Ripples on paint after four layers of WG sealant

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electone

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Hi, all!

I'm new here and this is my first post.

I purchased wolfgang polymer paint sealant 3.0 approximately two months ago, together with the polish enhancer.

I applied two layers during that time. I was quite impressed as the results exceeded my expectations. I have a Silver Chevrolet Optra (Philippines). The distinction of image was very sharp, it was like mirror.

A week ago, after washing my car, I thought of putting on another layer. I immediately noticed a loss of distinction of image. Instead of a mirror-like image, I now had very fine ripples on the paint, much like the surface of an ocean, but with very fine ripples.

I thought this would be corrected by washing the car all over again, applying the polish enhancer, and applying sealant again. So I ended up adding a fourth layer and having a worse surface than when I started. Very bad ripples as if I could see a thick layer of sealant.

On a very small section of the car, I tried to wash, clay, and rub with the polish enhancer, bit I still have the ripples.

I'm at my wit's end since the car really looks dull now, although surface is slick and very smooth to the touch.

What can I do to effectively remove what's on top of the clear coat and start all over again?

Thank you very muich for your assistance.
 
Update: I tried 50:50 IPA wipedown last night on a very small section. Still no luck. This Wolfgang sealant is really tough! :awesome:

Short of doing mechanical abrasion (polishing), what else can I do?
 
It sounds like you applied to thick of a coat of sealant. Sealants like waxes should be applied in very thin layers. Less is better. You might have to polish again.
 
shake very well .... maybe the polymers did not link properly ?? Remember Wolfgang makes a paint cleanser product or you might be able to get 3M's Wax and Adhesive Remover locally.
 
You could use dish washing soap this one time. It should remove some of the sealant (make a strong mixture). Or *if* you can order pick up some Klasse All-In-One or Jeff Workstatt Prime:STRONG both will remove any wax/sealant/oils/whatever to start over.
 
wytstang said:
You could use dish washing soap this one time. It should remove some of the sealant (make a strong mixture). Or *if* you can order pick up some Klasse All-In-One or Jeff Workstatt Prime:STRONG both will remove any wax/sealant/oils/whatever to start over.
Click to expand...

Dawn dish washing liquid is great for this.
 
Thanks for your replies. Yes, I think I have too thick layer of sealant.

I did shake very well each time.

I really don't want to go the mechanical polish route at this time.

I'll check if we have the 3M cleanser locally. I've considered Klasse AIO but uncertain if it will work cause Wolfgang sealant is really tough!

Thanks! This is a great forum!
 
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You could also try Chemical Guy's Citrus wash mixed full strength to remove any previous layers of protection.
 
Do you have any pics of this ripple effect? I want to see what this looks like so I know if I have it on my car.
 
Sealants are much more durable than waxes and usually are not dented by dishwashing liquids. Get a commercial stripper like 3M Wax and Adhesive Remover or Prepsol locally.
 
It's been over a month and six car washes since I posted this so maybe it's time for an update.

My car is back to its glossy old self prior to applying the fourth layer. Water still beads tightly and I've resumed using the Wolfgang quick detailer spritz. So, all is well now!

Regarding pics, I took pictures when I originally posted this thread. Unfortunately, the ripples aren't that visible on still shots. You have to have the reflections moving along the surface (by walking around the car while looking at it) for the very fine ripples to be appreciated.

Anyway, ripples are gone now and the car has that deep gloss again.

Wolfgang sealant rocks!
 
Great!
Did just washing the car 6 times take care of the ripple effect problem?
If not, what did?
 
Yes, I guess the frequent washes took off a layer of the sealant, as expected with any sealant. I just used normal car wash shampoo.
 
I heard that ripples are actually orange peels from the factory? not sure about that been reading a lot lately on this subject.
 
Racersky said:
I heard that ripples are actually orange peels from the factory? not sure about that been reading a lot lately on this subject.
Click to expand...

orange peel certainly has a ripple or waxy effect, but usually quite noticable as in the paint and under the LSP. In this case I believe the post originally suggest the finish muted and almost hazed after a certain number of coats.
 
Racersky said:
I heard that ripples are actually orange peels from the factory? not sure about that been reading a lot lately on this subject.
Click to expand...
killrwheels@autogeek said:
orange peel certainly has a ripple or waxy effect, but usually quite noticable as in the paint and under the LSP. In this case I believe the post originally suggest the finish muted and almost hazed after a certain number of coats.
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It doesn't usually wash away no matter how many times you wash the vehicle, either. :D
 
Killrwheels has it spot on: "muted and almost hazed".

I'd like to confirm that the ripples I wanted to describe was distinct from the orange peel effect. Prior to applying sealant, my car had orange peel on the side panels but not on the horizontal panels (trunk, roof, hood). The horizontal panels were as smooth as mirror. It's on these panels that I noticed the ripples I described, although certainly the side panels were also significantly muted and hazed. The "gleam" was gone after the fourth layer of sealant.

In retrospect, maybe the last layer didn't cure properly. I dunno.
 
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