^^^
I don't think anyone is saying someone is doing it wrong. I think people are challenging each other's beliefs. But as you mentioned, what you believe is usually your opinion based on what works for you, and opinions can never be wrong, by definition. It's like me telling you a ceramic spray that is used every 2-3 months does not give the same protection as actual ceramic applied painstakingly with an application pad, since that product lasts 3-8 years.That's just my opinion based on facts that I've gathered from noted professionals...but until I prove that out by verifiable experimentation, it's still my opinion.
I think these debates are useful to help bring out different methods and their advantages/disadvantages. I've learned a shitload from this forum from the past 14 years thanks to others sharing what they know, even if it's only their opinion. And so I likewise feel thankful if someone tells me what I'm doing may have negative consequences.

 

I can agree with that. I know my spray on coating does not protect like a several thousand dollar ceramic coating will. But for what I expect out of my car, it works perfectly. But then I also have a couple rock chips fixed with just touch up paint in the front bumper where I could have put a clear bra on. Will the average passer by notice? Maybe. But like you point out, there opinion is their's, not mine. I have finally reached an age were I don't care much what others think. That is a good place to be.

I too have learned a ton on this forum. And I meant no disrespect to anyone posting above. It was in jest only. It is fun, and sometimes interesting, to here how others go about getting from point A to point B. We all can choose which one we find relevant or don't.

 

Feather duster might actually work, i hadn't considered that! canned air would work but your gonna spend more money on those bottles the on haha. Feather duster or car cover are your best options imo

 

Air borne silica ( sand ) is harder than the clear coat. Pulling this silica across a clear coat will scratch it... trapping it under a car cover will promote scratches. insuring the clear coat is clear of any contaminants, especially hard ones, are the reason people get swirl marks.. those swirl marks come from trapped hard contaminants. Dragging them across the surface is not in your best interest.. removing contaminants that are hard requires skill, understanding and especially lubrication.

California duster??? NEVER.. it even says on the instructions, the dirtier it gets the better... Its a mop impregnated with paraffin to trap sand ( silica ) dust and they ( California Duster ) tell you to drag that dirty mop across your clear coat.. Does that sound even remotely logical.. ?

Clay a good product if used with the lubrication required in its application.

There are highly lubricious products out there to make sure the clay glides easily and a suspension to encapsulate any debris
Washing a car with a PH neutral soap. that soap is the lubrication.. to move the debris in a suspension. rubbing the clear with anything that traps silica causes swirl marks.. These swirl marks are the product of the lack of understanding on how they get there.. No car comes from the factory with swirl marks. You put them there.

 

^^^^ Lots of truth right there ^^^^

 

Yes...you, or a dealer who preps the car and doesn't know what they're doing. Is why my car always has a sign that says, "please do not wash" if it's in for any service at all. Sitting on the dealer lot in a windy location also is baaaad.

 

I agree 100%.