The Best Swirl Remover for Black Paint, According to 110,800+ Customer Reviews

Both car enthusiasts and car owners dread swirl marks and spider scratches that’re especially noticeable on dark or black finishes. They look so horrible in bright sunshine and make a remarkably good paint job ugly.

But this doesn’t really need to be a big issue since you can go DIY and save on your bodyshop bills with the best swirl remover for black paint. But how do you make the right choice? This is where we come in. We reviewed today’s top choices so you can easily get it done and reduce their appearance!

Top 10 Best Swirl Remover for Black Paint Reviewed

01 Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover

Why It Stands Out to Us

This beauty stood out to us for its awesome ability to remove small and minor scratches and swirls. It doesn’t only remove the swirls; it can also restore the paint’s glow.

Plus, it isn’t just good for black paint. It will work on all paints which is a nice thing to have.

Our Experience with the Carfidant Scratch and Swirl Remover

• We loved how easy it was to use. This is good news for those who aren’t particularly handy people. If you aren’t a professional, you won’t have a hard time with it, making it perfect for home use.
• What about the swirl removing capabilities, then? Well, it did a fantastic job for that as well. With just a couple of wipes, all kinds of swirls vanished like magic. Okay, it may not have been magic but actually the carefully formulated compound that’s inside it. But you get the point, don’t you?
• This swirl remover didn’t only remove the swirls, it also deals with small scratches and brings back the gloss of the paint. So, it achieves two things at once. You really do get the best of the best here.
• And it works in all colors too, not just on black paint. That means this one is a versatile swirl remover. Whether you have a black painted surface you need to work on or anything that’s a bit darker, this one will come in handy.

What We Didn’t Like

• Although it does work on scratches, any serious scratches are a no-go for this one.

Who Is It Great for?

Those who are looking for an easy-to-use and effective solution for removing swirls and glossing up paint will love this one.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Making it a tad bit more effective against scratches will be a welcomed improvement.

Specifications

Pros

• Works on all colors
• Easily removes swirls
• Works with minor scratches
• Comes in a convenient bottle
• Brings back paint’s gloss

Cons

• Doesn’t do well with deep scratches

02 Meguiar’s G17220 Ultimate Compound Scratch & Swirl Remover

Why It Stands Out to Us

The micro-abrasive technology in this one is enough to deal with most swirls and most finishes. So, you aren’t stuck using it for only one application. You can just buy this single product to deal with multiple problems.

We loved the fact that it leaves a shiny finish. It’s easy to apply and dries fast. Most importantly, it’s quite affordable.

Our Experience with the Meguiar’s G17220 Ultimate Compound

• Just like the previous one, it doesn’t just remove swirls. This one easily brings back the gloss of the paint. What you end up with is a shiny finish. That’s something we loved.
• If you have any other defects (like a scratch) in the paint, you can use this swirl remover to fix those too! We tested it on a painted surface which has some scratches and watersports. Guess what? It removed all those without much hassle and left a fine smooth finish at the end of it.
• Removing swirls is something it does very well, though. It worked on different finishes during our time testing it. That makes it sort of a jack of all trade swirl remover.
• And it was easy to apply and dried faster compared to others we have tested. This allowed us to save some time. For professionals, this will work fantastically since time can equal money in a workshop.
• Since it comes in a convenient little bottle, storing it in our store or wherever we wanted to put it wasn’t that much of a problem either.

What We Didn’t Like

• A bit pricey

Who Is It Great for?

• If you want professional levels of quality, this one from Meguiar’s is a no-brainer.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Reducing the price or offering smaller sizes will help make it more accessible to everyone.

Specifications

Pros

• Works on different finishes
• Gets rid of swirls easily
• Dries quickly
• Durable packaging
• Gives paints a gloss look

Cons

• Pricey

03 Chemical Guys COM_129_16 Scratch and Swirl Remover

Why It Stands Out to Us

If you have been paying attention, a lot of swirl removers do not work that well for deep scratches. This one stood out to us for its ability to deal with deep scratches.

Chemical Guys take things up a notch with their COM_129_16. Another super cool feature is that it doesn’t contain any fillers like silicone either.

Our Experience with the Chemical Guys COM_129_16 Scratch and Swirl Remover

• We loved how well it dealt with deep scratches during testing. If you have a nasty-looking scratch that’s messing up the look of your paint’s coat, this will come in handy. The performance is one of the best things about it.
• It also works well for all kinds of colors. We weren’t just stuck using it with black. That means, no matter what kind of finish you have, Chemical Guys has you covered.
• And since it’s also VOC compliant, we weren’t worried about the safety of this one. This is especially great news for workshop workers.
• Since it’s silicone-free, you don’t have to worry about any nasty filler being introduced to your paint finish.
• Although we have to mention, don’t expect to fix extremely deep imperfections with this swirl remover. But yes, it does take care of the moderate scratches sometimes.
• We had the option to just buy the swirl remover or a set that has a couple of handy applicators included. Needless to say, we went for the ones that come with the applicators in the box, and we think you should too!

What We Didn’t Like

• It doesn’t have an applicator in the package.

Who Is It Great for?

Anyone looking for a polisher that can deal with deep scratches and swirls will love this one for its performance.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Including an applicator in the package will make it a much better deal.

Our Recommendations

• If you get this one, make sure you get an applicator as well.

Specifications

Pros

• Works on all colors
• Durable packaging
• Works with deep scratches
• Easy to apply
• VOC compliant

Cons

• Doesn’t come with an applicator

04 3D One – Car Scratch & Swirl Remover

Why It Stands Out to Us

The one-step and easy-to-apply process of this one makes it a charm to use. We didn’t have to spend hours polishing away the swirls. This polisher will coat the finish with sealant protection as well, which is a bonus.

Our Experience with the 3D One – Car Scratch & Swirl Remover

• The paint correction we got with this one was impressive. There were no defects left on the paint when we were tested it. One thing is for sure, you will be impressed with the level of quality and finish this one gives you, just like we were when we were testing it in our workshop.
• It also works with different colors. Yes, you read that right. Just like some of the other swirl removers in this list, this one didn’t just limit its effectiveness to black paint. We could use it on all kinds of different paint finishes to get rid of pesky swirls.
• Although it won’t work on very deep scratches, it still did a great job dealing with moderate scratches during our testing. Anything minor didn’t stand a chance. However, if you need something for deep scratches, you may look into other swirl removers.
• Applying it was also super easy and a hassle-free experience for us. We were able to use both our hands and also a dedicated applicator. Although we suggest you use an applicator for the best results.
• It comes in different sizes so that we can pick the perfect size for us. For the hobbyist or household use, you can go with the smaller ones. And for a professional workshop, we suggest you buy the bigger ones.

What We Didn’t Like

• It doesn’t do well with very deep scratches on black paint, but it works well for swirls and minor scratches.

Who Is It Great for?

If you want a swirl remover that can be applied with either your hand or an applicator, this one is an easy choice to go for.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• A better applicator in the package is something we would love to see.

Our Recommendations

• Get this one if you want a competent remover. Even though you can use your hands to apply it, we recommend using an applicator for the best results.

Specifications

Pros

• Works on all colors
• Managed to remove moderate scratches and swirls
• Comes in a good packaging
• Can be applied with both hands and an applicator

Cons

• Not that effective against deep scratches

05 Turtle Wax Colour Magic Jet Black Car Polish

Why It Stands Out to Us

This one stood out to us for its simple ability to eliminate any signs of swirls on black paint. You should be aware that it hides swirl marks rather than removing them completely.

Our Experience with the Turtle Wax Colour Magic Jet Black Car Polish

• Since it comes in a large bottle, we loved it for its cool packaging. The size is also quite big. With a 500 ml size, it should be enough for long-term use, and you don’t need to buy another bottle soon.
• It hides swirls like a total champ as well. When we were testing it, we loved how it fills in the light with the help of pigments. This process almost completely eliminated any signs of nasty-looking swirls.
• And the application wasn’t that difficult either as well, albeit a bit messy. We needed to be a bit careful when applying it to achieve clean results. But it wasn’t a major concern, and we would still say the application process was easy for the most part.
• You know what’s annoying than having to deal with swirls? Having to remove them right after a couple of weeks later. Thanks to the Dynamic Color Boost of this one, the color and shine didn’t fade at all even after weeks. This is great news since it means the finish will last for quite a while.
• Once we applied it, we also saw a very nice gloss and finish to the whole painted surface as well. We loved how it made the paint shine. It really did bring it back to life.

What We Didn’t Like

• The application process can get messy if you aren’t careful.

Who Is It Great for?

For those who want a good overall polisher for hiding swirls, this one will work great.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• If the application process can be made less messy, it would be much better for casual users.

Specifications

Pros

• Cool packaging
• Hides swirl well
• Easy application process
• Gives the paint coat a nice shine

Cons

• Can get messy when applying

06 Meguiar’s M10508 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound

Why It Stands Out to Us

We loved this one for how well it works on clear coats. And it can deal with acid rain and significant swirls as well. That level of performance is something you will only find in top-notch swirl removers like this one.

Our Experience with the Meguiar’s M10508 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound

• One thing we loved is just how fast this polisher gets to work. If you don’t have a lot of time, the quick-acting properties are something you will love just as much as we did. The brand advertises this one as an ultra-fast compound, and we can confirm that claim.
• We were also able to use our hands and also a buffer tool to polish and remove the swirls. That’s always a good thing since it gives you versatility when it comes to application. So, casual users who might not have any specialized tools can use it too.
• Then we have the actual performance. It removed heavy swirls and acid rain defects very easily and completely during our testing. There were no signs of swirl on the coat of paint remaining. Now, that’s saying something.
• We were able to apply it on clear coats as well. That isn’t something we can say about a lot of swirl removers out there. Meaning: as we used this remover, we found that you can carry out a versatile number of tasks with it.
• Since it’s an ultra-fast compounding remover, impressively, it can remove 1200 grit or finer sand marks with no worries whatsoever.

What We Didn’t Like

• The packaging isn’t that good. It’s just a normal bottle that can be improved.

Who Is It Great for?

Users who want to deal with severe swirls and acid rain damage can go for this polisher without any worry in the world.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Improving the packaging will make this one quite a great buy.

Specifications

Pros

• Deals with severe swirls
• Can handle acid rain damage
• Easy to apply
• Dries relatively fast

Cons

• Sub-par packaging

07 Jax Wax Professional Swirl Remover

Why It Stands Out to Us

This one not only removes swirls but will leave a protective wax coat. It will give you the protection that will last for quite some time. You don’t have to come back and keep using the remover after just a couple of weeks. It also works well on dark-colored finishes and not just on pure black.

Our Experience with the Jax Wax Professional Swirl Remover

• Since it worked pretty well on different dark-colored finishes, we think it will be a versatile choice for anyone. Whether you have something that isn’t quite black, you can pick this one up without any worry.
• The swirl removing performance of this one is also top-notch. It didn’t take us much time to get rid of deep swirl marks from black paint. Just make sure you use the right motion to get the best results.
• And it also left a protective wax coat which will keep that gloss and shine for longer. That’s surely a plus. This is helpful for exactly the reason you may think. With a protective coat, we had a long-lasting performance.
• Another thing we loved was just how easy it was to apply. All we needed to do was just apply it to the paint. Just a gentle application was enough to do the trick, and we started to see swirls and imperfections disappear.
• It even allowed us to apply the thing with either a buffer or just our bare hands. Now, that’s what we call versatility! Moreover, it will work for both commercial and household use.

What We Didn’t Like

• The application process is a bit tedious.

Who Is It Great for?

Those who want a remover that works on different dark-colored finishes and not just only on black paint will love it.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Making the application a tad bit easier will be helpful.

Our Recommendations

• If you get this one, just remember that you need to apply it carefully. We recommend using a high-quality applicator to get the best results.

Specifications

Pros

• Leaves protective wax coat
• Attractive packaging
• Awesome swirl removing performance
• Doesn’t leave any residue

Cons

• The application process is a bit hard

08 Turtle Wax 53412 Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish and Wax

Why It Stands Out to Us

The simple fact that a coat of this remover lasts for so long is impressive in its own right. Just like the previous one, with Turtle Wax 53412, you don’t need to apply it in weekly intervals. We also liked this one for its high-quality packaging and polishing capabilities.

Our Experience with the Turtle Wax 53412 Hybrid

• Dealing with swirls on black paint was no pain at all for us with this remover. We loved the overall finish we got as well. It left the paint looking clean and gave a professional look.
• There is a nice fruity scent when we apply it as well. That, of course, doesn’t do anything for the actual performance but is a nice thing to have. It was a nice and refreshing touch.
• A cool thing we think you will love just as much as we did is simply how long the coat lasts. During testing, the Super hydrophobic and SiO₂ polymers helped its durability.
• It was pretty easy to apply as well. Even non-professionals shouldn’t face any problems with it. And the good thing is we were able to use a microfiber cloth to wash off any excess during application.
• There was also a nice gloss on the paint after we applied it. It made the finish look much more professional and attractive.

What We Didn’t Like

• It doesn’t come with any sort of convenient applicator.

Who Is It Great for?

Anyone who wants a nice fragrance to go along with a superb performance will appreciate this one from Turtle Wax.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Including some kind of applicator in the packaging would have been a nice touch

Specifications

Pros

• Durable packaging
• Easy to apply
• Deals with swirls easily
• Has a nice scent

Cons

• No applicator included

9 Meguiar’s M20532 Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish

Why It Stands Out to Us

This one stood out for its shine and its ability to permanently get rid of swirls. If you have stubborn swirls messing up the look of a fine black coat of paint, this one can get rid of it. When you are talking about swirl removers, what more can you want?

Our Experience with the Meguiar’s M20532 Mirror Glaze

• The first thing that we noticed was just how easy it’s to apply. We were able to use a manual application process or go full professional with an applicator.
• Its shine was also very impressive, to say the least. This swirl remover gave the paint a nice glossy finish which looks super-premium and frankly quite beautiful too. That’s always nice to see.
• Light defects and swirls were also gone completely when we applied this thing. It’s quite a strong polish and will work with swirls without any hassle. And we can’t complain about that, can we?
• Just like some of the other swirl removers, this one is plagued by the common problem of bad packaging. When buying such a premium and high performance, we expected to get premium packaging as well.
• This swirl remover is very easy to apply. We didn’t face that much trouble when using it in our daily workshop and for covering up swirls. We loved that you can use both your hands or a rotary buff or even a DA polisher to apply it.

What We Didn’t Like

• The bottle it comes isn’t that durable

Who Is It Great for?

If you want the ultimate shine, then go for this one. You won’t regret it in the slightest.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Improving the quality of the bottle itself will keep the item safer during shipping.

Our Recommendations

• You can order this polisher without any worries. Just keep in mind to order it from a reputed place so the packaging won’t come damaged out of the box.

Specifications

Pros

• Removes swirls like a champ
• Leaves a nice shine on the paint
• Easy to apply
• Cleans up fast

Cons

• Poor packaging

10 Chemical Guys Gap_619_16 Black Light Hybrid

Why It Stands Out to Us

This one stood out to us for its awesome ability to give the paint a reflective shine. If your paint finish is old and you want to give it some life, this one is great for that. It also does wonders maintaining the look for longer.

Our Experience with the Chemical Guys Gap_619_16 Black Light Hybrid

• As we mentioned before, the best thing about this one is the phenomenal shine it gave the paint when we were testing it. It makes the paint look reflective.
• Swirls didn’t stand a chance against this polisher either. We got rid of it, and minor scratches with ease, and application for it was easy too. No-fuss or muss. Just pure performance.
• The ease of application was another plus for this. We were able to use both tools and just our hands for manual application. So, if you do not have an applicator, you can just use your hands for casual domestic use. However, as always, we recommend you use an applicator for the best results and a professional look.
• It’s synthetic nano-blend delivers top-notch gloss to the paint that left us quite impressed. If you want a swirl remover that not only gives you a swirl-free finish but also a fantastic shine to the overall paint, you are looking at it.
• The packaging is also quite cool and compact. While it may not do anything for the product’s actual performance, we still like it for what it is.

What We Didn’t Like

• Like some of the other polishers in this list, it doesn’t come with any applicator.

Who Is It Great for?

Those who are looking for a great shine and easy removal of swirls from black paint can go for this one without any worries.

What Could Be Improved and Why

• Including some form of an applicator in the package will increase the overall value of this polisher.

Specifications

Pros

• Gives an awesome shine
• Durable packaging
• Deals with swirls with ease
• Easy to apply

Cons

• No applicator

Best Swirl Remover for Black Paint: Buying Guide

Abrasive Vs. Non-Abrasive

When it comes to the quality of the finish, abrasive and non-abrasive removers will give you somewhat the same results. But abrasive compounds will do it much more efficiently.

They do it by actually removing a tiny layer of paint from the surface to fix imperfections like scratches and swirls. At the hands of an experienced person, this can be the best thing to use.

However, if you aren’t careful when applying it, these compounds can cause new harm to the paint. That’s, of course, something you don’t want. Non-abrasive removers don’t chip away the paint and won’t cause new damage to the coat of paint.

If you aren’t that skilled, non-abrasive kind is an easy choice since it will be easier to work it.

Filler

Getting ones that do not have any kind of fillers is the best option for the long run. A lot of removes will have fillers like wax which will cover up scratches. But within some time, the fillers are bound to wash off, and the scratches will reappear again.

Versatility

If you can get something that does more than just remove swirls, why not go for that, right? And that’s exactly what you should do. Many removers and polishers will also deal with light scratches, acid rain damage, and even water spots.

Get these, and you will increase the value of your purchase since you will get a much more versatile polisher. You won’t need to buy different products for different problems.

Check the Ingredients

Also, don’t forget to check the ingredients. Please make sure they are safe and non-toxic. Always looks for VOC compliant removers and polishers.

Price

Lastly, we have the price point. You will find swirl removers in prices ranging from $100 to $500. So, there are lots of options for everyone. Remember that you should spend the money on meaningful features that will help the performance and not waste gimmicks.

Difference Between Hiding and Removing Swirls

The main difference between hiding and removing swirls is exactly what it sounds like. One process is to completely remove swirls from paint. The other only hides the swirls.

Polishers and removes will sometimes leave a protective coat-like wax which will fill in the spots and hide the swirls. This will make it a bit tough to see. However, the coat can come off, and eventually, the swirls will be visible again.

A good detailer will do a great job of removing the swirls completely by using proper painting techniques and the right products/tools.

FAQ

1. Can I use my black-paint swirl remover on other paints?

Yes, you can. A lot of removers can be applied to different finishes and paints.

2. How long does it take to remove swirl marks from black paint?

It will depend on a couple of things — the size of the car and its condition. Usually, it can take anywhere between 1 to 2 full days.

3. Can swirl marks be permanently removed?

Yes, they can. A skilled worker can permanently remove any swirls from black paint with the right tool and remover.