so what is the basic argument (reason) to go with microfiber over 100% USA cotton?

31st330i · 03-31-02, 12:27

now I'm not trying to start a religious war but I don't recall ever seeing this detail posted. what I'm looking for is the basic reasoning to choose one over the other.

I've read most of the recent threads on MF towels and realize that they are great as are 100% USA cotton towels.

assuming top quality MF towels and top quality 100% USA towels, the only difference I can come up with is that the MF towels are cheaper if you take advantage of a group buy (assuming sale price at your local store on the towels).

neither towel scratches the finish and both types should last a long time with reasonable care. both absorb very well (perhaps MF gets a slight edge).

what else is there?

DCopp · 03-31-02, 12:51

MF won't scratch like cotton can

31st330i · 03-31-02, 01:01

but it's not the cotton that can scratch but rather a poorly made towel or dirty towel. this can affect both MF and 100% USA cotton, correct?

notice that I do specifically mention quality 100% USA cotton towels.

Todd · 03-31-02, 01:15

I have noticed that with a 100% charisma towel when I QD my Zaino finish it mares the surface slightly.I had always used cotton and just started tring MF towels a few months ago.When I use the MF's I do not get this scratching effect with these and the charisma's are only a month or so older than the MF's.This is just my opinon I am sure others will have something to add.

Dude · 03-31-02, 02:09

MF's are more absorbant and easier to work with.

I use both- cotton for an initial wipe and MF for the final wipe. Cotton gets most of the wax/polymer off, and the MF gets the remainder. Why not use two MF's? Cotton is more absorbant at first. Think of cotton as a paint roller, and MF as a paint brush. Cotton is better for big jobs, while MF is better for finishing touches.

RH · 03-31-02, 02:22

Quality cotton towels (I prefer Fieldcrest Charisma) and quality MF are both great. Basically I use both, but for different purposes. I like removing wax with the cotton, doing windows with cotton, quick detailing with MF, interior with MF, etc. Try both, I'm sure you'll easily find out which you like best for different jobs.

DCopp · 03-31-02, 05:43

once you use one you'll understand...that's a fact!

Intermezzo · 03-31-02, 07:18

I enjoy using cotton a lot more. They are easier to take care of, they slide along your car better and they are cheaper than MF. But even with very light pressure, I notice marring on my Z'd coats, so I'm pretty much relegated to MFs...which certainly aren't a bad second choice.

31st330i · 03-31-02, 08:01

good description of the difference.

Intermezzo · 03-31-02, 08:03

31st, I should also add that buffing with cotton is easier...at least for me. It takes very little effort to buff out sealant using charismas. What did you use on your initial Z coat(s)?

31st330i · 03-31-02, 08:29

I used the top of the line Filedcrests that were on sale at mervyns at 40% off. apparently towel companys do the same thing that the mattress companies do. they offer 99% identical products at different stores under different model names. these fieldcrests are apparently the same ones that macys sells as their top of the line fieldcrest.

Likecars · 03-31-02, 08:34

I am in there with Dude and InterM, cotton removes BF, SG and now Zaino with less effort.

I still QD with MF on SG and Carnubas, but I use cotton for all my Zaino work.