Problems with streaks/haze - looking for clarification on process

[dnoraker]

After reading several posts on CQ application, specifically related to streaking, I'm looking to clarify what probably caused the issues I was having, and that I dealt with them the right way.

I was getting streaking with CQUK, so I went back to the regular CQ and it got a little better but it didn't go away. I think I had about a 2-yr-old bottle that was starting to get a little tacky from being opened and closed over the course of several vehicles.

With a brand new bottle of CQ, I started having the same problem. A little bit on the first coat, but a lot on the second. It was on a jet black car, and I stopped after just doing the hood because I couldn't remove it at all and it looked awful. This was an hour after the first coat. Once it cured overnight, I polished the hood with Essence on speed 2 of the Rupes Big Foot and the Gloss pad- just one quick, overlapping pass. It was perfect after that.

The more cars that I've done, the more I've tended to try to coat a large panel or multiple small panels before wiping off- i.e. a hood, a fender and a door or even a fender and two doors. I still think I'm starting to wipe off within 6-7 minutes.

Because of the streaking issues I can never seem to get rid of, I've been doing an Essence polish at the end of an application with a few client vehicles I've done. I've done my three personal vehicles without this pass and they don't look as glossy as I would expect. Very dark and clear, but not glossy, if that makes any sense. I get more gloss out of Meguiars' D151 and a rotary. I'm guessing it's because I don't fully remove the streaks and they're creating an effect like DA micro-marring. Slightly cloudy/murky.

Questions:

1. I'm guessing that I'm trying to apply coating to too much area before wiping off. Does that seem to be the most likely scenario?

2. Is my process to hit a panel quickly with Essence okay for dealing with streaks or haziness? I can't imagine I'm removing very much coating.

3. If I get some streaks in the first coat that I can't get out, can I let it cure for an hour and just do the second coat over that? Does it fill the first coat? Sometimes I can't see the streaks until I get it outside, but sometimes I'm working at night and can't pull it into daylight to inspect. It would be nice to know that the second coat just builds up the film, and that if I find streaks that I can just polish them out with Essence before applying Reload.

4. If I'm having problems after an hour of during with applying the second coat, would that likely be due to not removing all the streaking in the first, causing thick areas that won't dry?

 

[DARK HORSE]

Hello dnoraker,

I've read through your post and I believe your problem to be that you are waiting too long to level the coating. Wait between 1-5 minutes depending on temperature, humidity, and paint types, and find the right window to wipe when you’re doing your first panel. Generally in summer temps 2-3 min. Too soon and it will just be oily and no grab to it when wiping. Too late and it becomes hard to remove. Please try this on your next coating application, and let us know if it helps you. Yes, it is OK to quickly hit a panel with Essence when dealing with "high spots", however it would be best to properly level the coating firstly.

 

[PWP Detailing]

I would for sure stick with smaller areas at a time. If you do a fender and two doors, by the time you get to leveling the doors it has been sitting for too long probably.

 

[dnoraker]

Thanks for the advice. I have a coating job this week and I will apply these principles.

I noticed in the video Corey made for applying CQ that he recommends flipping the applicator over after every 1-2 panels- using 4 suede applicators per coat. I've typically been using 2 applicators per coat, depending on how much paint surface there is. I don't think I've used 3. I think I've used 1 on a couple of my own cars where I wasn't doing the whole thing in one shot. I'm guessing this probably hasn't helped my situation, either.

On that note, I typically tried to stretch the suede applicators because they're $1/ea beyond what's included in the box (and I get 4-5 cars out of the larger bottle). Then, I figured out I could take the 16x16 towels and cut them into 16 of the 4x4 applicator size for 1/8 of the price.

More questions, as I want to make sure I don't have any other issues causing streaking or other defects:

1. How long is the applicator backing block supposed to last? I probably do a few cars with each block and only replace them when I get a new bottle of CQ.

2. I seem to get more coatings out of a bottle of CQ than what it's supposed to do- like double. When I'm applying, I feel like I'm putting enough on, as it's getting darker spots and flashing where I have to wipe it off anyway. What is the purpose of applying more product than this?

 

[DARK HORSE]

Please see below...

Thanks for the advice.

1. How long is the applicator backing block supposed to last? I probably do a few cars with each block and only replace them when I get a new bottle of CQ. This is fine, I have blocks from years ago.

2. I seem to get more coatings out of a bottle of CQ than what it's supposed to do- like double. When I'm applying, I feel like I'm putting enough on, as it's getting darker spots and flashing where I have to wipe it off anyway. What is the purpose of applying more product than this? To ensure you are getting a thick, even, and thorough coat, with no missed spots that will last for up to 2+ years (durability)! Also, by applying it thicker, it will give you a little bit longer time before it flashes.

 

[[email protected]]

2-3 minutes is sometimes too late as well to remove the coating with no issues. Using Cquartz UK at 35°C is almost as quick as finish a panel, turn around and drop the applicator, take the suede 16x16 and wipe off panel. Minimal product so it becomes almost clear once you finish applying the product to the panel is another good start. Everyone tends to put too much product .. !

 

[Dellinger]

After reading several posts on CQ application, specifically related to streaking, I'm looking to clarify what probably caused the issues I was having, and that I dealt with them the right way.

I was getting streaking with CQUK, so I went back to the regular CQ and it got a little better but it didn't go away. I think I had about a 2-yr-old bottle that was starting to get a little tacky from being opened and closed over the course of several vehicles.

With a brand new bottle of CQ, I started having the same problem. A little bit on the first coat, but a lot on the second. It was on a jet black car, and I stopped after just doing the hood because I couldn't remove it at all and it looked awful. This was an hour after the first coat. Once it cured overnight, I polished the hood with Essence on speed 2 of the Rupes Big Foot and the Gloss pad- just one quick, overlapping pass. It was perfect after that.

The more cars that I've done, the more I've tended to try to coat a large panel or multiple small panels before wiping off- i.e. a hood, a fender and a door or even a fender and two doors. I still think I'm starting to wipe off within 6-7 minutes.

Because of the streaking issues I can never seem to get rid of, I've been doing an Essence polish at the end of an application with a few client vehicles I've done. I've done my three personal vehicles without this pass and they don't look as glossy as I would expect. Very dark and clear, but not glossy, if that makes any sense. I get more gloss out of Meguiars' D151 and a rotary. I'm guessing it's because I don't fully remove the streaks and they're creating an effect like DA micro-marring. Slightly cloudy/murky.

Questions:

1. I'm guessing that I'm trying to apply coating to too much area before wiping off. Does that seem to be the most likely scenario?

2. Is my process to hit a panel quickly with Essence okay for dealing with streaks or haziness? I can't imagine I'm removing very much coating.

3. If I get some streaks in the first coat that I can't get out, can I let it cure for an hour and just do the second coat over that? Does it fill the first coat? Sometimes I can't see the streaks until I get it outside, but sometimes I'm working at night and can't pull it into daylight to inspect. It would be nice to know that the second coat just builds up the film, and that if I find streaks that I can just polish them out with Essence before applying Reload.

4. If I'm having problems after an hour of during with applying the second coat, would that likely be due to not removing all the streaking in the first, causing thick areas that won't dry?

Greetings, Dnoraker!

Do not fret... I had the very same problems as you have had during my first outings with C.Quartz UK. It is a GREAT product but I do not know where you reside or where your shop is, so, I think C.Quartz Original may be more *user friendly*. That being said, apply it heavy, and I mean a saturated suede towel on the block...this should give you longer work time. After applying it to a, lets say, a rear quarter panel, glide a mf CarPro suede towel over the surface for a inch or two. If you feel some push back or tackiness... then it is time to level. Thus, you should wipe the panel with a CarPro MF suede towel (ambient lighting is key to seeing high spots so turn your halogens or LED light stands around and point them to an adjacent wall for appropriate lighting)... then come back with a BOA or equivalent and wipe any excess residue. I think UK may flash too fast for you and you may see some marring equivalent to micro marring or holograms. So, use Original as this coating will give you more work time and be more user friendly. As long as it is tacky, make sure to wipe any excess residue or high spots away. You should be good after this! If you have high spots that won't wipe away with ease... then leave them and polish away after a few hours and recoat. Don't keep wiping... it will just may things worse!

Hope it helps!
-Gabe

 

[Avi@CP]

Hi Guys,
there is a way to use the CQUK at high temps as well, you need to wipe on with same applicator+suede while its still wet if surface feel sticky than to wipe off with the MF, better use the mf , in this video the Boa since its faster flashing so better feel and hold on the surface( rather than the suede 40cm2)
see here how we did at 30 deg C outside application :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km905ZTalL4

 

[dnoraker]

I just finished a coating on a Mercedes and wow- SO MUCH BETTER. I didn't go more than a panel about the size of a door without wiping, so nothing was sitting more than a couple minutes. I had virtually no streaking issues. I only had 3 tiny areas where it streaked and I had to polish it a little by hand.

thanks for all the advice.

 

[dnoraker]

Here are some pics:

 

[DARK HORSE]

I just finished a coating on a Mercedes and wow- SO MUCH BETTER. I didn't go more than a panel about the size of a door without wiping, so nothing was sitting more than a couple minutes. I had virtually no streaking issues. I only had 3 tiny areas where it streaked and I had to polish it a little by hand.

thanks for all the advice.

Here are some pics:

Glad to hear it buddy, and vehicle looks great, nice job!