I`ve assessed how the WRX fared its first full New England winter as a daily driver. I`d applied Z-1 and three coats of Z-2 in November and the vehicle still fairly glistens - very pleased with that. I`m less pleased with the amount of swirls I`ve picked-up. The vehicle was hand washed nearly every week until this last month where weekend weather prevented any washing at all. My washing routine involves two wash buckets, Gold Medallion Shampoo, Viking 100% cotton mitts and a Wizard Water Bandit/MF towel.
The vehicle is badly swirled and my hope is that this is in the Z-2 and not the finish. I have thought about what causes this situation and I have to lay almost 100% of it to the wash routine - I just don`t believe drying (or applying wax or sealant) is materially responsible. I do suspect that claying would be the second most likely culprit.
When we apply soapy mitt to a wetted surface, what happens? Is the soiling (grit) somehow enveloped in the mitt`s material where it stays until rinsed? No, its dragged along against the finish until we rinse the mitt. Claying? Pretty much the same deal. The clay rips contaminants (more grit) out of the finish which now stick to the working surface of the clay (no enveloping here either, IMHO) as we rake that clay/grit mix over the finish (until we knead the grit away from the working surface).
I`d like to hear opposing opinions on the matter but please, no voodoo science or urban legend about the physics-defying qualities of 100% cotton mitts or automotive clays to safely whisk grit away from the vehicle surface. Thanks
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