Why are there swirl marks on my ceramic-coated car?

Ceramic coatings reduce but do not prevent wash-induced fine scratches and swirl marks. Dirty wash mitts, contaminated drying towels, automatic brush washes and dry wiping of dusty paint can all leave fine swirls in the coating, and deeper marks can reach the clear coat beneath it. Swirls may also have been present before coating if the paint was not corrected first. Light swirl marks in the coating can often be improved by a professional with a very fine polish, after which the affected area may need recoating.