Microfiber cloth causing swirls?

Wailin

Hi guys, just wondering can microfiber cloths cause swirls when removing polish or wax? Reason I ask is wifes car is showing swirls even though I always washed it using 2 bucket method with wool mitt. I use autoglym cloths, the blue one and finish off with the red finishing cloth after polishing. They are always washed after use without detergent. Any ideas?

Foxhole Norman

They shouldn't be causing any swirls really unless something large was caught in the towel and you were moving it in circles. What you could be seeing is hazing if you haven't completely removed wax or polish, looks like very light scratching.

Curran

100% - Yes they can!!

Ive said it before here, and many laughed it off, but not all microfibers are there same.
The lower quality ones, like the Kent towel or whatever are fine for glass, interior trim and plastic, doing the really heavy work on not so delicate surfaces, say engine bays or whatever, but for your paintwork, you want quality, soft, plush microfibers.

Curran

Here is a post I posted on the forum over a year ago! Jezz that long! :P

While it doesnt show the potential damage that either can cause, and both can, but one is far more less likely to, it does demonstrate the difference in plushness and what a difference in GSM (grammes per square meter) looks like.

Curran wrote: »

A quality microfiber versus an average microfiber.

Sorry for poor quality pictures; phone in poor light!

Difference in pile



Edge & Label versus edge-less and no label



Difference in pile



One side has reasonable pile & very short pile versus good pile on both sides



Folded in half, 3 times



Overall size



Another to consider is that there are applications where short pile is better. Buffing liquid sealants, like nano products, a short, but soft pile does a better job!
Microfiber is measured in grams per sq meter or gsm. A reasonably soft cloth will have upwards of 300gsm, the one photo'd is 500gsm....not sure of the average microfiber, one side is kinda soft, they other is pretty rough. The edges are quite a large factor too, and if you have cloths with them, its best to try fold the cloth so they are on the inside folds....but this becomes a pain in the backside, trying to ensure there isnt an edge showing, and also less useable surface area of the cloth.

So there ye go; people can make their own decisions and assumptions based on a bit of information provided; hope it helps!

Curran

Another thing worth mentioning is that the same applies to applicators. Not all of them are ideal for paintwork. The worst ones are the cheap yellow foam ones that you can buy 12 for a Euro or two on Ebay....fine for applying trim dressing, tyre dressing, etc, just not suitable for paintwork.

Any if your car's paintwork is soft, Jap manufacturers especially, it will be really obvious the difference in quality of microfiber and foam applicator......I sense a wee test coming on, if I can get the time and access to something Jap!

Wailin

Thanks Curran I had a feeling it was the cloth causing it, although they are not cheap at all. What do you recommend and have you any in stock?

Curran

My favourite is the Microfiber Madness Crazy Pile - pricey, yes, but reasonably large too, so I cut it into two or three sections and its still does a good job; nor does it fray like you might think.

The CarPro BOA's are also a very nice towel.

You dont need a massive amount of premium cloths either. One for buffing your wax/sealant and other other if you use a Quick Detailer....obviously more would be needed if you were machine polishing, but the Microfiber Madness Yellow Fellow is ideal for that.

When you get your hands on a quality microfiber, you realise instantly why you are paying a premium over run of the mill microfibers!

Curran

Another possible cause; what do you use to dry the car?

Wailin

Curran wrote: »

Another possible cause; what do you use to dry the car?

The autoglym one also, gold coloured. Find it very good. I was in your shop awhile back and bought a drying cloth, very thick...can't remember the name but I just find the autoglym easier to use.

Curran

Does it have a square pattern in the material of the towel? If its that one, I've no experience with it, but perhaps it might be contributing.

Was it white? The Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy? If so, surprised you are not finding it a doddle to use. Not sure of the g/sm of the Autoglym one, but the Dry Me Crazy is 1200g/sm and there arent many on the market to match that sort of ability to soak up water.

Wailin

Curran wrote: »

Does it have a square pattern in the material of the towel? If its that one, I've no experience with it, but perhaps it might be contributing.

Was it white? The Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy? If so, surprised you are not finding it a doddle to use. Not sure of the g/sm of the Autoglym one, but the Dry Me Crazy is 1200g/sm and there arent many on the market to match that sort of ability to soak up water.

No not white, blue. This is the autoglym one I use: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/45177/autoglym-hi-tech-microfibre-drying-towel

Think a trip to the shop for the dry me crazy is in order:pac:

Curran

Yeah, that's the AG one I was thinking of; though have no experience with it.

Awwwh the blue one; the light blue one is the Crazy Pile, or the Summit 800 dark blue; are both for buffing waxes/sealants; fluffy and long pile...wouldnt be ideal for drying.
The Dry Me Crazy (white) is the one you want! You'll be impressed!

MarkN

Dry me crazy is the business, get one!