Automotive

How to Remove Holograms in Automotive Paint, Lacquer and Clear Coat

Light Swirls and Holograms on black painted panel

Holograms are most commonly caused when a compound runs dry and generates too much heat on the surface - or when an operative applies excess pressure with a polishing machine.

Our range of Cutting Compounds are optimal for removing heavy defects and scratches, but swirl marks and holograms typically require a less aggressive application with a fine cut polish and finishing pads.

Below are our recommended processes - both via Rotary and Dual Action (Orbital) polishing systems.

Remove Swirls... with Rotary Polishing

Products Used

Remove Swirls... with Dual Action Polishing

Products Used

Where to buy?

Final Cleaning and Protection

Remove Swirls... with Rotary Polishing

Below is our recommended process using our Professional Automotive Refinishing Range - in this case using our G360 Super Fast Finish - which for bodyshops will leave you with an industry accepted hologram-free finish by eye in minimal time.

Depending on your compounding system and the severity of the holograms you may require the use of a cutting compound first - the below process is based on the Medium Cut and Fine Cut stages of the G360 system but for lighter defects you could just use the Fine Cut process

Medium Cut

Apply a small amount of G360 Compound to the sanded area on an automotive panel

Step 1: G360 Super Fast Compound

Apply product, use only a small amount.

Spread G360 Compound on automotive panel using G Mop Angled Yellow Compounding Foam

Step 2: Polishing

Polish at 900 - 1300 rpm and keep the pad flat.

Wipe automotive panel with a G Plus Finishing Cloth

Step 3: Check

Wipe clean with a G Plus Finishing Cloth.

Fine Cut

Apply a small amount of G360 Finish to the automotive panel

Step 1: G360 Super Fast Finish

Apply product, use only a small amount.

Spread G360 Finish on automotive panel using G Mop Angled Black Finishing Foam

Step 2: Polish

Polish at 800 - 1100 rpm and keep the pad flat.

Step 3: Check

Wipe clean with a G Plus Finishing Cloth.

Products Used

G360 Super Fast Compound

G360 Super Fast Compound is designed to rapidly eliminate sanding marks and minor defects from painted and lacquered automotive surfaces.

Image of 2 Yellow Pads - Text Underneath says "75 mm" and "150 mm"

G Mop Yellow Compounding Foams

75 mm & 150 mm | Eliminates sanding scratches and swirls when used with medium to high cut compounds on paint, lacquer and GRP finishes.

G360 Super Fast Finish

G360 Super Fast Finish is designed to rapidly eliminate swirls and holograms from painted and lacquered automotive surfaces - ideal on darker colours after using G360 Compound.

Image of 2 Black Pads - Text Underneath says "75 mm" and "150 mm"

G Mop Black Finishing Foams

75 mm & 150 mm | The G Mop Finishing Foam range has been specially designed for their excellent high gloss properties, minimal throw off (mess) and a low operating temperature when used with Farécla’s range of Finishing Compounds and Waxes .

G PLUS FINISHING CLOTH - 1 Unfolded Yellow Cloths on a White Background

G Plus Microfibre Finishing Cloth

G Plus Finishing Cloths are ideal for quick cleaning and drying jobs. Its microfibre technology grips dust and small dirt particles, and the cloth’s edgeless finish prevents damaging and scratches.

G PLUS CORDLESS ROTARY POLISHER - Photo of Front of Polishing Machine at a Slight Angle

New

G Plus Cordless Rotary Polishing Machine

GPT050 | The G Plus Cordless Rotary Polisher has been developed to Farécla’s own specification to be the battery powered equivalent of the popular corded polishing machine.

G PLUS ROTARY POLISHER - Photo of Front of Polishing Machine at a Slight Angle

G Plus Rotary Polishing Machine

GPT002 & GPT003 | The G Plus Rotary Polisher has been developed to Farécla’s own specifications to deliver the ideal polishing machine for bodyshops and trade professionals.

Remove Swirls... with Dual Action Polishing

A skilled bodyshop operative can achieve a flawless finish with a Rotary polishing system - but for clientele seeking a higher quality finish under the closest scrutiny, some bodyshops are adopting a Dual Action Polishing process as part of an end-of-line process for their ease of use and reliable attainment of a flawless finish.

For those customers, Farécla recommend the use of a Dual Action Polishing Machine and a dedicated D.A. Fine Polish and Pad.

Below is a partial Dual Action process on the basis that a compounding step has been used beforehand - depending on the severity of the holograms you may need to start with a D.A. Cutting Compound and Pad

An orange coloured foam pad being attached to a cordless Farécla polishing machine

Attach polishing pad...

The Farécla Dual Action polishers are supplied with this pad free of charge in the box.

Pea sized dots of Fine Polish are being applied to an orange foam polishing pad attached to a Farécla dual action polisher

Apply product

Add a few small, pea-sized dots of polish to the pad - you can always add more later.

Spreading Fine Polish onto the surface with the Farécla Dual Action polishing machine

Spread the product on the surface... and set your machine speed

We recommend about 3000 opm.

Dual Action polishing machine being used on a black automotive panel - with arrow suggesting working in a left to right motion

Polish from side to side....

Let the machine do the work, it should only glide lightly over the surface. Incorrect pressure can cause further defects.

Dual Action polishing machine being used on a black automotive panel - with arrow suggesting working in an up and down motion

...and then from top to bottom.

The order does not matter, but polish with overlapping strokes, first going in one direction like side to side, and then switch to another such as top to bottom.

Wipe and check

Gently wipe with a G Plus Finishing Cloth.

Products Used

G3 Pro D.A. Fine Polish

G3 Pro D.A. Fine Polish is a light abrasive liquid that removes minor imperfections for a mirror shine finish - optimised for use with a Dual Action Polisher.

G3 Pro Foam Polishing Pad

The G3 Pro Foam Polishing Pad offers a light cut perfect for finishing and is ideal for OE and refinished paints.

G Plus Microfibre Finishing Cloth

G PLUS CORDLESS DUAL ACTION POLISHER - Photo of Front of Polishing Machine at a Slight Angle

New

G Plus Cordless Dual Action Polishing Machine

GPT250 | The G Plus Cordless Dual Action Polisher has been developed to Farécla’s own specification to be the battery powered equivalent of the popular corded polishing machine.

G PLUS DUAL ACTION POLISHER - Photo of Polishing Machine at a Slight Angle

G Plus Dual Action Polishing Machine

GPT202 & GPT203 | The G Plus Dual Action Polisher has been developed to Farécla’s own specification to deliver the ideal DA polisher for anyone looking to achieve a flawless finish.