MF towels and product applicators, new guy

Hi y'all,

I'm new to the forum but have been researching for the last couple of weeks. I'm trying to put together a new "system" to detail my vehicles. I've been using off the shelf Meguriars products since high school.

I've had problems with swirling in the the past waxing by hand. I've looked at Zaino products and on the website they say to only use 100% cotton towels with their products because they could not verify the consistency of micro-fiber towels. I'm not convinced after reading several threads on the forums.

So here's the question:

Will micro-fiber towels used in drying, and product removal swirl the paint?

What kind of applicators will not damage the paint if you're appling product by hand?

Are there any MF towels to avoid?

I understand that the vehicle must be absolutely clean so must the towels/applicators.

Thanks

 

your answer will come soon enough, I don't feel I am knowledgeable enough yet to be telling someone my opinion about MF's. I too am always looking into info about that subject, GL!!

 

Will micro-fiber towels used in drying, and product removal swirl the paint?

As long as you are using a high quality MF, and it's washed before use, and there is not dirt in it, then NO.

What kind of applicators will not damage the paint if you're appling product by hand?

I personally use the Megs foam applicators and they work like a charm.

Are there any MF towels to avoid?

I have had issues with the AG MFs (I don't buy from them anymore) linting after a while. I would avoid those. In particular, the Purple Jrs I believe is what they were called.

I understand that the vehicle must be absolutely clean so must the towels/applicators.

Without question.

 

Cool, thanks for the quick reply.

I'm trying to overhaul the way I detail my vehicles and don't want to purchase a bunch of towels only to find out they're making my finish worse than when I started.

 

-Look for a 70/30 blend microfiber. Those are usually the best for paint. When drying, drag the towel, don't press hard. Same with product removal, don't push.
-For applicator, I use the red CCS pads. Not the dimpled side ,but the smooth back side. I hear the Uber applicators are great.
- Like P1et said, some towel have linting problems. I think the 530's from AG are the ones that lint badly for me. It seems that the 2 sided ones give the most problems. I may be wrong.

 

Just to add, also be careful on the pressure you're putting on the MF. You don't need that much pressue for drying or buffing. Your care won't be perfectly clean. Dust, particles and etc could always get onto the car after you've washed it.

Also be careful of the edges and remove any tags from the towel. Those parts can affect the paint.

I use the zym~l(replace ~ with an 'o') applicator pads. They're great. No problems thus far but they're not that durable. One I used is already breaking apart.

Generally you're paying for quality but there are good deals out there. I try to avoid some of those towels that are made in China and seem to be too good of a deal to be true.

My evaluation system is to ask my girlfriend to feel it and see if she would use it for washing her face :itsok:

The point once you buy a high quality MF you can use that to gauge whether other MF are good or not relatively.

Good luck.

 

For more information see article “Micro Fibre (Microfiber) Towels” in the Detailing School

 

Just buy your microfiber and waffle weave towels from Pakshak and you will not have any problems. Like others have said the amount of pressure does cause some marring. The less you touch the paint the less chance of inducing marring. I personally would also stay away from quick detailers, wash the vehicle instead, this will also lessen the chance of swirls.

 

Tropi-Care, The Rag Shack, and Detailers Domain all sell good quality MF towels.

I also use the Meguiar's applicators as well.

I agree the car AND towels have to be clean. When you buy towels, get some Micro-Restore (detergent made for MF towels) and wash them in that before the 1st use, and after each use.