CQuartz Fail
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,674
Likes: 767
From: New Orleans LA
CQuartz Fail
I think I just lost an entire weekend of detailing. 
I started on Friday and have been working on the car every day since.
Full wash
Claybar
M105 x 2
M205
Dawn wash to get the residue off
IPA/distilled water mix wipe down.
I applied Cquartz per the instructions and videos. I used the same number of dots on the applicator as the video. Temp in my garage was about 85 degrees.
I set my timer on my phone for 7 min. I applied until I hit the timer and went back and wiped down with a microfiber cloth. No issues in my garage under fluorescent lighting that I could see.
About two hours later, I backed the car out into the shade. The car was full of streaks - hood, doors, etc.
The parts that didn't streak look great, but the parts with streaking, I tried buffing with microfiber... nothing.. I tried spraying with IPA, some parts corrected, most areas didn't.
I've resigned myself to the fact that it's botched, but I figured I'd ask.
Is there any way to salvage it at this point without starting over?
I just ordered Blackfire Diamond Sealant from Autogeek and am more than ready to M205 and Seal it and be done with it, but if there's any way to correct it as it sits, I'd prefer to keep the Cquartz.
I still have about 40% of the 30ML bottle left.
Thanks
I started on Friday and have been working on the car every day since.
Full wash
Claybar
M105 x 2
M205
Dawn wash to get the residue off
IPA/distilled water mix wipe down.
I applied Cquartz per the instructions and videos. I used the same number of dots on the applicator as the video. Temp in my garage was about 85 degrees.
I set my timer on my phone for 7 min. I applied until I hit the timer and went back and wiped down with a microfiber cloth. No issues in my garage under fluorescent lighting that I could see.
About two hours later, I backed the car out into the shade. The car was full of streaks - hood, doors, etc.
The parts that didn't streak look great, but the parts with streaking, I tried buffing with microfiber... nothing.. I tried spraying with IPA, some parts corrected, most areas didn't.
I've resigned myself to the fact that it's botched, but I figured I'd ask.
Is there any way to salvage it at this point without starting over?
I just ordered Blackfire Diamond Sealant from Autogeek and am more than ready to M205 and Seal it and be done with it, but if there's any way to correct it as it sits, I'd prefer to keep the Cquartz.
I still have about 40% of the 30ML bottle left.
Thanks
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
The issue with all coatings in not necessarily matching how many dots of a product are applied, its about applying enough without over applying it. The key with over application, is buffing it off while still damp to remove the overage. (sometimes called high spots). Once the product sets, its pretty hard to remove any excess. A light, damp towel seems to help during the time where its not quite set in but a dry towel isn't removing any streaking.
I too have seen issues with light streaking when the coating doesn't seem to jive with the finish, or more likely the product used prior to it that didn't allow it to adhere and flash as designed. I typically repolish that area and reapply the coating without issue. I would stay away from anything with waxes, and oils in them directly before application.
I too have seen issues with light streaking when the coating doesn't seem to jive with the finish, or more likely the product used prior to it that didn't allow it to adhere and flash as designed. I typically repolish that area and reapply the coating without issue. I would stay away from anything with waxes, and oils in them directly before application.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,674
Likes: 767
From: New Orleans LA
IF (big IF) it does somehow look ok by then, will I have to re-coat the panels that I used the IPA wipe down on?
I would stay away from anything with waxes, and oils in them directly before application.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,674
Likes: 767
From: New Orleans LA
Nothing new to report. Paint still has streaking (albeit less after a week). Not all over the car, just some spots.
I'm still going to polish it down and apply a normal sealant.
I'm still going to polish it down and apply a normal sealant.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
http://www.autogeek.net/gtechniq-c2-liquid-crystal.html
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,674
Likes: 767
From: New Orleans LA
Do you have a light finishing polish ?? If so, lightly polish just the streaky area. See how it looks. You will likely have knocked down the high spot (over application) and fine. If you want to re-protect the area. Add some coating and immediately buff off. They also make a great spray booster.
http://www.autogeek.net/gtechniq-c2-liquid-crystal.html
http://www.autogeek.net/gtechniq-c2-liquid-crystal.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,674
Likes: 767
From: New Orleans LA
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 438
Likes: 82
I had the same problems with CQUK, but just in one or two places. Only been several months and already water beading properties are greatly reduced, but I know the coating is still there from the obvious high spots. Just gonna continue using those as markers - when high spots are gone it's time to reapply 
Such a fantastic look and that Reload spray is amazing.
Such a fantastic look and that Reload spray is amazing.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
I had the same problems with CQUK, but just in one or two places. Only been several months and already water beading properties are greatly reduced, but I know the coating is still there from the obvious high spots. Just gonna continue using those as markers - when high spots are gone it's time to reapply
Such a fantastic look and that Reload spray is amazing.
Such a fantastic look and that Reload spray is amazing.