imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
I use 100% cotton terry towels and was just wondering how MircoFiber towels improve the detailing process.
How do MicroFiber towels improve the process?
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imported_Greg1
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Have you ever tried MF? If you haven't then you owe it to yourself to try them. They are so much softer and just generally a great experience.
2wheelsx2
New member
Lint and dust were things I always fought with when I was using cotton. Once I got some quality mf's, those problems were a distant memory. Also, residue that would take 2 or 3 swipes with cotton can usually be removed with a single swipe. I guess for me, it was mostly time.
Oh, yeah, one thing I forgot to add. They are unbeatable for cleaning glass and chrome, things which streak easily. Most times, I just use and MF and water, no cleaning agents.
Oh, yeah, one thing I forgot to add. They are unbeatable for cleaning glass and chrome, things which streak easily. Most times, I just use and MF and water, no cleaning agents.
Jngrbrdman
New member
"improve the process?" They improve the process by being safer on your paint. They also will create less lint on the surface which saves time and frustration. They are just an overall better tool to use to buff off product. If you want to know what I'm talking about then you just need to buy a high quality microfiber towel (not one from walmart) and try it out for yourself. Once you use a microfiber there is no going back to cotton towels. Especially when you are talking about the waffle weave towel for drying. There is really nothing that compares to the drying as safety of a waffle weave on your paint.
imported_Greg1
New member
Frank-
I won't get too specific because I could really go on for a long time. Most of us at one time have used cotton terry towels, yet 99% of us use MF. You never have to worry about scratching paint from a poor towel. WW drying towels are absolutely incredible for drying a car. One pass and the residue is gone. You can clean windows with them without any chemicals.
I'm sure I can speak for a lot of people here, but I would never think about going back to terry towels, even the $8 ultra high quality Fieldcrest towels.
I won't get too specific because I could really go on for a long time. Most of us at one time have used cotton terry towels, yet 99% of us use MF. You never have to worry about scratching paint from a poor towel. WW drying towels are absolutely incredible for drying a car. One pass and the residue is gone. You can clean windows with them without any chemicals.
I'm sure I can speak for a lot of people here, but I would never think about going back to terry towels, even the $8 ultra high quality Fieldcrest towels.
P
Patrick
Guest
Frank, I think what your looking for is what ability do MF's have over cotton terry ?
For me, the mf's have a much finer surface to clean or wipe with. Not to mention the no lint, better absortion, scratchless. Theres actually more mf (product) touching the surface, as opposed to cotton. Theres more to "grab" when using a MF......
For me, the mf's have a much finer surface to clean or wipe with. Not to mention the no lint, better absortion, scratchless. Theres actually more mf (product) touching the surface, as opposed to cotton. Theres more to "grab" when using a MF......
ok so new guy here, this is like my first post. about how many MF towels (and what kinds) am i gonna want for my supply? i have 3 cars i detail. my 94 ext cab z71 truck, my dads 99 audi A4 and my moms 99 suburban. of course they dont all get done at once, but id like a nice array of towels for all the needs of one detail session, thanks
Jngrbrdman
New member
NorCalZ71, this isn't really the right way to get that information. If you have a question like that then the best way to get it is either to search or start a new thread in the Autopia University forum. Don't hijack other threads with new questions though. Generally you will get more views and more responses if you don't do that. Cool?
Accumulator
Well-known member
mirrorfinishman- I'll back up what the others are saying. *GOOD* MFs really are better than cotton. I used to use (cut and reserged) Charismas and some "egyptian cotton" towels too. I was actually sorta surprised that the MF towels were better. But the cheaper ones are a different story...only use the good ones.
One problem I've encountered is cotton toweling getting "stiff" over time. I wash my towels in a good washer with liquid detergent and filtered and softened water, but it can still happen. This isn't NEARLY as much of a problem with MF; it usually isn't a problem at all. But if this isn't a factor for you, then you might consider some functional differences I've noticed. Note, of course, that the following based on *MY* experience, YMMV.
WWs- I've tried a number of things for drying, and I'll still sometimes use the Charismas for some jobs (like blowing water out of seams where there might be residual dirt that comes along with it- the dirt gets caught in the long nap of the towel), but the WW towels just work the best. Better than cotton (hold more water, no wringing), the Absorber, the Water Bandit, Griot's synthetic chamois, natural chamois, better than anything I've ever tried. The cotton towels work fine (if they're soft enough not to micro-mar), especially if you have enough of them, but sometimes they'll leave lint. The others I mentioned never get ALL the water off the surface; the WWs do. And the gray WWs are softer than cotton, no cutting action that I can discern, no micromarring (even under magnification).
Plush MFs- These work better for me than cotton for removing products like polishes and waxes, and are MILDER for applying such products. Sometimes there's no NEED for improvement; a perfectly clean, soft, cotton towel will do the job just fine (unless the paint is especially soft). But when faced with a product that either doesn't want to release from the surface, or that tends to smear, the MF works MUCH easier and more effectively than cotton.
As I'm sure you know, even soft cotton can have a mild "cutting action", Meguiar's #7 (non-abrasive) used with a cotton applicator *WILL* slightly abrade old-style lacquer, for instance (and generally, this is a good thing- "hand rubbed" lacquer and all that). But if you try it with MF, there is *NO* abrasive action. The MF's nap really is softer than the loops of cotton toweling. Sometimes this matters, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you WANT the cotton's cutting action. But *I* generally prefer using the MF, and thus taking this variable out of the equation.
Suede-style MFs- I use these for cleaning glass (no lint, good at removing filmy contaminants) and for removing thin synthetic sealants. Some people feel Klasse SG, for instance, is hard to remove; with the suede-style MFs *I* find it comes right off. Products like BFII and P UPP that can be tempermental (smearing, etc.) likewise come right off with these towels.
MF bonnets- The good ones are available in suede-style (from CMA and TOL) and "regular" (Meguiar's). In my experience, NOTHING removes last step products as quickly, easily, and uniformly as these bonnets on a random orbital buffer.
Cheaper MF bonnets, such as those from VIPER, are not soft enough for me, but others like them.
Natural fiber MFs- I've only used my CBT once, but it seemed to be everything my plush MFs were. I honestly can't say it's better, but I get the feeling I'd notice something positive if I were using it on something like black lacquer. Other Autopians, whose opinions I've learned to respect, have used these on black cars and reported even LESS micro-marring than they got from plush MFs. This might not be an issue for most people, but for some of us it is.
Like you, I've been doing this for a long time. I first "detailed" cars (as opposed to washed/waxed them) in the mid-'70s. I thought that the RIGHT cotton towels were THE thing to use until I tried some GOOD MFs. It's just like applicators- remember when foam applicators were a new thing? Every now and then a technological advancement really IS funtionally better. MF towels are one of those cases.
One problem I've encountered is cotton toweling getting "stiff" over time. I wash my towels in a good washer with liquid detergent and filtered and softened water, but it can still happen. This isn't NEARLY as much of a problem with MF; it usually isn't a problem at all. But if this isn't a factor for you, then you might consider some functional differences I've noticed. Note, of course, that the following based on *MY* experience, YMMV.
WWs- I've tried a number of things for drying, and I'll still sometimes use the Charismas for some jobs (like blowing water out of seams where there might be residual dirt that comes along with it- the dirt gets caught in the long nap of the towel), but the WW towels just work the best. Better than cotton (hold more water, no wringing), the Absorber, the Water Bandit, Griot's synthetic chamois, natural chamois, better than anything I've ever tried. The cotton towels work fine (if they're soft enough not to micro-mar), especially if you have enough of them, but sometimes they'll leave lint. The others I mentioned never get ALL the water off the surface; the WWs do. And the gray WWs are softer than cotton, no cutting action that I can discern, no micromarring (even under magnification).
Plush MFs- These work better for me than cotton for removing products like polishes and waxes, and are MILDER for applying such products. Sometimes there's no NEED for improvement; a perfectly clean, soft, cotton towel will do the job just fine (unless the paint is especially soft). But when faced with a product that either doesn't want to release from the surface, or that tends to smear, the MF works MUCH easier and more effectively than cotton.
As I'm sure you know, even soft cotton can have a mild "cutting action", Meguiar's #7 (non-abrasive) used with a cotton applicator *WILL* slightly abrade old-style lacquer, for instance (and generally, this is a good thing- "hand rubbed" lacquer and all that). But if you try it with MF, there is *NO* abrasive action. The MF's nap really is softer than the loops of cotton toweling. Sometimes this matters, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you WANT the cotton's cutting action. But *I* generally prefer using the MF, and thus taking this variable out of the equation.
Suede-style MFs- I use these for cleaning glass (no lint, good at removing filmy contaminants) and for removing thin synthetic sealants. Some people feel Klasse SG, for instance, is hard to remove; with the suede-style MFs *I* find it comes right off. Products like BFII and P UPP that can be tempermental (smearing, etc.) likewise come right off with these towels.
MF bonnets- The good ones are available in suede-style (from CMA and TOL) and "regular" (Meguiar's). In my experience, NOTHING removes last step products as quickly, easily, and uniformly as these bonnets on a random orbital buffer.
Cheaper MF bonnets, such as those from VIPER, are not soft enough for me, but others like them.
Natural fiber MFs- I've only used my CBT once, but it seemed to be everything my plush MFs were. I honestly can't say it's better, but I get the feeling I'd notice something positive if I were using it on something like black lacquer. Other Autopians, whose opinions I've learned to respect, have used these on black cars and reported even LESS micro-marring than they got from plush MFs. This might not be an issue for most people, but for some of us it is.
Like you, I've been doing this for a long time. I first "detailed" cars (as opposed to washed/waxed them) in the mid-'70s. I thought that the RIGHT cotton towels were THE thing to use until I tried some GOOD MFs. It's just like applicators- remember when foam applicators were a new thing? Every now and then a technological advancement really IS funtionally better. MF towels are one of those cases.
:shocked
Damn, George.... :bow :bow Now go rest your fingers.
All I have to say is that (good) MF is safe, saving me the angst of trying to find true 100% cotton towels or buy bathroom towels that have edging, and the nature of the microfiber material makes buffing surfaces easier.
I honestly think that someday MF will likely supplant cotton as the textile of choice.
Damn, George.... :bow :bow Now go rest your fingers.
All I have to say is that (good) MF is safe, saving me the angst of trying to find true 100% cotton towels or buy bathroom towels that have edging, and the nature of the microfiber material makes buffing surfaces easier.
I honestly think that someday MF will likely supplant cotton as the textile of choice.
imported_ajbarnes
New member
TortoiseAWD
New member
Frank,mirrorfinishman said:
Since you're obviously not getting the answer you want to your question, please either give us the answer you seem to think is correct, or re-phrase the question. Asking the same thing over and over again is getting you nowhere, and I don't know about everyone else, but it's starting to annoy the hell out of me.
You've asked your question four times in this thread. Asking it again won't yield a different response.
Tort
imported_memnuts
New member
Frank, the improvement I discovered with using high quality elite MF's is their resistance to creating micro-marring of the finish. This has greatly decrease the frequency in which I must take corrective action in restoring my finishes (polishing). If you have not had this problem with the usage of elite 100% cotton towels I see not benefit in you switching. :wavey
Addendum. I have been detailing since the late 60's ( remember the first tire dressing was glycerin and water mixture). I used cotton towels up until the point that I had to try MF's. No way to turn back.
Addendum. I have been detailing since the late 60's ( remember the first tire dressing was glycerin and water mixture). I used cotton towels up until the point that I had to try MF's. No way to turn back.
andriver
Detailing Hobbyist
I think that the use of MF or terry towels is simply subjective. Whatever gives you the results you are looking for.
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Quote: Since I started my detailing business in 1986 I have not found 100% cotton terry towels to be unsafe and lint has not been a problem.
How are Microfiber towels a better tool with regard to improving the detailing process?
~One mans opinion / observation~
They will ‘grab’ wax/sealant residue better than a terry towelling, a “feathered� finish provides superior absorbent properties for glass cleaning, and dependant upon how dirty the glass is, most cases it can be cleaned by just using damp without chemicals, a “hooked� finish with ends that grab and hold dirt, grime and residues, a great tool for removing wax/polish
I would suggest they are more efficient cleaners than terry towelling, and the absorbent properties of waffle weave towels is second to none(less need to wring out saving time)
Efficiency, time saving (I can’t quantify how much time though as I only use Microfiber now)
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/
justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
How are Microfiber towels a better tool with regard to improving the detailing process?
~One mans opinion / observation~
They will ‘grab’ wax/sealant residue better than a terry towelling, a “feathered� finish provides superior absorbent properties for glass cleaning, and dependant upon how dirty the glass is, most cases it can be cleaned by just using damp without chemicals, a “hooked� finish with ends that grab and hold dirt, grime and residues, a great tool for removing wax/polish
I would suggest they are more efficient cleaners than terry towelling, and the absorbent properties of waffle weave towels is second to none(less need to wring out saving time)
Efficiency, time saving (I can’t quantify how much time though as I only use Microfiber now)
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/
justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
andriver said:
andriver,
When you say subjective, do you mean that you really have not noticed any real improvements to the process with the use of MicroFiber cloths?
andriver
Detailing Hobbyist
Frank, the only improvement I can really report is that MF seems to micromar the finish less than Terry. At least that is my experience.
imported_mirrorfinishman
New member
BW said:
BW,
Thanks very much for the good advice. I have already contacted a few suppliers asking for some samples.
If you or anyone else knows of a MicroFiber supplier that I should contact please shoot me an email at [email protected]
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Quote: About how much time would you say you are saving during the detailing process because you now use MicroFiber?
~One mans opinion / observation~
I apologise if I didn’t make it clear, “Efficiency, time saving (I can’t quantify how much time though as I only use Microfiber now)�
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/
justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
~One mans opinion / observation~
I apologise if I didn’t make it clear, “Efficiency, time saving (I can’t quantify how much time though as I only use Microfiber now)�
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/
justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
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