Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

[cbtruckin]

Hello,
Just joined today. Alot of info here.

First question.

My trucks paint is in very good condition, dark grey metallic. I always do a complete clay and wax twice a year.

When waxing my hood I get these streaks like it's not completely wiped off. Only on the hood, not on the roof or any other body panel. I usually put a second coat of wax on the hood to see if the streaks will wipe but they don't without all kinds of rubbing. I'm using the NXT wax.

I've also tried using polishes but they leave a greasy feeling. Have used New Car Glaze #5 and Show Car Glaze #7. I just don't see the extra shine from the polish. And the greasy film left just irritates me.

So why am I getting the streaks on the hood and any suggestions for the polish issue?

Thanks,
Corey

[Sean Conrad]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

Welcome to MOL.

I'm by no means an expert but others will answer soon. I will respond with what I think and ask some questions as well.

Using the NXT wax, I've experienced the streaks when I applied it too thick. So the first thing I am thinking is that you might be applying the wax too thick.

As for the polishes, not sure. I used the #7 and it had amazing results with no greasy feeling. There again I wonder about your technique. How are you applying the glazes?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

It sounds as though in all cases you're over using the products. If anything, after applying a pure polish like M07 if you were to run a towel over the finish the towel would sort of drag against the paint and not glide very easily. But you shouldn't have a greasy feel or appearance after using it. The product should be applied very lightly, worked thoroughly (but with only light pressure - it's not a terribly labor intensive process) and then wiped off before it dries. On a dark gray clear coat finish, however, you may not see a huge difference in appearance following application of a pure polish since clear coats just don't respond to it quite the way single stage paints did. This is partly why we've always considered this to be an optional step. Still, we all see things a bit differently and some people love the effect and are willing to put in the time and effort of a pure polish.

As for the wax streaking, you may be noticing more readily on the hood due to it being a larger and flatter area, and at a better viewing angle than the roof. We would suggest applying the wax in a very thin coat and letting it dry for 30 minutes or so before wiping off. Dry time is going to be impacted by both temp and humidity - the lower the temp the longer the dry time, the higher the humidity, the longer the dry time; combine the two and dry time can stretch out quite a bit. Once you wipe off that very thin and fully dried coat you shouldn't have any streaking issues. The streaking comes from a combination of not letting the wax dry fully and not applying it uniformly in the first place. NXT can noticeably darken a finish, so if it's not on evenly it won't darken evenly. If for some reason you still do, try this little trick:

• Take a clean, dry microfiber towel and fold it in quarters
• Fill a spray bottle with plain water and mist into the air, catching the falling mist with the towel
• Wipe the very lightly misted towel over the panel with the streaking as if you just wiping off a coat of wax or a quick detail spray

The second point above is important - don't get the towel wet; it should be barely damp, hence the spraying into the air and catching the falling mist on the towel. You really want the bare minimum of moisture on the towel. By then wiping this lightly dampened towel over the streaky looking panel what you're doing is redistributing the polymers from the product, smoothing it out.

[cbtruckin]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

Thank you for the tips. I now know I'm applying the polish too thick. I will work on thinning it out. Also, probably appying the wax to thick too. I will work on thinning it out. I just washed my truck today so I'll try it thinner tomorrow along with the misted towel.

Thanks again,
Corey

[Murr1525]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

Just work on a panel, dont worry about doing the whole thing right away if you want to check results first.

[cbtruckin]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

Yeah, I'm just going to do the hood tomorrow. Just did the winter wax a few weeks ago. I'll try the hood cause there's nothing like driving down the road and seeing a beautifully waxed hood.

Then by the time I get home from work tomorrow night it should be dirty (expecting rain and snow flurrys).

Thanks,
Corey

[CieraSL]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

I had (and to a degree still have) this problem on my hood. Here is a thread on it: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36651. The best way I have found to remedy it is to wax the hood first, do the rest of the car, and then remove the wax starting with the panel you did after doing the hood, meaning if you waxed the hood first and then the front driver's side quarter panel, remove the wax starting with the driver's side quarter panel. Then, when you finally come to the hood, remove it slowly. This greatly reduces the chance for streaking.

[DaGonz]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

I've found that the finish on the hood streaks when using #21 or NXT. I use a light mist of cool water and a microfiber to get the finish to even out.

[cbtruckin]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

So I did as told and amazing.

First I started off with deep crystal paint cleaner, no need to clay, then one very thin coat of #5 polish. It came off with no streaking or greasy feeling. Then a thin coat of NXT, let it dry good and wiped it off without any streaking. It felt so good I had to put another coat on it. And no streaking. I didn't even have to use the misted towel to blend it in.

Thank you, now comes the rain.

Corey

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Streaks in Wax. Only on Hood

Thank you, now comes the rain.

Corey

Now you can enjoy the beading!