A buffer in the hands of a pro can do wonders on a car that has heavy oxidation or minor scratches. Most body shops can use a buffer to blend touch-ups to perfection. Unfortunately, many detail shops and buffer owners don't know how to use the tool, or use the wrong compounds.
Swirls can be removed. However, it will take a fair amount of work on your part. Doing it one small section at a time will allow you to see progress.
If you get swirl marks, most likely the most noticeable area is your hood and trunk sections. To remove these swirl marks, use Meguiar's Swirl Remover. It has a very mild abrasive, so it works slow. It also has essential oils that will tend to enhance the gloss, detracting from the swirls.
The best tool to apply Swirl Remover is a terry cloth applicator pad (not a terry cloth towel). Apply swirl remover by rubbing a generous amount into the paint fore and aft. Do not rub in circles, do not rub side to side, only rub front to rear.
Once the Swirl Remover begins to haze, use a clean terry cloth towel to buff. Again, front to rear only. You will need to do this several times to make an impact. Your hood alone, by hand, may take as long as an hour and a half to two hours. Don't be alarmed by color coming off on your towel. This is necessary to remove the swirls. It does not mean that you have gone through the clear coat. When the clear coat is applied, it bonds with the color coat, pulling color to the surface.
When you're done with the Meguiar's Swirl Remover, put on your favorite wax. If you can see swirls before you wax, you'll see then after you wax. Wax will not hide imperfections.
