There are lots of ways to describe the "hazing" that is left by a more aggressive abrading step. Jeremy lists a few good ones above. Some describe it as a subtle cloudiness in the paint. Note that it can be subtle, so you sometimes have to really look for it. Sometimes it is more obvious too.

Reds and other dark colors tend to show hazing better than some colors, but even so, to make sure you've removed any possible hazing, you'll probably need to use a light up close to the paint and/or pull it out in the direct sun.

**Another way to determine hazing when you're first learning is to assume it's there and "finish" a section out with Finish and a white pad. As usual, spend a couple of minutes on the section and then take a look. Compare that section to a nearby section that you have not finished. If the finished section looks shinier and less cloudy, then you should use Finish.
In other words, it's often much easier to compare haziness with non-haziness to figure out what it is, IMO!

I have to admit... I had a hard time learning to "see" hazing. Even now, there are some paints on which I have a hard time seeing it unless I do a comparison spot. Nick, on the other hand, cannot believe it when I can't see subtle versions of hazing... to him it is really obvious while I'm still moving my head around like a parrot trying to see it!

Perhaps Richard, paint photographer extraordinaire, has a photo of hazing vs non-hazing? Richard?? I don't know how well a camera can capture hazing, but if anyone can it's Richard!

-Heather

 

Thanks "Heater" I am going to do a 2X2 test spot before I Swirl this time & I am going to examine it closely so I can avoid another all-day detailing session which ends with my MINlI looking exactly the same as it did 8 hours earlier

 

MLWagner wins the prize!

One of the advantages of Amigo over other similar products is that it stays in place doing it's filling until the topper sealant/wax fades. In other words, it sticks around as long as your wax sticks around.

Some of the other similar products are the weak leak in the durability of the glaze-wax combo. In other words, if the filler/glaze product is not very durable then it can actually diminish the durability of your topper sealant/wax.


Just for argument's sake, say you used Amigo and then never topped it with a wax. Amigo doesn't just wash off right away either. It would need a paint cleanser to be removed, as it does contain polymers- they just aren't the kind of durable polymers I would rely on like a durable protective wax, which is why you should always top with a wax like Epic or other wax. So Amigo without a wax topper will fade after several washes (I don't know how many) but not immediately.
*In practice, Amigo should always be topped with a wax or sealant.

Does that make sense? Amigo is such a complex chemical, not to mention often a shape-shifter (function can vary on how it's used), that sometimes asking more questions about it only leads to more confusion!

Still, my personal theory is to give people lots of information/facts/theories and some structure in which to place all the information so they can then make educated decisions that are tailored to their specific situation and goals. I just hope I don't *really* confuse the newbies in the process!

-Heather

 

I love these threads . The more details I do the more I realize you need some of everything because each car is different. I did a black chevy that was perfect after swirl. The black Mustang I just did needed a couple more steps. If you're just going to work on your MINI dial in your formula and perfect it. I saw your pics when you did the whole process by hand and it looked great. Take your time and keep polishing until you get those nasty swirls out.

 

ahhhh... so, looks like Amigo + Hydro is a nice combo for those
using Hydro after every wash as their primary wax on their commuters.

those that are noticing slight swirls from normal washing (just a fact
of life) can now use a little bit of Amigo to hide them without going
with the full polish approach with all sorts of PC's and tools everyone's
talking about.

a nice combo, i must say... Hydro and Amigo with a soft foam pad.
just hand apply every other month or so and coat it with Hydro
to seal as normal.

 

But why, when you could just Amigo + Epic once every 4-6 months?

 

Because, if Ken could find a logical reason to use Hydro four times every day, he'd do that !

 

because of 2 main reasons:

1) From normal washing you will eventually get swirls within those 4-6months. yes, you can prevent a lot of that by using a double bucket
wash system, careful drying techniques, etc. etc. but let's be real...
most real world people want to drive a clean car with minimal effort in
the washing part.

2) when you apply a true wax like Epic, one will psychologically want to
polish and make the surface nice and flawless before applying such wax.
otherwise, one would just want to get some off-the-shelf wax like NXT
or ICE and just call it a day.

so, for those that are already a step-up from off-the-shelf, but dont
want to spend the effort of polishing/waxing like a true OCD'er, i think
Amigo will do the trick with Hydro.



is that comparable to you finding some logical reason why you
need 3 MINI's? how the hell do you drive all 3 at once??!!

 

Hey now !! There's no logic behind it whatsoever !!!

Well... maybe SOME logic: Two somewhat economical and very fun commuter cars to make going and coming to/from work enjoyable. One weekend car that allows for topless and zippier motoring to make the days off even MORE fun.

Pass the logic test ??

 

ummmmm... ok, ok, i can see that. sounds logical(?).

or maybe the truth is that im just jealous.

 

Yeah, jealous, I'm SO sure... you could trade in that expensive Infiniti for a couple of MINIs !

 

YAY!! Heather took care of me (as she always does) not needing the Amigo so I must withdraw my "Amigo for sale cheap offer"

 

WHAT??!! jk

i would keep that too.

 

well... no comment.

 

No you will be thrilled to know that I am subbing some Hydro instead

 

I DID IT !!

I made Ken speechless !!!!!

 

I hear me being called! But before I get to that, for MINI paint I've been using the Orange pad with Swirl, then then White pad with Swirl, before going to Epic with great success. Just my 2cents.

Hmmm is this what you mean by hazing??


Oh maybe that's a little too severe. Hmmm, how about this?


The original paint is murky or hazy, not sharp and crystal clear when a light is shined on it. Granted there are swirls as well, but the general condition of the paint is "foggy".


Another example--the foggy area was taped off, and the shiny sharply defined area was polished.




This 2006 MINI finish is hazy, though swirls are minimal.

 

hehehe, i think the Amigo + Hydro will be a very nice solution for
most people.

... ...... !!! ..................... ....

 

Yes, yes it is but don't get too excited mister you won't get me off my carnauba wax because nothing makes my chili red look as deep & rich as P21-S. I use Hydro on my interior colored plastic dash n door inserts & my wheels but I actually ordered some Wheel Shield to try on my wheels this time

p.s... Thanks for the pics OG

 

well now, why don't we do a test (since you have some time before
your package arrives) and strip away that P21-S and apply just Amigo+Hydro
and tell us if you can not take you away from the carnauba.

you *might* be surprised especially after the 24hr cure.

 

Been there, done that (kinda-sorta). While I didn't have Amigo at my last big detail I did try putting Hydro over my Klasse & I did not get the depth that I get from carnauba So I added carnauba the next weekend.

 

nono.. it has to be pure Hydro, not Klasse under Hydro. pure Hydro.
must give it a try. you still have some time.

i say this because i use to run carnauba (griot's Best of Show) on my
black legacy. i switched to Epic. then i switched to Hydro-only for
warmer months. i am not going back to Best of Show.

 

Well using Amigo under the Hydro would be almost the same exact thing as using Klasse under Hydro & I would never use Hydro as a stand-alone wax so that test would be kinda pointless for me I do not know how Griot's carnauba compares to P-21S so that is also apples to oranges for me. Give it up Mr Ken you can lead other sheep to slaughter but you will not convert me from my P-21S to Hydro for my exterior paint

 

& p.s... Please keep in mind that I am not ******* Hydro. I like Hydro just not for my exterior chili red. I fully intend to worry/nag/badger Heather to death constantly so they will invent a carnauba-friendly spray-on version that I can use for quick touch-ups

 

sniff sniff... i smell a Hydro-HATOR!