What are buffer trails on car paint?

Also calledBuffer Trails & Holograms, Holograms, Micro Marring

Zig-zag or arcing trails in a repeating pattern are not wash damage. They are the path of a rotary polishing machine used with too harsh a pad or too much speed. The pattern shows how the operator worked across each panel.

What kind of repair does it need?

A proper machine polish with the right pad and compound. These marks are usually light and easily removed by a skilled polisher. Trails cut in deep may be too deep to polish out safely, and then the panel is painted. Have the depth checked first.

Class of work Machine polishing, or a refinish where the marks were cut in too deep.

Almost always the polish. Marks cut in deep, usually by a rotary machine in the wrong hands, may be too deep to polish out safely. Then that panel is painted.

What to do next

Book a detailer, and not the one who did this. If it was done recently and you paid for it, take it back first. This is faulty work. Ask the next person what pad and machine they will use.

Sources

  1. Spies Hecker (Axalta)paint makerTreat surface again with suitable polishes
  2. Axaltapaint makerIf condition is not removed, or layers are cut through, thoroughly dry topcoat, sand and refinish.
  3. OCD Car Careproduct sellerThese lovely art inspired designs come from a rotary machine moved entirely too fast over the surface.

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Related

What is burn through on car paint? A dull flat patch on an edge or body line is where a machine polisher cut through the clear coat. Learn why this is workmanship. What are pigtail scratches on car paint? Short curly scratches from grit trapped under a machine polishing pad. Learn how to identify them and who should fix them.
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