I was reading comments in Ozark'* clay bar thread about circular motion of polishing cloth, wax pad, etc causing swirl marks. I agree swirl marks can come from this, but I'm under the impression that all micro scratches, whether straight or circular cause swirl marks because when you look at a light source reflected in the paint and see "swirl marks," you see every scratch that is perpendicular to the light source. This makes an array of scratches visible as a halo around the light source reflection. Does that making any sense? My question is do circular motions really make more "swirl marks" than back and forth motions of the wax pad, wash mitt, etc.?

I'm no 'expert' but I don't think circular motions have a huge effect on swirl marks. I'm sure 'swirl marks' can happen because of it (cob-web marks), but if there were small enough dirt/dust particles on the paint, you'd get scratches if you went back and forth anyway. But it'* impossible to avoid swirl marks. You can prevent a lot, but you'll always get them. As most are micropscopic enough that you can't see them without strong light. As long as you use the right products, from the wash mitts, microfiber cloths, polishes, etc. and use care it shouldn't matter if you use circular motions vs. back and forth. And they do make good products to remove swirl marks.

I use back and forth for the claybar since I find it'* easier, and the directions say to. I have always mostly used circular motions when applying and removing waxes.

my suggestion to you and everyone who is interested in keeping their car in SHOW QUALITY to read EVERYTHING on this site:
http://www.thedetailingbible.com/index.html

Go through it twice, because there are facts hidden all over. I also suggest the DVD, I have it and its pretty darn good.

You will learn more there than anywhere else.