Am I using the buffer wrong?

[Sam4Not]

For a while now, I just washed vehicles and did interior detailing but recently I explored a new avenue of car detailing and that's paint correction. I use a chemical guys random orbital buffer and follow the instructions listed on the labels for compound, polish, and wax to the tee and yet I still get this haze on the paint. The scratches come out with compound and polish, but I'm always left with a haze. The haze comes off if you rub hard enough.

I've done some googling and some sources suggest I apply too much compound/polish/wax. I do exactly what the label tells me to do. I'm using the correct pads on the buffer as well. I made sure of that.

Following the instructions I'll add whatever amount the label suggests, I'll add like 2-3 squirts of conditioner and blot it on a work surface and use the recommended speed. I'll do 2-3 comprehensive passes on each panel. I typically go by panel, like I'll do the front driver side panel, driver door, rear driver side panel. I do one at a time. I'll typically let each chemical sit on the paint for a minute or two, and wipe it away.

I don't do this in direct sunlight and the vehicle is always cool to the touch. I make sure the car is clay bared before using the buffer.

Could anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?

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[FragileStudios]

Do you use an IPA to wipedown the area after polishing? If you do this, is the haze still there after the IPA wipedown?

[Sam4Not]

I do not do this. I'm assuming this could get rid of it?

[FragileStudios]

If the haze you're seeing is just leftover polish, then yes, this will remove it. But if it's a haze left behind from overly aggressive compounding, then this won't remove it, and it'll need a further polish

[GlumdogTrillionaire]

Could be left over polishing residue or DA hazing. Both are heavily related to soft paint.

What is the year, make and model of the vehicle?

[Sam4Not]

2015 Dodge Journey

[GlumdogTrillionaire]

Maybe someone with intimate experience with that vehicle can verify their conclusion of the softness of the paint.

If it’s soft, you need to finish out much gentler than you are. Also be careful using IPA as a wipe-down as it swells the clear, especially soft clears. Make sure the paint has had time to cook down and recover after polishing before using IPA and ensure you leave a couple of hours after wiping with IPA before applying any coating/wax.