I used to use the number 7, and found that if the wiping cloth had anything at all on it, it would smear. Make sure you have a high quality all cotton cloth and change sides so you have a clean side each panel. What did you use for a wax after the number 7? The number 26 paste should have helped straighten out the smears.

I have since switched to Griot's polish and Best of Show wax. It's more money but it does a much better job than I ever got with the Meguiars.