the trick to not getting swirls in any paint job is not to use cloth applicators or buffers.. use the foam (eggshell) ones you can pick up at autozone or any other parts store...

 

Morning, been there, done that. Got real tired of trying to get out the swirls and finally got a Black Denim painted bike and no more swirls !!!!!!!!!!!

 

+1 for Zainos! Great stuff and you don't need much so it lasts.
The main culprit of swirls is the towel you use to buff the polish. Zainos used to recommend American made all cotton white towels but they have now developed their own towels and they are great. Be sure to snap them out while using them to get rid of any dust that they may pick up. Dry your bike with a leaf blower or blower made for the drying vehicles. Drying with chamois, cotton towels or micro fiber can lead to scratches in the clear coat.
Zainos Z-5 is especially made for black.
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

 

No, I disagree with the Meguirs as the best to use. it is reccomended here byt more people because it is more common but the other product mentioned above is much better (ZAINOS). That product is used by people who are fanatics about their paint. Another product that I like is Rightlook, very cerry preminum for black paint. I used this on my Black Cobra and was quite happy with it. Bothe products mentioned are bought online. I know righlook can't be purchased off the shelf and suspect the same about Zanios.

 

I have a 03 marauder blk & my 06 road king classic black as well i use a good carnuba wax on both outstanding shine . I also for touch up's use the rain x blue bottle on the bike works well also .best if put on soft cloth first. Don't forget the tooth brush for the trim . Shine on man shine on .

 

Did H-D clear-coat their black paint back in '99?
ChetB

 

If you already have swirls, spiders and light scratches you will need to prep/polish the paint/clear coat first.

Here is the drill as I know it.

Wash - Two bucket method, The first time use dawn dish washing liquid and wool mitt to strip off the old wax.

Clay Bar - Take some cellophane wrap and put it on your fingers and feel the paint.
Do you feel grit? If so, you need to clay bar.

Polish - For moderate imperfections use a swirl remover and then finishing polish.
If you have swirls, spiders, fine scratches this is the most important step!
Prep work is the key!
If you do not correct imperfections then Zaino or any other LSP will leave you with very shiny scratches.

I personally like Pinnacle Souveran on shiny black paint. It looks outstanding but only lasts a few weeks.
Zaino, which is a synthetic, will give a very good finish and last 6 months plus.

Glaze - Optional Step but also helps obtain a better shine and hide light blemishes and imperfections.
White Moose or PoorBoy's Black Hole for black paint.

Paint Sealant and/or Wax - Once the above is done a good LSP will show off a nice finish. Prep work is the key!

Zaino is a great LSP. Apply very thin. 2-3 coats looks real good.
I would suggest Zaino Z-5 for black. I believe Z-2 is a brighter finish.
Without adding the Zaino accelerator you will need to wait at least 24 hours between each coat of Z-5 or Z-2.

Pinnacle Souveran has a deep, warm, natural look that is different than Zaino.
I actually do both. I apply Pinnacle Souveran on top of the 3rd coat of Zaino.
This gives the longevity of the synthetic and the deep warm carnauba wax shine.

I also like Collonite Marque D Excellence and Insulator Wax.
Always use quality MF cloths not the Wal-Mart, Auto Parts flavors.

Did I mention...Prep work is the key!

 

+1

 

This is what I use on my 09 FXDB Vivid Black stripper taxi.

Pledge mulit-surface - Initial cleaning

Meguiars Ultimate Compound - Spots, stripper heel marks on the tank (if your too broke to buy rear pegs) ....gigidy

Meguiars Gold Class™ Carnuba Premium Paste Wax - Wow is all I can say

Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer

 

Here are a couple of articles on how to obtain that show bike finish.

Preparing the paint

How to use Zaino