Haze on black paint?

[James]

As stated previously the paint on my black Ford is in excellent shape and I am using Mothers Wax and Top coat. I've been using Optimum spray wax as a detailer.
The paint and wax looks like saran wrap has been put on the truck and I am pleased with the look. I do it all by hand. HOWEVER..yesterday I had it in a partially shaded area and when I stand up close and look parallel with the truck the paint seems to have a little cloudyness that is not visible otherwise. Is that what is refered to as haze? Is it because I don't put the wax on with a buffer or PC? Not polishing correctly or what? And what do you do about it? Again its not noticable when you stand back 4-5 feet. The overall shine is great but now I know there is a (haze?) there it bugs me.
Any suggestions. I'll strip it all down and start over if I need to...one of the benifits of being retired. James

[Forrest T.]

Whether or not there is haze on the paint has little to do with using a machine or working by hand.

The haze can be something as simple as an incompatibility between the products used, or applying your spray wax too heavily, or the towels used to buff it (could have been loaded up with product, and you're seeing a smear).

The first thing I'd try is a wash and blot dry with waffle weave. Then, see if the haze still remains.

When's the last time he paint was polished/cleaned? I've seen instances where folks have applied application after application of products with little or no cleaners, and a haze appeared from all the product on the paint.

[James]

Thanks Forrest. The numerous layers may be it. Which brings me to another question. I am planning on stripping the wax off and going back again with either Reflections Wax or FX and topping which ever I go with, with Top coat.
I am thinking about washing with Dawn to remove most of the wax. After that I want to clean and polish. What would you recommend to polish with before I do Reflections or FX or will either do the job?
I know both have a little polish ( cleaner) but will rely on your opinion if they will do or use something such as Meguires pre-wax cleaner. I still have a bottle of the old Reflections polish but don't know if it is a stronger polish than Reflections or FX. Would rather stay with Mothers products.
FYI..the paint is in excellent shape, clean and smooth to the touch and I don't see a need to clay? By the way I have no PC and will be applying with a buffer and removing with micro towels. Will I see any benifit in shine by buffing after I remove the wax by hand?
Thanks again James

[admin]

Unless you're in a hurry to address the cloudiness effects, I'd wash and dry as normal for the next few weeks, but skip the detailer and see of that cloudiness goes away.

I'm not sure I see a need to strip everything and start over if it's just some incompatibility between the wax and the detailer; or perhaps uneven application of the detailer -- I would think that you should be able to see a difference after a wash or two.

If the detailer wasn't the problem, then do the Full Monty, but I'm actually a little curious about the cause of your phenomenon.

[James]

Thanks for the reply...but as asked please address the other issues such as cleaners and what would you suggest for doing a "Full monty"
Thanks James

[Wizard Of Iz]

James,

Make sure you haven't washed your towels with fabric softner or had dryer sheets in the dryer. I have seen a "softened" towel cause haze when my wife was trying to "help." (Guess I should do my own laundry )

I have had a couple of occasions where I have gotten a little haziness on my Black GTP exactly as you described. Only in certain lighting and only looking down or parallel to the side panels.

It seems to have happened only when it's very hot and very humid when I have worked on the car. Usually I have been able to go back over that section with a very fine mist and a fresh towel and remove the haze. When that hasn't solved the haziness, and a good washing, as Admin suggested, has not solved the problem; I have taken it as a sign that I am reaching the product overload point and need to get back to a fresh surface.

If you just want to get back to the beginning ..... I would use Mothers Pre-Wax Cleaner that is Phase 1 in the California Gold line. It is designed to remove wax and oxidation and prepare the paint for the next step. I would not use Dawn. Others may disagree, but I just don't think it ever belongs on a car.

Following the Pre-Wax Cleaner, I would use Reflections or FX and then Top Coat.