To Brush or Not To Brush.....

[SAR-K9's]

In the past, I've always used a car-washing brush to clean the majority of my car's painted surface. Nothing fancy or EXPENSIVE like a boarhair brush... Just the typical soft (synthetic most likely) bristle, telescoping handle brush.
Now I wonder if I was damaging the paint finish slightly with each washing?
With my new OB, I really want to get off to a good start and keep that finish in as good as shape as I possibly can.
Should I ideally be using a sheepskin washing mitt, or 100% toweling instead of a brush? Something else?

Also, thinking of going with Klasse, or Liquid Glass + LG Precleaner (after claying). Any thoughts?

THANKS in advance to the detailing gurus out there!

[SAR-K9's]

"Bueller....Bueller....Bueller........."

OK class...WAKE UP! NO COMMENTS yet!?!? Did a search on this but really didn't come up with anything specific to this question.....

Anyone?

[Looby]

Aren't Outbacks supposed to be filthy?

...any washing scratches the paint,

Looby

[SAR-K9's]

Originally Posted by Looby

Aren't Outbacks supposed to be filthy?

...any washing scratches the paint,

Looby

Oh believe me...my OB will filthy a LOT more than it is polished and clean....I was just curious as what those who are really "in the know" detailing-wise use or suggest...

[Aeteocles]

Originally Posted by SAR-K9's

In the past, I've always used a car-washing brush to clean the majority of my car's painted surface. Nothing fancy or EXPENSIVE like a boarhair brush... Just the typical soft (synthetic most likely) bristle, telescoping handle brush.
Now I wonder if I was damaging the paint finish slightly with each washing?
With my new OB, I really want to get off to a good start and keep that finish in as good as shape as I possibly can.
Should I ideally be using a sheepskin washing mitt, or 100% toweling instead of a brush? Something else?

Also, thinking of going with Klasse, or Liquid Glass + LG Precleaner (after claying). Any thoughts?

THANKS in advance to the detailing gurus out there!

Technique is just as important as product.

Start with a microfiber towel that is 100% cotton. Microfiber because the smaller fibers lift dirt away from the paint better, cotton because it is softer than synthetics at the individual fiber level.

Second, use two wash buckets, with plenty of wash detergent. Do not use dish soap unless you are planning on stripping old wax off of your car for a reason. Work on small sections of the car, rinsing your towel FREQUENTLY. First in bucket 1, agitating the towel to remove dirt from the towel, and then in bucket 2 to load up the towel with fresh water/detergent.

Use new towels each time you wash the car. Do NOT reuse previously used towels. You can launder the towels between washes.

Make sure the car is ABSOLUTELY clean before you start drying. Dirt left on the paint surface will scratch the paint as you dry. If, while you are drying, your chamoise becomes soiled, rinse the chamoise out before continuing. Rinse your car and wash it again if you must.

Start from the top, work your way down, leaving the dirtiest portions of the car for last: lower trim, front bumper, rear tail gate, rear bumper, wheels, inside wheel wells.

Swirl marks on a car is simply a result of poor technique--leaving debris suspended between the paint and the towel (or in the towel) basically acts like sandpaper.

[SAR-K9's]

Aeteocles- Thanks for the input. Appreciate it!

[highest_vision]

I used to wash my car like a nutball. Topside, underside, inside. The exterior still looks great and it just turned 100k! The underside it rotting I have holes in my floorboards. I don't wash it any more. What a waste of my time! If you are going to drive it in salty conditions, maybe see about something like ziebart. Might help...

James

[sti491]

I have a Java Black Pearl Sti that swirl marks if you look at it sideways. I made the investment in a boars hair brush a few years back, and glad I did. My technique is to use good sudsy car wash soap in a car wash bucket w/a screen in the bottom to filter out debris. Wet entire car, soap it, brush it lightly, rinse it off. With car still wet, using ONLY clean micro fiber towels, get bulk of water off then spray damp paint with Adams detail spray and micro towel buff dry. Amazing results every time. Very little swirls & rids this way. I typically clay bar and wax once a year. Paint stays showroom all year this way.