Couple questions

[Joe5.0]

Is there a reccomended MF to use to wash? I HATE using mitts, and have used regular polishing style MF's (not waffle weave) with decent success. I couldnt tell if they were better or worse as far as swirling compared to the wool mitt I had, but they sure were easier to use.

I just (FINALLY!) picked up a PC 7336, and need some pads for it. I have medium swirling on my Acura, and slightly worse swirling & some scratches on the Cobra. What pads to use for these?

I would like to use the products I already have, as I dont want to start completely over. Does this look like a decent process?

- Wash w/Danase foaming car wash (2 bucket method of course)
- Clay using Sonus Ultra Fine with some OTC type of quick detailer (prob Meg's)
- Klasse AIO
- Klasse Sealant Glaze
- S100 Carnauba wax

Thanks Bob (since i know you're the one that'll prob answer it lol) :lol: :D

P.S. Are the MF washes worth using? My 3 y/o big blue is now starting to not soak up as much water as new. All i've ever used is tide, no fabric softerner of course. Do the dedicated washes REALLY work better than plain ole' Tide? [/list]

[Bob]

Since you don't like mitts I would pick up a Boar's Hair Brush (I am actually testing one now and might carry it if I like it.) or a Chennel covered sponge.

I would pick up an entire pad kit, especially since you have a black car, you will use them all. Lake Country or Edge are both good pads.

You migth need to step up to a medium clay but start with the Sonus Fine first. Besides that you should be happy with the results you get.

The Microfiber Cleaners I like because they are not as thick as the washing detergents and I feel they rinse much easier. The Danase Microfiber Wash is also excellent for foam pad cleaning.

[Joe5.0]

There's nothing in towel form that is designed to wash? I have tried the covered sponge, chenelle mitt, & goats hair mitt. I dont feel like I get as even coverage with the sponge, and the mitt is annoying to me. Is there anything really wrong with using the MF to wash with? I dont see how it would cause any marring, and it cleans as good as anything else I've used.

Ive only used Meg's & Clay Magic OTC kits, and it didnt seem like the clay was strong enough. Should i just skip the fine and go with a medium clay?

Thanks Bob :)

[Dan]

There's nothing in towel form that is designed to wash? I have tried the covered sponge, chenelle mitt, & goats hair mitt. I dont feel like I get as even coverage with the sponge, and the mitt is annoying to me. Is there anything really wrong with using the MF to wash with? I dont see how it would cause any marring, and it cleans as good as anything else I've used.

MF cleans well, but when washing there's a LOT of dirt and MF holds dirt very tightly. So the dirt won't rinse out of the MF, and you'll end up rubbing all the dirt in the MF up against the car (which is the source of marring). It might be okay if your car is fairly clean in the first place, but most of the time sheepskin or chenille are better because they rinse out cleanly.

As far as the clay--those are fine grade clays, so yeah you should probably step up to a medium.

[Bob]

Joe,
The Microfiber doesn't pull dirt away from the paint far enough like a mitt does and it holds the dirt tight so it is a pain to get out. One hot item right now is the Edge Shmitt. It doesn't pull the dirt in and hold it at all and a dip in the bucket or a squirt of the hose knocks any dirt off of it.

[BDornseif]

As Bob stated, the Edge Shmitt is one alternative, as is Home Depot's Grout Sponge. For ~$2.00, the Grout Sponge is a washing tool that doesn't mar paint, is durable, and is inexpensive. As for polishing pads, the Edge System is tough to beat, as you don't have to involve yourself with backing plates or centering pads.

[Pete]

Ive only used Meg's & Clay Magic OTC kits, and it didnt seem like the clay was strong enough. Should i just skip the fine and go with a medium clay?

The two kits you've mentioned have fairly mild clay. If those aren't removing the contaminants you are feelng, then I do think it's a good idea to just go to a medium grade bar. With most cars that I do for other people, they are not so well cared for and require a great deal of claying. Medium does it well and much faster in those cases.

With the medium bars, most people see a slight amount of marking on the finish that you won't see caused by finer grades. That's the tradeoff. Usually a light polish will remove the marking and you'll have a smooth surface.

[Joe5.0]

After doing some research I guess I'll try the shMitt. I just like the way small towels move in my hand, never liked any kind of mitt to wash with.

Thanks for the suggestions :)

[Russecu]

I would give the schmitt a try. I have three and love them. Microfiber may be good if you are using ONR. As for your towel, add about a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. This will help cut the buildup in your towel. I havent tried the mf specific products yet but I may try it later just to compare.

[Joe5.0]

ONR?

sorry couldnt find it in the faq lol

[Russecu]

ONR= Optimum No Rinse