Advice
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 913
Likes: 7
Advice
After reading the "Removing Dust" thread, got me thinking. I have always wondered how great is the CA Duster really is and is it all that it says it is? And, how long would I need to use it before replacing it?
I have an awesome shine without a doubt, however, in the highest point of the sunlight, you can still see some of the very very faint very little cat typ scratch, not bad at all, you really can't see them unless you are really looking for them. I know they are getting there when I spray my detail spray, Z-6 ontop of the dust on the body. I am hoping that you guys give me the best advice on the proper use of the CA Duster prior to me wiping the body down with detail spray and help control of not getting these so very little and very very faint scratches here and there. Thanks for your advice.
I have an awesome shine without a doubt, however, in the highest point of the sunlight, you can still see some of the very very faint very little cat typ scratch, not bad at all, you really can't see them unless you are really looking for them. I know they are getting there when I spray my detail spray, Z-6 ontop of the dust on the body. I am hoping that you guys give me the best advice on the proper use of the CA Duster prior to me wiping the body down with detail spray and help control of not getting these so very little and very very faint scratches here and there. Thanks for your advice.
Last edited by c6vetteinhouston; Jun 6, 2012 at 05:04 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
The challenge with anything on the finish of an automobile is how abrasive it is. Think of sand, pollen and other items versus a bit of dust. Most towels and California Duster are said to pull up and away from the surface but can lock these items in it. A towel is often rinsed in a bucket and can dislodge the dirt into a bucket and the fluid (soap/rinse) has some lubricant to help slide against paint. So I often suggest a rinseless or waterless wash in these instances.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 2
From: Dallas Texas
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
I have a CA duster, but I have not used it in years. Actually, I need to throw it out.
I prefer to use a waterless wash to clean light dust. I use Ultima Waterless Wash Plus (UWWP) concentrate, and it is a great product. It leaves a nice clean, slick, glossy surface.
Since UWWP has multiple uses for me, it is very cost effective. I use it as a quick detail spray, bug remover (spray UWWP on the bug remnants, let it sit for about a minute and easily wipe off the bug remnants), and as a waterless wash. I have been pleasantly surprised at how effective UWWP has been as a bug remover. I still have some Poorboy's Bug Squash, but I have not had the need to use it since I began using UWWP.
For the times my black C6 is dirtier, I use Optimum No Rinse (ONR) as my rinseless wash. With water restrictions in effect quite often in my area, ONR and UWWP allow me to keep my vehicles clean when a traditional wash is not an option.
I prefer to use a waterless wash to clean light dust. I use Ultima Waterless Wash Plus (UWWP) concentrate, and it is a great product. It leaves a nice clean, slick, glossy surface.
Since UWWP has multiple uses for me, it is very cost effective. I use it as a quick detail spray, bug remover (spray UWWP on the bug remnants, let it sit for about a minute and easily wipe off the bug remnants), and as a waterless wash. I have been pleasantly surprised at how effective UWWP has been as a bug remover. I still have some Poorboy's Bug Squash, but I have not had the need to use it since I began using UWWP.
For the times my black C6 is dirtier, I use Optimum No Rinse (ONR) as my rinseless wash. With water restrictions in effect quite often in my area, ONR and UWWP allow me to keep my vehicles clean when a traditional wash is not an option.
Last edited by wysiwyg; Jun 7, 2012 at 01:37 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 189
From: North of Canada
http://www.californiacardusters.com/...carduster.html
CARE INSTRUCTIONS ...
Because of a special permanently baked in paraffin treatment, the dusters are made to provide years of effective service without the need for cleaning. Simply shake them out before and after each use. They will turn brown and black, but they are supposed to look that way. Washing the duster may destroy the wax treatment that makes them work so well, so we discourage it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
From the California Duster web site...............
http://www.californiacardusters.com/...carduster.html
CARE INSTRUCTIONS ...
Because of a special permanently baked in paraffin treatment, the dusters are made to provide years of effective service without the need for cleaning. Simply shake them out before and after each use. They will turn brown and black, but they are supposed to look that way. Washing the duster may destroy the wax treatment that makes them work so well, so we discourage it.
http://www.californiacardusters.com/...carduster.html
CARE INSTRUCTIONS ...
Because of a special permanently baked in paraffin treatment, the dusters are made to provide years of effective service without the need for cleaning. Simply shake them out before and after each use. They will turn brown and black, but they are supposed to look that way. Washing the duster may destroy the wax treatment that makes them work so well, so we discourage it.
I like mine for a quick wipe of the dash between dressings ... but to each their own.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 189
From: North of Canada
heed the warning ... or perhaps try a little science experiment. Take some cloth, melt some paraffin wax on it, add in some sand and pollen, and shake. Let me know if it "all" is gone.
I like mine for a quick wipe of the dash between dressings ... but to each their own.
I like mine for a quick wipe of the dash between dressings ... but to each their own.
Do you use & follow the instruction of the manufacture of the car care products your company sell's?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach / London State: Dazed and confused
When I was a Concours entrant / judge most entrants would break out a California Duster as soon as they were allocated a parking spot. I’ve been using them for approx twenty years on all types of vehicles including daily drivers without causing any surface scratches
Methodology
Using long strokes, maintain very light surface pressure and use in one direction only, this ensures that any dust is removed not just pushed around. Shake the duster occasionally to ensure any particles picked up will drop out rather than come to the surface while you’re using it. Do not use on a wet, damp or hot paint surface (soon after driving) as this will cause streaking?
But in all things, including detailing opinions vary; there is no ‘right or wrong way ‘just whatever works for you
Methodology
Using long strokes, maintain very light surface pressure and use in one direction only, this ensures that any dust is removed not just pushed around. Shake the duster occasionally to ensure any particles picked up will drop out rather than come to the surface while you’re using it. Do not use on a wet, damp or hot paint surface (soon after driving) as this will cause streaking?
But in all things, including detailing opinions vary; there is no ‘right or wrong way ‘just whatever works for you
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
I detail autos and have a black car, no matter what you use or do, you will always get some hairline scratches and marks when cleaning or washing.
You can only try and be careful with what process you use.
If there was one process that worked 100% for keeping the paint perfect every wash and wipe, we would all have it and all these company's pushing their best products would be out of business.
Happy Detailing.
You can only try and be careful with what process you use.
If there was one process that worked 100% for keeping the paint perfect every wash and wipe, we would all have it and all these company's pushing their best products would be out of business.
Happy Detailing.
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
WOW......amazing another person that things they know more about the product then company that manufactures it. The booklet that accompanies the duster also states to shake before & after each use. No need to experiment, for best results I like to follow the manufactures directions.......;-)
I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and tell you, that in order to have a perfect finish, that duster should not be used on cars period.
Of course if that is not the goal of the owner, then it should be used.
I tell you this as a professional detailer.
There are superior products available that are "safe" for auto paint.
Have a great day!
Tom
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 913
Likes: 7
I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and tell you, that in order to have a perfect finish, that duster should not be used on cars period.
Of course if that is not the goal of the owner, then it should be used.
I tell you this as a professional detailer.
There are superior products available that are "safe" for auto paint.
Have a great day!
Tom
Of course if that is not the goal of the owner, then it should be used.
I tell you this as a professional detailer.
There are superior products available that are "safe" for auto paint.
Have a great day!
Tom
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
You make mention other superior products out there, but did not say as to what they are. What concerns me, it the wax stuff they have on the tips as I read. I try very hard to keep only what I use on it, Z5, Z-CS, Pennicla Signature Series past wax, with my detail sprays being that of Z-6 and Finish Kare 425.
I had waterless washes in mind. Products like HD FREE, ONR etc...
If some people are happy with the finish using the CD, then all is well.
PS: keep up the good work! Using good stuff!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 189
From: North of Canada
I hope you don't mind if I jump in here and tell you, that in order to have a perfect finish, that duster should not be used on cars period.
Of course if that is not the goal of the owner, then it should be used.
I tell you this as a professional detailer.
There are superior products available that are "safe" for auto paint.
Have a great day!
Tom
Of course if that is not the goal of the owner, then it should be used.
I tell you this as a professional detailer.
There are superior products available that are "safe" for auto paint.
Have a great day!
Tom
The best thing you can do for your paint is not to touch it, but we all know that is impossible.
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
I'm sure every product you are selling is better than everybody else's even the expendable products to remove dust. The California Duster is a great product if used & cared for properly I have been using them for years on show car's, & of course my black vette never had a problem................Good Luck with your sale's
The best thing you can do for your paint is not to touch it, but we all know that is impossible.
The best thing you can do for your paint is not to touch it, but we all know that is impossible.
I am a professional detailer, who may have a higher standard than most. Sorry if I upset you.
How about you post some sun shots of the finish of your black car?
Or some in garage pictures with some led or flash light on the paint, with overhead lights off?
I do have an open mind and willing to eat my own words. Prove me wrong.
As far as the last statement of yours: there is a huge gap between not touching the paint and using a duster.
The key is to learn proper paint care. That is not Brand specific.
Again, sorry if my post was offending.
Sincerely
Tom
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Lightly use California Duster on my black Vette all the time, never an issue.
Not stirring the pot, but if anyone would like to see the finish on it or any of many black cars I've detailed in the past, just ask.
Here's the Vette anyway.
Sun Shot, what appears to be swirls are not, they are reflections of the light shining through the picket fence.
Not stirring the pot, but if anyone would like to see the finish on it or any of many black cars I've detailed in the past, just ask.
Here's the Vette anyway.
Sun Shot, what appears to be swirls are not, they are reflections of the light shining through the picket fence.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 189
From: North of Canada
Truly Unbelievable..........I make a comment that the manufacture of the California duster says to shake before & after each use & I get two guys that sell expendable car care products upset. One telling me to heed & do an experiment another one chimes in saying I need to proof something to him????........Take your argument to California Dust.