Ceramic smudging

[jonf49]

Is this normal, or could it be from the wrong mixture of ceramic coatings?

smudging

I noticed this happened on another car that had mixed ceramics and that car had no PPF, so I know it’s not the PPF.

Supposedly it was initially coated in some Xpel Fusion, and then a couple of weeks later in some Feynlab detailer.

Thoughts?

[Tman97]

Not entirely sure what that spot is. Have you tried using a really light polish on that spot to remove it? A non-abrasive or very low cut polish may take care of that and not harm the actual ceramic coating.

[spazzz]

Does it wipe off easily with a detailer spray and soft microfiber?

[tracer bullet]

I can't see anything in the video. But if you're talking like a slight dark streak, especially if it's a slight curve shape that could be from someone's motion wiping with a towel, then yes it's possibly a "high spot".

Agreed to try a few other things first, i.e. detail spray, see if that's enough. If not...

If ceramic is super recently applied, a tiny bit more ceramic coating on top may get rid of it, the solvents will sort of dissolve it and remove it. Have to wipe off the new ceramic as normal of course.

If it was applied a few days or weeks or months / years ago then it's time for polish. The lightest you can get - I like the Meguiars Scratch-X, it's a super light abrasive. Use the corner of a soft microfiber, put a single drop of the Scratch-X on it, and lightly rub small circles over the smudge in question. Should get rid of it... May also remove the ceramic but that can be reapplied.

[jonf49]

Originally Posted by Tman97

Not entirely sure what that spot is. Have you tried using a really light polish on that spot to remove it? A non-abrasive or very low cut polish may take care of that and not harm the actual ceramic coating.

It’s actually just freshly appearing as I tap the with my finger. The car was just polished and it is doing it after the detailing. It smudges when it is simply touched with even the back of my finger.

I’m wondering if it is a compatibility issue with the ceramic coating that was done with Xpel fusion and then the detailer a few weeks later.

[jonf49]

Originally Posted by spazzz

Does it wipe off easily with a detailer spray and soft microfiber?

Yes, but I don’t think I should have to do that every time the car is touched, right?

[jonf49]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I can't see anything in the video. But if you're talking like a slight dark streak, especially if it's a slight curve shape that could be from someone's motion wiping with a towel, then yes it's possibly a "high spot".

Agreed to try a few other things first, i.e. detail spray, see if that's enough. If not...

If ceramic is super recently applied, a tiny bit more ceramic coating on top may get rid of it, the solvents will sort of dissolve it and remove it. Have to wipe off the new ceramic as normal of course.

If it was applied a few days or weeks or months / years ago then it's time for polish. The lightest you can get - I like the Meguiars Scratch-X, it's a super light abrasive. Use the corner of a soft microfiber, put a single drop of the Scratch-X on it, and lightly rub small circles over the smudge in question. Should get rid of it... May also remove the ceramic but that can be reapplied.

To clarify - the xpel fushion ceramic was applied a few weeks ago. Then Feynlab detailer was applied a couple of weeks later.

The marks in the video are me applying them at that moment … they are not existing marks. I am not pointing out past markings… it is showing me just lightly tapping the car and fresh smudge marks appearing.

[tracer bullet]

And then the marks go away? It it just humidity collecting where a warm finger touches a cold car?

[jonf49]

I really don’t think it’s humidity change.. the smudge stays there until whiped clean

[Pheonix]

Not sure what I am looking at neither!
Are the smudges already there? Before you touch the surfaces?

[Condorll]

I am getting something similar from my auto car wash that added Graphene a couple months ago. While the paint feels harder and coated, long water streaks are grey and I find them up to a day later coming from door handles etc. Didn't notice that before the graphine. Think I will back down on my subscription to the ceramic only package, no graphene.

[cbpip]

Originally Posted by jonf49

I really don’t think it’s humidity change.. the smudge stays there until whiped clean

Sounds like your detailer is leaving a film behind and needs to be complete removed. Some detailers will leave an almost greasey film behind if not totally removed. And will look like smudging if touched.

Here is a detailer that has very little residual residue.

Make it yourself:
Merlin`s Elixir ( this is the same as what Carpro sells at an inflated price)
A 32oz quality sprayer ( Solo sprayer https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B...b_b_asin_title)
2 oz of Carpro Ech2o
2 oz of Carpro Reload
And fill a remaining 32oz container with distilled Water.
Most detailers are mostly water. This detailer is worth at least trying. Plus you make it yourself and don't pay for shipping water. Wipe off completely.

[spazzz]

Try touching it with a new latex glove on and see what happens.

I always shut my doors with an open palm on the edge of the door because body oils do not look good on car paint.
If you touch your car it will smudge. I wipe down my passenger door smudges, finger prints, after someone has been a passenger and shut the door like normal people do!

[jonf49]

Going to try some Xpel Fusion Ceramic boost coat to see if there’s a compatibility issue with the expel fusion ceramic plus and the Feynlab

[DrBall]

unless i'm missing something in the video it just looks like a smudge from the oils on your finger.. will wash off with a qd or a standard wash. Ceramics arent magic, they are just strong protection for the paint.

[FrankMstein]

Oils from your finger, you greazy...

[jonf49]

Really, my hands are very neutral … not greasy at all.

[SigmaShift]

You'll leave a smudge behind any ceramic, bare paint, or bare ppf by just touching it. Quick spritz with a rinse less wash or detailer will remove it.