Streaking - Why?!?

[HealthyCivic]

So, with washing and detailing my car during the past about 6 months, this has been probably the most annoying phenomenon:








This is what happens when I try to dry my car after washing. I use a Meguiar's Water Magnet towel, though this has happened with another waffle-weave towel as well. I use the pat-dry method and it leaves what you see. This also happens when I do things like QD and clay the car. The QD spray is difficult to pick up with one towel. The only thing that I've done to defeat this is to spray, wipe with one towel, then wipe with ANOTHER dryer towel... This also tells me that it's not just due to pat-dry because when I QD and clay, I wipe-dry.

But WHENEVER I wipe with just one towel I get those marks. And sometimes those marks evaporate, but other times, I see them days after, especially at night.

What's weird, is that I don't ever remember this happening for about the first year or so that I've had my car and been using the Meguiar's training/products. The only thing I can think of is humidity maybe? I used to think it was wind, but today wasn't even windy and it happened. Those Water Magnets are also new towels. I got them because I thought it was just my old towel.

Does anyone else know why this is? Do I just need to wipe everything with 2 towels? Thanks.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

I always use two towels when QDing, one to spread, one to dry. It looks like you may be using too much QD.

As for th washing, it could be soap on the surface but that one escapes me.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

I should mention too that thee photos were taken literally SECONDS after wiping... This isn't dried, it's just extremely stubborn to get off for some reason.

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

Try applying less product and fold your towel where it will have 8 sides

[CieraSL]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

Are you using the Smooth Surface clay kit? Have you tried using the blue clay and LT or Final Inspection and wiping off? You could also just re-wash after claying, which is what I usually do. How often do you just QD the car?

[akimel]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

1) How do you launder your towels?

2) This streaking happens both after quick detailing and after washing the car?

3) When was the last time you cleaned the paint either with a cleaner wax (Cleaner Wax, ColorX) or a polish (SwirlX)?

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

akimel, I think you're on to something on #3... It's been a while and hopefully I will do it soon. It hasn't screamed out to me because I do keep my paint in relatively good condition... However, our water is extremely hard and I do know that I need to use a paint cleaner on it to remove some trace water spots that are mildly etched in. Thanks to you writing that, I realized that the paint will probably dry much easier after a thorough claying, cleaning, and waxing. I think those etched water spots may be doing that. In fact, that pattern that is shown in the streak may be where the water spots are... And what's interesting is I faintly remember this issue occuring several months after I last gave my car a big, fully involved detail.

Laundry-wise, I just throw them in the washer in their own batch with All and on warm water.

I then tumble-dry on medium heat with no fabric softener.

[Kevin Brown]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

Which car wash are you using? And... how much of it?

If you are the type to "kick it up a notch" and add a bit more soap than is recommended, that could cause it. Some wash products have all sorts of goodies mixed in so help sheet water away, leave the surface slick, or even a bit protected. These ingredients need to be dispersed across the surface evenly, otherwise you're going to see the build-up where its thicker than the rest. This is one of those times that adding more is not a good thing. If you plan on modifying how much soap you're adding to your bucket... add less wash solution, and rinse the mitt & car often.

As the others mentioned, if you use a spray detailer often, the "layer" of protection/beautifying agents could be a bit thick, and may be "floating" or is moved around by the towel as you dry (even if you're not dragging it).

Finally, Al is right: if you haven't cleaned the paint lately, there could be oxidation present. The texture of oxidized paint could definitely hold onto all these "goops" that have been designed to beautify or protect your paint during and after washing.

I agree with the others. I'd recommend that you wipe the paint clean, and apply a cleaner wax, or a polish and wax, to ensure that the paint is in tip-top shape (clay if you must beforehand).

The next wash should deliver a much better result.

[akimel]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

Which car wash are you using? And... how much of it?

If you are the type to "kick it up a notch" and add a bit more soap than is recommended, that could cause it. Some wash products have all sorts of goodies mixed in so help sheet water away, leave the surface slick, or even a bit protected. These ingredients need to be dispersed across the surface evenly, otherwise you're going to see the build-up where its thicker than the rest. This is one of those times that adding more is not a good thing. If you plan on modifying how much soap you're adding to your bucket... add less wash solution, and rinse the mitt & car often.

When I first began all this, I relied on the volume markings on the side of my bucket. Then one day it occurred to me to confirm the accuracy of these markings. What I discovered was that these markings were wildly inaccurate. So I measured out the water, one cup at a time, and added my own markings. I also picked up a small two ounce measuring cup from the hardware store. Now I know that I am getting the right proportion between water and wash solution.

[akimel]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

Laundry-wise, I just throw them in the washer in their own batch with All and on warm water. I then tumble-dry on medium heat with no fabric softener.

Do you have the sense that the towels are not absorbing water as well as they should? If so, you might try washing them hot water rather than warm water. Also try adding a some distilled vinegar to the first rinse cycle and then run a second rinse cycle. You might also try one of those specialized microfiber towel detergents that are sold through detailing supply stores. I just keep wondering whether the towels are the culprits here.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

When is the last time you just plain old waxed the car? When QD sprays become difficult to wipe off that is often a sign that your wax protection has faded and a fresh coat is due.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

It may also be time to rejuvenate your towels. Next time you wash them, add a 1/4 cup of vinegar, do a extra rinse cycle or two. This helps them become more absorbent again.

[fullbirdmusic]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

When is the last time you just plain old waxed the car? When QD sprays become difficult to wipe off that is often a sign that your wax protection has faded and a fresh coat is due.

That would be my guess. Along with a quick claying beforehand.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

When is the last time you just plain old waxed the car? When QD sprays become difficult to wipe off that is often a sign that your wax protection has faded and a fresh coat is due.

About 5 months ago. I just waxed it since I wrote this thread. Hopefully that'll solve it.

I'm also going to try UW&W.. I'm hearing that it makes drying easier. Usually, for me, I just wanted mainly lubricity and conditioners... However, my needs have changed. I'm much busier now so I don't have as much time to work on the car, and I think that if UW&W makes drying easier, it will reduce water spots. And reducing water spots will ultimately help my finish.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Streaking - Why?!?

About 5 months ago. I just waxed it since I wrote this thread. Hopefully that'll solve it.

Yep, that's really stretching it for any wax or sealant. We're willing to bet you see an immediate improve with the fresh coat of wax.

I'm also going to try UW&W.. I'm hearing that it makes drying easier. Usually, for me, I just wanted mainly lubricity and conditioners... However, my needs have changed. I'm much busier now so I don't have as much time to work on the car, and I think that if UW&W makes drying easier, it will reduce water spots. And reducing water spots will ultimately help my finish.

It can make drying faster and easier, but that alone won't decrease the incidence of waters spotting - you still need to get the water off the car.

You might want to give this a try, especially since things have changed for you and the time you can give to your car is being reduced: when drying, do the final rinse with the nozzle off the hose, letting the water just gently flow over the paint. This will sheet off the majority of the water beads (the fresher the wax coating, the better this works) and then use some Ultimate Quik Wax in your drying process. Spray a panel with just two or three trigger pulls of UQW, then dry the panel as you normally would. Continue this around the vehicle and you'll be boosting your shine and protection as you go.