Why All Of The Straight Lines?

[backwoods lex]

I'm planning on detailing the car since it is now spring. I read the write up by SW03ES and it was really helpful (thanks man!). Just a general question though. Why do everything in straight lines instead of the circular motion? Just curious why this affects the paint. Thanks!

[TOGWT]

Product Directional Application:

•Polish- these products contain abrasives and should be applied in straight-line motions (Forget what Mr. Miyagi was teaching the Karate Kid) circular motions will cause circular directional marks (swirl marks)

When an abrasive is applied by hand the pressure applied is uneven and the reflected light highlights the

peaks and valleys differently.

•Sealant, Glaze or Wax- these products are all non-abrasive so direction of application won’t cause directional marks to the surface.

•Machine application-although a machine applies product in circular motions the pressure applied is very even (unlike a hand application) so the light is reflected evenly.

•Optimising light refraction - apply product in ‘direction of airflow’, paint horizontal surfaces hood to trunk, vertical surfaces front to back. This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimising the surface light refraction as paint is applied in a side-to-side motion not circular, it also highlights the reflectivity of the bodylines and contours of the vehicle

[backwoods lex]

•Optimising light refraction - apply product in ‘direction of airflow’, paint horizontal surfaces hood to trunk, vertical surfaces front to back. This application technique affects the paints optical properties by optimising the surface light refraction as paint is applied in a side-to-side motion not circular, it also highlights the reflectivity of the bodylines and contours of the vehicle

Ohhhhhh. Thanks TOGWT. So on the sides (doors and fenders) I should polish from hood to trunk also?