Could cheap MF's be bad for your paint?
 

Could the cheap Microfibers from say Wal-Mart and Pep Boys be bad for your cars paint causing swirls? I know that we all put a lot into what product we use to wash over vehicles with but am worried now about using a bad product to remove wax. Right now I'm sticking to removing wax with my Meguiars MF's and using my cheap ones for my plastic and glass.

- Chris

They sure can Chris! Even good towels that are not used/cleaned properly can cause spider web marks.

Think of it this way... Anything that touches your paint can cause problems. Therefore, use only the highest quality tools... and take care of them. Also, when you are using "any" towel on the paint... use it slowly and lightly.

I'm with you Boss. I only use my Meguairs MF for the paint and use different ones to wipe off different waxes. I have seen some of the off brands put some fine scratches in my paint. I wash them independently of other laundry and inspect them before and after they are washed as they can attract different lints and such. You constantly have to check them prior to using them on your finish as these towels can attract everything.

Be reminded, just because it's branded with a Meguiar's logo doesn't mean that it's the 'end all' product on the market...

The Supreme Shine MF towels aren't too shabby but, they fall pretty short of other towels that I've used; including the DF Concours Towel...

Like Boss mentioned, anything that touches your paint can cause problems... technique is CRITICALLY important when using anything on your paint (towels, polishes, machines, underwaterbasketweaving equipment, wax, dressings....)

RP

Thanks for the responses guys. I've been messing with my truck getting rid of the fine scratches that I had and am determined to do everything in my power to prevent them from coming back.

Having too much fun in the garage :banana:

- Chris

RP, what is the DF Concours Towel and where do you purchase? Like to try it. Thanks!

http://www.dftowel.com/

I've always liked these towels from Yo Steve...
http://www.yosteveshop.homestead.com/mf.html

Both those towels are excellent quality.
A couple of others of superb quality are:

http://www.specialtymotoring.com/microfiber.htm

which stocks the Poorboys line and:

http://www.premiumautocare.com/index.html

These guys also do my absolute favourite Klasse AIO and 4* UPP!


One thing to remember is that no matter how good the towel, its still possible to make a mess.
I use a variety of towels (yes, some from wallyworld too) and to be honest I cant really justify using a $10 towel for cleaning glass or wheels.
I've actually found a good clean terry towel is BETTER (yes I said better!) than an MF for cleaning glass.

I would reccommend buying some cheap towels for the dirty jobs like engine bay and waxing wheels etc and save the nice ones for final paint.

I've got a big blue MicroTex MF towel that I got from Wal-Mart for 7 or 8 bucks. It's not 100% cotton though. It says it's 70% polyester and 30% polyamide. But it's very thick, very soft, and bulky and it absorbs ALOT of water. I haven't noticed any swirls from using this towel. I can just about dry my whole truck without wringing it out. :thumbsup:

Anyone but me using the Sonus der wonder buffing and polishing towels? :coffee: