Water Streaks...

[Randyvous]

Ok guys, I'm a little befuzzled and would appreciate some opinions.

While on vacation last month, I parked underneath a dripping awning in sunny Florida which left some really nice "water streaks" down the length of my hood. A few weeks ago, I pulled out my PC, a white LC polishing pad and went over the entire hood with SSR1. Voila! No more water streaks, nice glossy finish. Sealed with Z-2 and went on my merry way.

Only a week later, these water "streaks" (for lack of a better way to put it) have returned???

Ok, no problem, I pull out the PC AGAIN, this time thinking I'll be bit more agressive. This time I used a LC green polish pad with Optimum Compound. It cleared it up really quickly and left just as nice a finish as the SSR. I examined the hood very closely from all angles to make sure it was clear. It looked great to my eyes. This time I decided to throw some EX-P on the hood to seal it.

You can probably tell where I am heading, I walk by my hood yesterday and the same long water marks are visible again. :evil:

I'm more surprised than anything...

Do I really need to pull out the ISA and carefully wipe down the area to make sure the water marks are gone after polishing? This is really a first for me having something like this "return" so to speak.

Thoughts and opinions are always welcome!

[BigLeegr]

STOP PARKING UNDER THE AWNING!!! :P

Actually, You might try wiping with vinegar. You may have some mineral residue that's "blending" when you polish, then reappearing as the carriers etc. evaporate.

[Randyvous]

STOP PARKING UNDER THE AWNING!!! :P

Actually, You might try wiping with vinegar. You may have some mineral residue that's "blending" when you polish, then reappearing as the carriers etc. evaporate.

Yep, certainly can't argue with that advice!!!

I forgot to mention that vinegar was my first step 50:50...didn't faze these streaks at all. I tried it full strength also, and it made no difference.

I just tried ProPolish by hand, and it seemed to reduce them but not eliminate them completely. I wiped the area down with ISA to make sure I was seeing the actual results. I noticed I left some nicefingertip marks from the PP, so I'll end up using the PC again. soon.

These are some really, really stubborn marks!!!

[manuels_madness]

I'd say try claying the area down. Everything else hasn't worked so give claying a try there might be some residue that the clay could possibly pick up. Then go over with your PC and see if this pesky streaks go away. Streaks make me mad too.

[carazy]

Try Propolish with a more aggressive pad and see if that helps.

[carazy]

Try Propolish with a more aggressive pad and see if that helps.

[wytstang]

Any up date in this?

[Randyvous]

Any up date in this?

Well, yeah...sort of.

Although I failed to mention it, I tried claying these spots before I ever used the PC the first time. I didn't see any real change, although I admit I wasn't REAL aggressive with the clay.

It seems that the ProPolish has made the most difference so far although I was trying to localize my effort by doing it by hand it appears that I may need to use the PP with the PC. :)

These spots are quite visable at low angles (looking across the hood) but invisible when looking straight down upon it.

I'm sure most people wouldn't notice them, but after all when it comes to our cars, we're not most people are we?

I'll try and get a pic posted this weekend so you guys can see what I'm talking about, it may spark some more suggestions. I appreciate all the answers so far... :D

[Randyvous]

After taking a half-dozen shots trying to capture these streaks, I've decided two things. One, don't park under awnings that may drip in the future (thanks BigLeegr) and two, my camera stinks.

Here is the best of the shots, look at the sun and you will see 3 streaks going from upper right to lower left. (Trust me they go almost the entire length of the hood.)

[Charlies02GLS]

Have you tried using a 4" pad yet?

[Randyvous]

Well, I am "cautiously optimistic" that I’m finally rid of these water marks. After a storm blew through last night lowering the temperature by 20 degrees, it seemed an ideal time to try again.

After a quick wash, I used Pro Polish with a LC white polishing pad. It took several passes, but after pulling into the sun and searching from every possible angle, I can see no signs of them.

With a coat of EX-P and a Quik Shine QD I’m now a happy camper again!

I appreciate all the suggestions guys, next time I think I’ll just go straight to the Pro Polish. :D