Ripples on paint after four layers of WG sealant

[electone]

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!

[CharlesW]

Great!
Did just washing the car 6 times take care of the ripple effect problem?
If not, what did?

[Racersky]

Originally Posted by CharlesW

Great!
Did just washing the car 6 times take care of the ripple effect problem?
If not, what did?

I would like to know your solution.

[electone]

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.

[Racersky]

I heard that ripples are actually orange peels from the factory? not sure about that been reading a lot lately on this subject.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Originally Posted by Racersky

I heard that ripples are actually orange peels from the factory? not sure about that been reading a lot lately on this subject.

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.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Racersky

I heard that ripples are actually orange peels from the factory? not sure about that been reading a lot lately on this subject.

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

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.

It doesn't usually wash away no matter how many times you wash the vehicle, either.

[electone]

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.