So I got two boxes today one from Sonus and another from Griot's garage. I got a gift from my parents from Griot's and took I advantage of Autopia's 25% off sale. So first off Griot's Garage: So did not know they got me this till it got delivered but got: 2 pack Microfiber washing pads (11290). I have not used them yet but they look amazing. They are pretty large about the size of a piece of paper and are the dread lock style mf washing pads. I am going to be using one for my ONR washes! Not to bad for the price you get two large pads for $11.99. Mini Red Wax Pad and Holder (10629): It is a ultra soft red wax pad that is 3" with a nice pad holder that you strap onto your fingers, kind of like the one Rubbish Boys has for sale. It cost $12.99. I think the price is a bit high but I think it will make waxing easier for the lower panels were I have had a issue with dropping my applicator pad because of how low my car is. Both items from Griot's Garage looked like they were of high quality and I know if I ever have any issues that they will stand by the products. Second package I got was from Autopia/Sonus-USA Sonus Carnauba Spritz: On the back it says: "...is formulated to maintain that "just-waxed" sparkle and shin when used with SONUS and other concourse quality pure waxes (i.e. P21s, Zymol, Pinnacle)..." It also says, "...enhances gloss while removing light dust, finger prints, and water spots...use in-between washes to maintain appearance. DO NOT use on extremity dirty surfaces (light dust only)...' That right there is were I found the problem, I had washed my car the day before I drove 200 miles to come back to college and only had been 3-4 days between and only had dust on the surface. So I got out some of my Cobra Jr's and missed the MF and the surface to clean it off and lightly wiped the surface and folded the towel and buffed the surface. The gloss, slickness and wetness that it created was amazing, RBOE was the wax that was on the paint already. BUT once the bright sun came up and I took a look i was in shock, I had only tried it on the hood and a fender and I could see fine scratches on the paint surface! :thud: I think that this spriz is not safe for even light dust and should only be used on a freshly washed surface only! The good thing is I will have access to my polisher this weekend and will re polish the fender and hood to get the marring back out. This spritz will only be used after washing or ONR washes from now on. The second item i got from SONUS was: Sonus Total Eclipse: This is Sonus's version of 303, it is a SPF 40 UV protection dressing. It has no cleaning abilities or anything. I cleaned the surface of my dash with 1z Cockpit and then applied the Total Eclipse. The surface was left with a nice sheen, it was not shiny at all but not totally matte as cockpit leaves it. The best that I could describe it would be between satin and matte. In all I think this is a decent product and will be using it on the dash only as it get the most sun and my other windows are tinted thus letting very little UV rays in. All in all I am fairly satisfied with both companies in shipping time and quality of service. Just kicking myself for using the Spritz on the car now, but I guess live and learn. :drinking2:
Great reviews, thanks for posting them. The Sonus Total Eclipse sounds like it might be right up my street - I'm a big Vinylex fan.
I can bring some on wed if you would like to try it out. But, I think their 25% off sale ends at the end of the month.
Follow Up 7/3 So today I did a maint wash on the GTI using the Griot's washing MF pad and used the Sonus QD on a washed car as to not get anymore marring. I LOVE the washing pads, they hold a lot of liquid and just make the soap sud up like I have never seen before. They are nice and large so you can wash a large amount of surface before having to get more soap. The pads release dirt very well also using a grit guard. Sonus QD - love it now, gives you a nice flow and shine just like you waxed it. This time I washed the car so it did not mar the surface at all and left a nice slick deep surface.
I have used Carnuaba spritz countless time and never had an issue with marring. You might want to take a look at the MF's you were using. Sound like you had something trapped in the towel.
I got a few new ultra plush ones on the way. MFs were clean, I have a feeling I had some grime from the roads that was not just dust but very very small "rocks" from the road. Like concrete dust like and the spritz didnt have enough lubrication to prevent marring. Oh well, I have OID on the way for QDing and ONR for dirty jobs.
I've been using Griot's MF pads for a couple years now. They work really well and hold up to routine washings. (of the washing machine type that is, ha) Curious though, my neon green pad is about twice as thick/padded as the red. Were your the same way?
No I did not find that, both the neon green and red are the same thickness, feel, and size. You may want to contact them if you have a issue with it. They may of changed how the bad is and yours happened to be in the middle of the change.
200 miles and 3-4 days and you still tried to QD it? Driving 200 miles anywhere will not leave you with only "light" dust. Carnauba spritz is a nuba based QD and should be used as such. I personally never use a QD to clean the my paint unless its just been washed and hasn't been driven at all. Even if I drive to the corner of my block I won't QD it until I wash it. This is where rinseless washing really shines. For cleaning up the paint where a total wash isn't necessary. I think that marring is more a result of user error than the product itself.
I agree it was user error, I thought it was light dust just looking at the surface. Was just trying to say that the lubrication this QD offers is less than lets say OID or FKs. I have now put it aside for use after washes.
