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Drying Towel Scratches
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!
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Super Member
Re: Drying Towel Scratches
Did you inspect each towel prior to use. Even new towels can harbor debris. Washing new towels is recommended.
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Super Member
Re: Drying Towel Scratches
I'd switch to something like a PFM towel. The idea of the Guzzler never appealed to me
Treat it like it's the only one in the world.
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Super Member
Re: Drying Towel Scratches
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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2022 Elantra N Cyber Gray
Some say..."He likes Swedish fish because they're made with caranuba wax"
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Re: Drying Towel Scratches
Particularly on black, try to pat-dry instead of wiping.
The foam core drying towels are a good choice for this method.
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Super Member
Re: Drying Towel Scratches
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.
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Super Member
Re: Drying Towel Scratches
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.
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Re: Drying Towel Scratches
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.
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Regular Member
Re: Drying Towel Scratches
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.
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Re: Drying Towel Scratches
The only towels that I've found not to scratch on dark colors is the terry weave and suede type MF.
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