Wal Mart Terry Cloth

[Malachi71]

The terry cloth they sell says 100% cotton. I'm wanting to use terry cloth for some light scratch and swirl removal (cleaning and polishing). Will this terry cloth from Wal Mart be alright to use?

[wannafbody]

I'd sugggest a terry covered foam applicator.

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

NO, the walmart terry is unsafe to touch the paint. They claim 100% cotton, but that's only referring to the nap. The base is still more than likely polyester/rayon type, and can scratch.

Also, the nap is extremely rough on these towels, so you may end up installing more swirls/scratches than removing them.

Might I ask what exactly you're trying to use these towels for? 9 times out of 10, you'll be much, MUCH safer with microfiber.

[Sherman8r44]

He's using it for swirl and scratch removal--and it is the proper thing to use. When folded into quarters it generates more heat than a MF towel or a terry applicator. I have no idea if it is good. One of those Meguiar's Super Terries would do well for that though

[The Beef]

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

NO, the walmart terry is unsafe to touch the paint. They claim 100% cotton, but that's only referring to the nap. The base is still more than likely polyester/rayon type, and can scratch.

Also, the nap is extremely rough on these towels, so you may end up installing more swirls/scratches than removing them.

Might I ask what exactly you're trying to use these towels for? 9 times out of 10, you'll be much, MUCH safer with microfiber.

I agree 100%. Pure junk. Not even good for door jambs.

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally Posted by Sherman8r44

He's using it for swirl and scratch removal--and it is the proper thing to use. When folded into quarters it generates more heat than a MF towel or a terry applicator. I have no idea if it is good. One of those Meguiar's Super Terries would do well for that though

OK, now I'll preface this by saying I'm not flaming you, but let me point a few things out:

1) Look at my post count and join date. Now look at yours. I'm no noob, nor am I an idiot. I can and did read that he's using it for swirl and scratch removal, and I know plenty about proper procedure to remove swirls and scratches. However, I don't know if he means to APPLY a product, BUFF OFF a product (residue), or what.

2) While heat does help products to break down, it isn't what actually does the work of swirl removal. The abrasives (be they chemical or 'mechanical' (physically diminishing abrasive particles) in nature) and the friction force applied to them is what actually does the work.

3) NO, it is not the right thing to use. These towels are cheaply constructed, and not safe for contacting paint without causing damage. With as cheap as microfiber toweling is these days, there is no reason not to use it for any and every job when it comes to paint (if not exclusively for ANY surface). As far as applicators are concerned, I prefer open-cell foam applicators for "manual" compounding/polishing purposes. You aren't ever going to work as effectively by hand as you will via a DA polisher (PC), though.

Sherman, I think the reason you don't have any idea if/what toweling is good, is that you maybe don't have alot of experience yet. Just keep practicing, reading, and learning before trying to make me sound like I don't know what I am saying... because while you were in part right in what you were saying, you also missed the mark on a few key points. I'm just asking that you think before you post (make sure you actually know what you're doing), and make sure of how you're comming across to the people who are reading what you're telling them. Thanks!

[Sherman8r44]

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

before trying to make me sound like I don't know what I am saying...

Sorry that was not the intnetion. I know you're not a noob or idiot, but many times people jump over parts of a question or don't read it thoroughly. You posted "Might I ask what exactly you're trying to use these towels for?" which led me to believe that it might have been the case. I have done quite a bit of research on the subject of hand swirl removal (particularly at detailcity) and by most people high-quality terry folded in fourths was recommended because it is more aggressive to take out swirls and generated more heat to aid the abrasives in breaking down I have seen foam pads recommended sometimes, but most of the time posters say that they just aren't aggressive enough and since abrasives are pretty hard to break down it is better to have more heat. Someone asked about using microfiber instead (I don't remember which thread at which forum) but other posters replied that some high-quality terry would be better. I will research more and do my best to learn...

You are right , I don't have any experience with hand polishing because when I heard how unbelieveably long it took I broke down and got a machine.

EDIT--here was one thread I saw in which Scottwax replied to someone asking about #80 by hand.

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Sure, but make sure you use a folded terry cloth towel to apply it. Foam hand pads are not thick enough and the finger pressure will leave marring. Refold the towel for each section you work and make sure you work it long enough to clear out. If you can easily remove the excess, you worked it long enough. If you cannot remove the excess easily, you need to work it more.

and this:

Originally Posted by Corey Bit Spank

With that said, if you are working by hand you're not going to want to polish out all of the swirls. It's a ton of work. I'd go with Meguiars #9 Swirl Mark Remover (many auto stores are carrying the Meguiars professional line, in the tan colored bottles). Use a cotton terry towel to apply (terry towels have more bite than foam wax applicators). Folded over a few times into a small rectangle or square.

and this:

Originally Posted by Magellan498

But, if you're gonna just stick with hand application for now, terry cotton pads add a little more bite to your polishing but foam ones work well too. I suggest you search up posts made by ScottWax. (he's the hand polishing guru here)

and this:

Originally Posted by Deanski

For applying polishes by hand the best way has been to use 100% Cotton Terry towels. Fold them if they are hand towel size or cut them to say 16x16 and fold. This gives you a good area to work with and cushion from the folding. The towels provide enough texture to help the polish along and act as a lambs wool pad w/o the risk of adding swirls. They MUST be 100% cotton! Go for good 'ol USA made towels, no fancy edges as you'll remove the anyway.

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally Posted by Sherman8r44

Sorry that was not the intnetion. I know you're not a noob or idiot, but many times people jump over parts of a question or don't read it thoroughly. You posted "Might I ask what exactly you're trying to use these towels for?" which led me to believe that it might have been the case. I have done quite a bit of research on the subject of hand swirl removal (particularly at detailcity) and by most people high-quality terry folded in fourths was recommended because it is more aggressive to take out swirls and generated more heat to aid the abrasives in breaking down I have seen foam pads recommended sometimes, but most of the time posters say that they just aren't aggressive enough and since abrasives are pretty hard to break down it is better to have more heat. Someone asked about using microfiber instead (I don't remember which thread at which forum) but other posters replied that some high-quality terry would be better. I will research more and do my best to learn...

You are right , I don't have any experience with hand polishing because when I heard how unbelieveably long it took I broke down and got a machine.

EDIT--here was one thread I saw in which Scottwax replied to someone asking about #80 by hand.

Again, I apologize if I came across as flaming; it wasn't my intent to do so either. I see what you're saying about the by-hand use of #80 and others... and yes, it will work in many situations. However, it is not my preferred method since I was noticing some negative side effects from the use of terry towels and cotton (as opposed to MF and foam). I personally have never had a problem with using MF towels, MF covered applicators, and open-foam applicators. My favorite of the three being foam applicators.

To address Scott's comment about marring from finger pressure, I can see where that MAY be an issue for some, but the key is to not use your finger TIPS to "press the pad" into the surface. Instead, use the entire surface at and above the first knuckle, or even the palm of your hand for more even pressure distribution.

Regardless of that, though (staying on-point of this thread) if you are planning to use terry, do NOT use the cheap stuff. It isn't worth the material it's made of.

[Brad B.]

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

3) NO, it is not the right thing to use. I prefer open-cell foam applicators for "manual" compounding/polishing purposes. You aren't ever going to work as effectively by hand as you will via a DA polisher (PC), though.

I agree with Shiny Lil Detlr. Pure foam is MUCH better for working with abrasives. It holds and dispenses the compound much more evenly providing better results.

Terry is such an uneven material that it bunches up when damp, starts to "pill" and won't allow a proper even application pressure or product distribution.

MF is also not the best. It compresses very easily when saturated and will not hold product evenly or with uniform pressure.

Terry and MF are fine for was application if you so desire.

[Mr. Clean]

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

OK, now I'll preface this by saying I'm not flaming you, but let me point a few things out:

1) Look at my post count and join date. Now look at yours. I'm no noob, nor am I an idiot. I can and did read that he's using it for swirl and scratch removal, and I know plenty about proper procedure to remove swirls and scratches. However, I don't know if he means to APPLY a product, BUFF OFF a product (residue), or what.

2) While heat does help products to break down, it isn't what actually does the work of swirl removal. The abrasives (be they chemical or 'mechanical' (physically diminishing abrasive particles) in nature) and the friction force applied to them is what actually does the work.

3) NO, it is not the right thing to use. These towels are cheaply constructed, and not safe for contacting paint without causing damage. With as cheap as microfiber toweling is these days, there is no reason not to use it for any and every job when it comes to paint (if not exclusively for ANY surface). As far as applicators are concerned, I prefer open-cell foam applicators for "manual" compounding/polishing purposes. You aren't ever going to work as effectively by hand as you will via a DA polisher (PC), though.

Sherman, I think the reason you don't have any idea if/what toweling is good, is that you maybe don't have alot of experience yet. Just keep practicing, reading, and learning before trying to make me sound like I don't know what I am saying... because while you were in part right in what you were saying, you also missed the mark on a few key points. I'm just asking that you think before you post (make sure you actually know what you're doing), and make sure of how you're comming across to the people who are reading what you're telling them. Thanks!

Great post shiny

1) Look at my post count and join date. Now look at yours. I'm no noob, nor am I an idiot.

Neither mean squat...and you are if you think they do.

3) NO, it is not the right thing to use.

I don't think he meant specifically this particular product, but terry toweling in general. And YES you're wrong. We used cotton terry toweling for car care for decades before MF products made their appearance on the scene.

think the reason you don't have any idea if/what toweling is good, is that you maybe don't have alot of experience yet. Just keep practicing, reading, and learning before trying to make me sound like I don't know what I am saying... because while you were in part right in what you were saying, you also missed the mark on a few key points. I'm just asking that you think before you post (make sure you actually know what you're doing), and make sure of how you're comming across to the people who are reading what you're telling them.

Easily the single most arrogant and bone-headed statement I've read on any forum in some time and an example of why I rarely post. Shiny, you should really re-read this and apply it to yourself.

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally Posted by Mr. Clean

Great post shiny

How about you just buzz off? You're not necessary with this kind of BS. The guy I was posting to was fine about it, why can't you just let it go? Nobody here needs sticking up for.

Neither mean squat...and you are if you think they do.

Actually, yeah they do. If he came across as a person with experience that would be different, but the point is his reply to me came across as rude. Also, way to take the part where I told the guy I wasn't flaming, and ignore it completely. Obviously he wasn't totally offended, either (since I said that). Hop down off that box of tide, mmkay?

don't think he meant specifically this particular product, but terry toweling in general. And YES you're wrong. We used cotton terry toweling for car care for decades before MF products made their appearance on the scene.

I used cotton terry for a long time too, before adopting MF. I was actually a late adopter of MF, and now that I'm using it I'll never go back. I'm NOT wrong; there's no excuse anymore not to use MF as far as I'm concerned. Even the cheapest of MF are vastly superior to cotton terry, and are easier to use since there is drastically less chance of causing marring with the towel.

Easily the single most arrogant and bone-headed statement I've read on any forum in somte time and an example of why I rarely post. Shiny, you should really re-read this and apply it to yourself.

Let me speak for everyone when I say "thank goodness you rarely post." It isn't boneheadded to tell someone that they shouldn't post when they aren't absolutely certain that they're giving good advice. Nore is it arrogant to say that I do have a little bit more experience than some other people; it isn't fiction, it's fact. I'd also just as readily admit to having less experience than some folks. We don't need people like you comming in here and raising hell where it isn't necessary -- like in this case where the person I was bantering with already replied back, and all was/is well.

Now, let's get this thread back on focus, shall we?

[Mr. Clean]

Originally Posted by Brad B.

...Terry is such an uneven material that it bunches up when damp, starts to "pill" and won't allow a proper even application pressure or product distribution.
...

Brad B. an individual user's inability to control the tool really doesn't negate the overall effectiveness (or appropriateness) of that tool. I don't have a problem with the use of foam, but I'm sure that among "old school" (I don't really like that term, but it beats "old geezers" ) detailers you will find the cotton terry towel recommendation for this purpose (that of the original poster's) quite common.