More problems polishing.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
More problems polishing.
So now I'm using 105/205 which is GREAT at removing defects.
The problem is when I wipe off the (clear) residue, it tears my clear coat up again.
I'm using very plush high quality microfiber towels. Have tried a few brands, adams, cobra, etc. Tried using IPA and waffle weave, in case what looked like light swirls was actually residue - that didn't help.
So how do I wipe the car off without damaging the clear coat?
Keeping in mind I am extremely observant of swirls/haze/etc on my paint, probably much moreso than a normal person.
The problem is when I wipe off the (clear) residue, it tears my clear coat up again.
I'm using very plush high quality microfiber towels. Have tried a few brands, adams, cobra, etc. Tried using IPA and waffle weave, in case what looked like light swirls was actually residue - that didn't help.
So how do I wipe the car off without damaging the clear coat?
Keeping in mind I am extremely observant of swirls/haze/etc on my paint, probably much moreso than a normal person.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
You could consider rewashing the entire car after polishing instead of a wipe down, you can add some ONR into wash for additional lubrication too. The towels should provide no appreciable scratching/swirls unless they are harsh or have some contamination embedded in towels. I keep my towels washed seperately, and then stored once dry in ziplocks or one of those airtight canisters (like those that go under bed) until next use to assure nothing gets on them. I hope it helps some !
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 620
Likes: 1
How much pressure are you using? Even the softest towels will scratch if too much pressure is used, and sometimes I see people exerting WAY too much force when removing residue.
I like to take off small amounts at a time with short strokes and as little pressure as possible...
I like to take off small amounts at a time with short strokes and as little pressure as possible...
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Fairly light, most of the residue comes up easy. I'll just do a wash when I'm done. Thanks.
---
The sea sponge I got from you folks worked wonders.
I think that's my favorite detailing tool.
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The sea sponge I got from you folks worked wonders.
I think that's my favorite detailing tool.
Last edited by Kale; Jul 31, 2010 at 04:21 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ont
Rinse the car with a steady stream from the hose, not a sprayer, top down. Water should just shed off. I use a leaf blower for the nooks and crannies, wheels. Then finish with some weave type towel.
Works for me no swirls, halos, or other unkown funny marks. Love and hate these black finishes.
Works for me no swirls, halos, or other unkown funny marks. Love and hate these black finishes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 16
From: Katy Tx
So now I'm using 105/205 which is GREAT at removing defects.
The problem is when I wipe off the (clear) residue, it tears my clear coat up again.
I'm using very plush high quality microfiber towels. Have tried a few brands, adams, cobra, etc. Tried using IPA and waffle weave, in case what looked like light swirls was actually residue - that didn't help.
So how do I wipe the car off without damaging the clear coat?
Keeping in mind I am extremely observant of swirls/haze/etc on my paint, probably much moreso than a normal person.
The problem is when I wipe off the (clear) residue, it tears my clear coat up again.
I'm using very plush high quality microfiber towels. Have tried a few brands, adams, cobra, etc. Tried using IPA and waffle weave, in case what looked like light swirls was actually residue - that didn't help.
So how do I wipe the car off without damaging the clear coat?
Keeping in mind I am extremely observant of swirls/haze/etc on my paint, probably much moreso than a normal person.
I find the best method is to polish a smaller area and wipe it off very quickly - Before it dries - and it comes of easily without pressure on the microfiber towel. A pure polish is not intended to leave any material on the surface so there is no advantage to letting it dry before wiping it off. I use a Griot's Polisher and their DVD instructins are very specific about not letting the polish dry. Sealers and waxes are a different story of course.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 2
From: Orlando/Oviedo FL
Part of the problem, in my experience, is the use of super plush microfiber towels. Super plush towels, IMO, only are a benefit when washing the car, as the long nap can hold dirt further away from the paint. But for removing polish residue you will often get better results from using a shorter nap, which in turn requires less pressure to get the cleaning action necessary.
When you say you are tearing up your clear coat, are you creating marring when wiping off the product? M205 was designed (and in my experience has prove to) be very easy to wipe off.
When you say you are tearing up your clear coat, are you creating marring when wiping off the product? M205 was designed (and in my experience has prove to) be very easy to wipe off.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 1,925
From: NC
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
Part of the problem, in my experience, is the use of super plush microfiber towels. Super plush towels, IMO, only are a benefit when washing the car, as the long nap can hold dirt further away from the paint. But for removing polish residue you will often get better results from using a shorter nap, which in turn requires less pressure to get the cleaning action necessary.
When you say you are tearing up your clear coat, are you creating marring when wiping off the product? M205 was designed (and in my experience has prove to) be very easy to wipe off.
When you say you are tearing up your clear coat, are you creating marring when wiping off the product? M205 was designed (and in my experience has prove to) be very easy to wipe off.
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