A buffing defect that appears as circular scratches is called?

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Swirl marks are circular scratches left on the paint surface after buffing. They show up in reflected light as circular patterns because the polishing action was done in circular motions, or the pad was overcrowded or damaged, causing fine abrasions to lay in a ringed pattern. This is different from hazing, which is a milky film on the surface; roughing, which feels gritty and uneven; or lapping, which involves smoothing with fine abrasives but isn’t defined by circular scratch patterns. To prevent swirl marks, use a clean pad and a finishing polish with minimal cut, keep the pad flat and moving in controlled patterns, and consider switching between straight-line or cross-hatch motions rather than continuous circles. To remove swirl marks, switch to a finer polish with a clean pad and refine the finish, then finish with a proper polish and pad to restore a clear, uniform gloss.