I have used two synthetic chamois for 20+ years without any problems but decided that I needed microfiber drying towels so I got a 3 pack of Cobra Guzzlers. After a hard two step correction on a friend’s super swirled black Infiniti G37, I washed it to remove polish dust. After blowing off most of the water, I used the Guzzler to remove the remaining water. The sun was shining on the side as I got the last water drops and I watched scratches appear when I wiped. I walked back around the car to inspect and they were all over the car! Back in the garage for a 3rd Step with a black foam pad. What should I have done differently? Never owned a black vehicle and probably never will. Thanks!
Drying Towel Scratches
- Thread starter ShaneK
- Start date
Klasse Act
Well-known member
- Feb 21, 2012
- 27,692
- 2,687
Yeah I agree about washing the towels first for sure! I've always heard of that Guzzler but in recent years been using the Griot's Garage PFM's (thanks Fly07STi) as well as towels from "that guy from Dallas" with great results from these 2 in particular.
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forrest@mothers
Just call me Mr. Mom
- Dec 8, 2009
- 767
- 0
Particularly on black, try to pat-dry instead of wiping.
The foam core drying towels are a good choice for this method.
The foam core drying towels are a good choice for this method.
2black1s
New member
- Jan 23, 2015
- 1,783
- 1
All good advice so far... But let me add another perspective as I am the owner of three black vehicles.
Sometimes immediately after polishing, or even waxing, there are residues left behind that smear along the surface and can have the appearance of super-fine scratches. If this is the case (not always BTW) then lightly cleaning and buffing the area with a QD, waterless, or equivalent and a really good "finishing" microfiber may remove what appears to be scratches.
Hopefully this might be what you're dealing with but like I said it's not always the case. If not, and the scratches you are seeing are truly in the paint finish, then you have to change whatever it is in your process that is causing the issue.
Sometimes immediately after polishing, or even waxing, there are residues left behind that smear along the surface and can have the appearance of super-fine scratches. If this is the case (not always BTW) then lightly cleaning and buffing the area with a QD, waterless, or equivalent and a really good "finishing" microfiber may remove what appears to be scratches.
Hopefully this might be what you're dealing with but like I said it's not always the case. If not, and the scratches you are seeing are truly in the paint finish, then you have to change whatever it is in your process that is causing the issue.
fly07sti
New member
- Sep 17, 2013
- 2,940
- 1
I agree with washing them first prior to use and hating the blot technique. I would also suggest something like the PFM or similar. Also in my experience with Infiniti paint, they have been some of the most sensitive paints I’ve worked with. Make my Subaru and Toyota’s a cake walk.
- Thread starter
- #8
Thanks for the replies. The towels were washed prior to use and they were fine scratches. The last step with black pads/Chemical Guys V38 cleaned it up. Just finished applying CanCoat. The car was really hammered. I’m happy with it but have utmost respect for everyone that does this for a living...especially if you get black cars often.
dennis b
New member
- Dec 26, 2018
- 131
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Surprised no one mentioned using a drying aid. The main reason for a drying aid is to introduce a bit of lubrication between your microfiber and your paint while drying the car so you don't micro-mar during the final step.
Waterless wash is a good inexpensive drying aid. One or two spritzes per panel as you dry contains enough lubricity to prevent micro marring.
Waterless wash is a good inexpensive drying aid. One or two spritzes per panel as you dry contains enough lubricity to prevent micro marring.
- Thread starter
- #11
Diluted ONR a good choice for a drying aid? I use it as a QD. Thanks
dennis b
New member
- Dec 26, 2018
- 131
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If your QD dilution ratio doesn't streak then it would make a great drying aid.
Also if you decide to invest in different drying towels look for 70/30 blend terry weave microfiber towels. They are more absorbent than 80/20 blend towels. More absorbent equals fewer passes on your paint. Fewer passes equals less abrasion.
I have used the guzzler frequently in Mike Phillip's classes and never marred the paint nor induce any scratches. And that has been several black cars in his classes. I also practice Mike's method of inspecting my towels by sight and hand to see if I captured something in the towel (doubtful with the guzzler).
Think back to the products used in the compound and polish and then to your drying with the towel after blowing most of the water off the surface.
I use the guzzler (waffle weave) in either a flat absorbent layer or else doing a drop-n-drag method. If I had scratches appearing in a perpendicular to my towel wipe then those were there still after the polishing. Your products might have some filling properties and after washing and wiping the MF did it job, pulling out water or product.
If during the process you caught a micro speck of dust and you are rubbing down with pressure you CAN induce damage.
Just food for thought
Think back to the products used in the compound and polish and then to your drying with the towel after blowing most of the water off the surface.
I use the guzzler (waffle weave) in either a flat absorbent layer or else doing a drop-n-drag method. If I had scratches appearing in a perpendicular to my towel wipe then those were there still after the polishing. Your products might have some filling properties and after washing and wiping the MF did it job, pulling out water or product.
If during the process you caught a micro speck of dust and you are rubbing down with pressure you CAN induce damage.
Just food for thought
Eldorado2k
Well-known member
- Nov 9, 2015
- 14,544
- 644
That’s exactly what I was thinking might be a possibility.^
The Guz
Well-known member
- Jun 17, 2013
- 8,785
- 65
This is one of the risks of washing after correction with the potential to marr the paint. I doubt it is the towels as I have used those Guzzlers in the past without any issues. Unless there was something in the towel.
You could be dealing with soft paint that will marr with the slightest touch. It is possible the polishes used did not yield the finish you were expecting and the wash process exposed the true finish by removing any possible fillers.
Adding a prep wipe during the test spot will be a good idea for next time.
Did you prep wipe the paint prior to applying CanCoat? I hope you did but the question is how did the finish look afterwards prior to applying the coating.
Craig Encinitas
New member
- Jul 24, 2020
- 312
- 1
luckydawg said:
This.
I get asked from people, “well I scratch my car if I…“
Anytime you touch the surface of your car you could possibly scratch it. How to minimize scratching? Use a very powerful leaf blower or a specialty car drying one.
It’s been said, “if you don’t try something different, you’ll never get a different result.”
I scratched the s**t out of my old car more than once.
- Thread starter
- #19
The towel used was new and had been washed/inspected. Maybe I’m wrong but the super fine marring seemed to appear as I dried the drops of water remaining after blowing dry. I hated to wash but the correction steps left so much dust that I felt that it was necessary. I did an IPA/distilled water wiped down VERY gently with a plush MF towel prior to CanCoat. I’m definitely an amateur compared to most on here so thank you for the tips and replies. Like most of you I’m guilty of chasing near perfection on daily drivers and it drives me crazy on things like this.