:-( Okay I need some help, I've searched streaking and didn't find an answer.

My boyfriend washed and detailed the outside using Meguires on the panels. I usually use 303 once a month but we were out.

We went on a road trip and when we got there used a coin spray to get the bugs off with no trouble.

After we got home I took it the next day and ran it through a touchless wash to get the bugs off and after I dried it off the door handles and the trim on top are all streaky :(

So last night we used Mcguires quick detail on the car and it look back to normal

Today it rained again and the streaks are back :( So tonight we washed the car in dishsoap and just dried it but the streaks are still there, faint yes but I can still see them.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have a similar problem with mine. The panels are new "black" that comes with the Magnesium Metallic Paint-forgive the spelling. I have used the mothers back to black but after a few rain drops they look bad again. I am now also having a problem with my front fender panel looking hazy/cloudy... Any suggestons offered would be appeciated. :-o

i've used back to black also and it looks good when finished but doesn't seem to be very long lasting. streaking after rain usually buffs out with a good quality microfiber cloth - the ones from Griot's Garage are the best ones i've come across.

303 is my choice these days to apply to the plastic panels. seems to be easier to apply & buff out than back to black.

Where can I find the 303? Are there any nationwide retailers selling it?
Thanks!
:?

Where can I find the 303? Are there any nationwide retailers selling it?
Thanks!
:?

http://superiorcarcare.net/303products.html

use sparingly. a little goes a long way. i use it with not streaking on my EX panels

-tom

You can get 303 at REI -- it's displayed near the kayaks.

About the streaking: 303 is water-based. If it rains on it before it has dried thoroughly, it will wash the excess down the side of the car.

First time I applied 303, I put it on all the way around the car, then I went back around and buffed it all shiny with a towel. It looked fine.

Then, it rained a bit that night, and the next morning it looked like that thin oil film rainbow you see on top of a puddle -- but it was running down my E in several places!

My first thought was that I didn't buff it well enough. But on further reflection, I don't think it's possible to buff the textured plastic completely dry.

Next time, I put it on when no rain was forecast. I did not even buff it off (this wasn't planned, it just got dark before I finished.)

Several days later, it did rain, and no streaks at all!

Well the 303 has gone to the trash.

I ended up washing and then using Simple Green Auto Foam Cleaner and a brush and stripping everything off the panels.

Then used Back to Black and buffed the panels out twice that day.

We've had 3 days of rain down here and no streaking or discoloration at all. :)

the 303 is good for the tires and interior, but my own experience was that no matter how much I buffed it off, it would streak after rain.

Then I switched to Eagle 1 Wax-as-U-dry which I use on EVERYTHING exterior, plastic and paint. Sure is easier and has worked great for the last couple of years.

I wash my cars with Kit car wax and wash, which seems to be a good compliment and a cheap and easy combination.

I have used NOTHING else and the 2003 Element is still looking like new. Time will tell, since I usually try to keep a car a good 9 years or so.

I am inclined to think that Honda did not intend for the side panels to stay shiney. This is a utility vehicle and not a "show" car. I am all for keeping my vehicles in top shape, but sometimes it is not possible to polish what was not meant to be polished. I use soap and water on my EX and wax on the paint. So far so good. Please do not misunderstand my comments. I am a neat freak etrordinaire. I just do not think that keeping these panels shiney was the intention. That is why it is so difficult to do. Honda is a wise company. If they wanted them to be shiny.....they would be.

I agree with leaving the panels alone. I got 303 as soon as I got my E, but it streaks when it gets wet, I stopped using it and all is good.

I still don't understand all of the people that have issues with streaking. I've never had a problem... I'm starting to wonder if the car is completely dry when it is applied... or if it is a grey vs. black panel thing... :?

I ended up washing and then using Simple Green Auto Foam Cleaner and a brush and stripping everything off the panels.

Then used Back to Black and buffed the panels out twice that day.

We've had 3 days of rain down here and no streaking or discoloration at all. :)

You did the right thing. The 303 is water based. Back to Black is petroleum based. They do not mix well. So before switching product, you have to strip the old product before applying the new.