questions on DA haze?

[solman]

Can anybody explain to me what causes da haze and what does it look like?
I'm not sure what exactly it looks like.

[swanicyouth]

DA haze, "tic marks", or micro-marring are (for the most part) interchangeable terms that mean artifacts or defects from your last DA polishing step that can still be seen in the paint. The paint can look dull, hazy, or "oxidized" in direct sunlight. Close inspection may actually reveal a visible repeating scratch pattern or "tic marks".

This is not to be confused with the original defects (usually "swirls") not being removed due to the compounding/polishing step not being aggressive enough. DA haze is a micro scratch pattern instilled into the paint from the abrasive of choice and the actual DA polisher.

The way to remove it is to do do a follow up polishing step with a finer polish / pad combo. However, DA haze can be cause by improper polishing as well. In this case, it may not be a refinishing step that is necessary - but, you must correct what you are doing incorrectly. Some things that could be incorrect:

1. Overworking polish (dry buffing)

2. Under working polish (DAT abrasives not broken down)

3. Dirty / contaminated pad(s)

4. Pad / polish mismatch

At any rate, it's important to figure out if your defects are DA haze or the original paint defects not being removed due to your combo of choice not being aggressive enough. This can come from experience, but a test spot will help. If you neglect this - you may be chasing your tail trying to figure out if your need to go more or less aggressive with your polishing / pad combo.

[Steelman]

swanicyouth,
Thank you for your in-depth answer on DA haze. I have been looking for this answer for some time now.

[BillE]

Great reply 'swanicyoth'!

Bill

[Wheelzntoys]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/68779-need-advice-polishing-black-car-2.html

[Don M]

I had a black 1989 Camaro with a repainted hood from the dealer. The paint was MUCH softer than the factory paint and I would get haze like you're talking about. When you looked up close and in bright light, It looked like a fine layer of cobwebs lying over the paint surface.

This was long before the 'net and before a lot of current products were out (or even known about). I found that only Meg's #9 (high tech swirl remover) would clean up the haze. But this is today and now there are a ton of products that will be able to 'fix' your swirls.

And there are hundreds of qualified detailers available at you fingertips (your keyboard) willing and able to help you.

My haze looked a lot like this (Taken from a post by Mike P)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/773/MicromarringTickMarks01.jpg

[solman]

Thanks Swanic for a great post and clarification on the issue.

wheelz thanks for a great link on the subject as well.