storm100
New member
- Jan 31, 2011
- 197
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What is the TRUE definition of a "good" microfiber towel?
My (protracted) definition:
I don't have the "insider's information" just exactly how the two Japanese scientists' "invention" of:
Combining the two man-made synthetic materials, polyesters/polyamides, into what would evolve into being known as "microfiber miracle material"....fell into the hands of:
First, the Swedes/Norwegians, whose microfiber products (including car-care microfiber "towels) inundated the European market (before it became 'popular' in the USA, and other countries around the world.). That increased 'popularity' was mostly due to:
Secondly, the South Koreans. And they seem to have, nonetheless than: The patent for; the wherewithal to corner the production of; and marketing rights to...Microfiber Towels. (Except for the Swedish manufactured, that is).
[They produced at the time in history what was, and is still, considered The Best (Good) Microfiber Towels...TBDMFTITW. More on that later.]
Back to the previous point.
Perhaps it was due to the fall of the Japanese stock market/yen devaluation, when the sell-off of technology may have been in the best interest for the overall Japanese economy, as determined by the Japanese government...Perhaps not. (Royalties...maybe?) Whatever it really was, it happened.
Note that might be of interest:
Almost all of the machinery that enables the "correct manufacturing processes" of producing microfiber products is German made. That equates to expensive machinery...Meaning...that not all microfiber towel manufacturers will have this machinery for various reasons
Fast forward to today.
With the rising world-wide demand for these miracle towels, the Koreans that owned the correct processing/manufacturing equipment decided to outsource....to different sites in their homeland and China, among others.
Referencing the "correct processing/manufacturing equipment" again:
The quality (Goodness, as it were) of Microfiber Towels has seemed to decline since the onset of the above outsourcing...
Sourcing (and I hate like he!! to say this): Genuine made in Korea; from the Korean manufacturers that possess the actual, correct equipment; and, from the Korean: "beginning-to-the-end-processes...will yield the best of the "good" Microfiber Towels.(More than likely they even 'source' their own homeland's chemicals in producing polyester/polyamide microfibers!)
Are these "good" microfiber towels truly worth it? Yes. Are they more costly? Yes. You get what you pay for!. {There's nothing like paying $25.00, or more, (wholesale) for a "good" perl weave microfiber towel to set the heart and wallet a-thumping!}
Are there different microfiber towels for different uses. Sure there are several 'weaves' (terry, perl, waffle, etc.); several weights; but, most importantly, AFAIK, the dernier---should be less than 1.00---the best is around 0.5.
IMO, then: These "Korean" microfiber towels are the "good" microfiber towels for: Paintwork and other delicate surfaces. And I say for those vehicle areas:
-Accept no substitutes.
-Accept no inferior microfiber products.
Sure...Because of their price point...I will utilize the CostCo, Sam's (and others of the same ilk) types of microfiber towels for the grunge tasks. After such use I may: Throw them in a soap-bucket to soak-swish around some, wring them out, then line dry them for use again on grunge tasks; or simply toss them away. They will never 'see the sights' inside the household's washer/dryer.
For my personal vehicles:
I'll use the "special" paper towels (used by many high-end paint & body shops) for after both: Machine/hand polishing/buffing/LSP/QD/etc. applications....Or:
"The 100% Korean" microfiber towels for the same above processes...And especially for what Mr. Phillips has referred to as: The Final Wipe.
And I still have some very "good" 100% all cotton towels, from the "old days" that I'll use from time to time...They still remain as some of the best ("good") for me.
Bob
Excellent information. Understand that for our purposes a split microfiber is ideal for paint with a GSM (grams per square meter) of 300 or more. These are a little more expensive than your standard Costco, Sams club, etc.... who usually sell high or low loop microfiber because of the cost advantages. When you understand the science behind how microfiber works and the types available it won't be as frustrating. I use cotton towels as well if the need arises. Use whatever works for you. Just my cents. :xyxthumbs:
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