After washing my new black g37s I noticed smears that reflect the light. They are not scratches but wiping them changes the reflection. Is this the residue of the soap?. I followed these steps:

Rinse
Wash with liquid soap (off Brand)
Rinse again
Dry with towels

I read the post by the detailers but I wondered what might cause the smears. This was the cars first wash.

Thanks Bob

 

hm posting pictures would help...

 

No Digital camera I'm still in the dark ages.

 

Spiderweb like? Sort of like this:

 

I still can't believe your car used to look like that BB... that's seriously awful. haha

 

I don't think he's talking about the swirls BB, I think he's talking about... like streaks you see on the glass if you dont clean it properly, except these are streaks on the paint. kind of hazy looking smears.

 

Our black paint SUCKS my 2nd BLACK one paint is soft!! even a towel can scratch it...when i can i am going to have it painted with gm or ford paint. both my 08 pont. and my 06 dodge have so many LESS CHIPS ON FRONT THAN MY G!! and they have a combined 70,000 miles. the G only has 11,000 miles..So get used to it

 

It really doesn't suck, Its just the fact we can actually see it worst than any other color, but that's only if your looking deep into the paint.

 

I have to disagree, the clear coat is way too soft and does indeed suck. I clayed my car with plenty of lube and a clean, new piece of fine clay. The scratches it left are unbelievable. I can wipe the clean palm of my hands over the surface and leave scratches. I can easily scratch the clear coat wih a clean plush microfiber cloth if I rub with much pressure! That is too soft. I have a brand new black Chevy for direct comparison and I can treat it much worse with no scratching in the clear coat. I don't care what anybody says becasue I can almost guarantee that I have spent way more time detailing/correcting the paint on a G37 thatn anyone here - the clear coat is far too fragile. I am extremely disappointed in the durability of the finish.

 

Yes exactly they are not scratches I had this problem occasionally with my last black car that being said the sun came out while I was washing adding to my problems.

So next time:

In the shade
Use Automotive soap instead of light detergent
Use the two pail method.
Use two mitts, one for rinsing
New microfiber for polishing

How long before waxing the first time?.

Thanks Bob

 

you're absolutely right. I remember one time I used the the back of my fingernail to flick off some debris and it left tiny marks on my hood!! I was devastated. That was my first revelation for the poor quality of the clearcoat.

 

You don't need to wait before applying any wax, you paint is fully cured.

 

Thanks, I live in Southern Calif and there is always dust in the air, 3 hours after washing there is a fine patina of dust visible. This car has the deepest and most attractive black of any car I have owned but there is considerable work ahead to keep it looking good.

 

Our paint sucks period. The wind can scratch our paint...

 

Well, Aston Martin has softer paint than we do. I heard Maserati does too.