about detailing. There are many different variables that play a part in the result you want to achieve. Getting these all lined up will give great results in short time with ease....
- In the field of protection, there are generally 4 groups of products: wax, sealant, hybrid and coatings. These products can be combined, but with mixed results. Knowing what the properties of a product are will clarify the end result....
- A primed pad will outperform a non-primed pad in cutting. So a primed pad should give a great polishing result on your car, but prime your pad for the goal you’re looking for....
[…] a texture to them. These jaws apply force on the piece of sheet metal and thus help reduce marring by doing so. There are also heat-shrinking sheet metal working machines that heat up an […]