Detailing Look here for questions and answers on detailing and washing your car etc.

micro scatches on my black coupe!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-20-2004
  #1  
Registered!!
Thread Starter
 
StealthCivic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
StealthCivic is an unknown quantity at this point
micro scatches on my black coupe!

I was looking at my car in some kind of night lighting and saw scratches all over my car, you can only see them in this light, not normally, so I was like what in the He** causes that?? I must have scratched my car when washing it! I have used a regular car sponge and wash mitt , I dry it with a drying towel. Now, I am afraid to wash my car with anything except spray!
Old 06-20-2004
  #2  
Registered!!
 
albs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: California
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
albs is an unknown quantity at this point
Wecome to the world of a black car owner!

Check out this thread:
http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...threadid=39752

Here's one method to dry a car, I haven't tried it:
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums...1556773&page=8

I've started to use microfiber products exclusively on my car. I use a microfiber wash mitt, drying towel, applicator pads, and polishing cloths.
I would stay away from the car sponge, use something that will "trap" more dirt.
I still get stratches and some spider-webbing. But it's very minimal now. My car's a daily driver, and it's outside 24/7. I have to learn and live with some slight scratches.
Old 06-21-2004
  #3  
Registered!!
iTrader: (2)
 
rckdrmr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: over there
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
rckdrmr is on a distinguished road
i use microfiber towels ( www.zwipes.com ) and the absorber to dry. both are available at k-mart for around $15.
Old 06-21-2004
  #4  
Registered!!
 
albs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: California
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
albs is an unknown quantity at this point
Here's one guy's washing technique to avoid marring your paint:

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums...4827926-1.html

Note the mention of a leaf blower to dry the car. Some guys are nuts, but I guess when you don't touch the paint, you wont scratch it! I'm actually contemplating buying one!
One thing that's seems really popular is the two bucket technique for washing. One bucket with suds, and one for rinsing your wash mitt. This minimizes the amount of dirt that may get 'ground' into your paint while washing the car. Rinse your mitt often to keep it clean, and use the soap water to keep the dirt suspended in the your wash mitt before you rinse it.
I try to blot or pat dry my paint instead of wiping it. The waffle weave MF towels do a good job. I don't seem to get as many scratches as I used to.
Old 06-21-2004
  #5  
Registered!!
Thread Starter
 
StealthCivic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
StealthCivic is an unknown quantity at this point
Thanks ya'll I really appreciate the tips and any more advice is welcome. Thanks albs
and rckdrmr.
Old 06-21-2004
  #6  
Registered!!
Thread Starter
 
StealthCivic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
StealthCivic is an unknown quantity at this point
I am going to get the absorber, but I believe the microscratches were caused by the sponge, I need to get a microfiber wash mitt, I now use a wash mitt but it is a cheaper cotton one from advance auto parts

Last edited by StealthCivic; 06-21-2004 at 08:53 AM.
Old 06-21-2004
  #7  
iTrader: (11)
 
HyaBoosta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Miami
Age: 41
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 273
HyaBoosta will become famous soon enough
i get that on my black civic too. i use the absorber to dry but once you throw on a nice coat of wax you see it alot less.
Old 06-21-2004
  #8  
Registered!!
 
lucky_topher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Age: 46
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
lucky_topher is an unknown quantity at this point
microfiber is the black-car-savior microfiber mitt, microfiber drying waffle-weave towel (more absorbancy), microfiber applicator pad, microfiber polish removal towel, and microfiber towel for detailspray... all are different, all feel different.. designed for their particular applications...

as for the leaf blower... i couldn't agree more.. i own and use one... i blow the whole car off, then take the waffleweave towel and get the areas that still have some residual, etc...
Old 06-21-2004
  #9  
Registered!!
Thread Starter
 
StealthCivic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
StealthCivic is an unknown quantity at this point
Local car wash?

I just washed my car at the local car wash where you wash it yourself and
it is just $1.00 for 4 minutes because it was covered in mud, and I have taken off my mud guards (like a fool). I noticed the sudsy brush I have used many times is very course! Maybe this is what has caused the micro scratches! What do ya'll know about the do - it - yourself car wash? My car looks clean now! But, I am wondering about the wash from the spray gun if it okay to use and that sudsy brush looks rough , far from microfiber!! I will be gettin the absorber, and looking for a microfiber wash mitt.......but is the car wash cool?
Old 06-21-2004
  #10  
Registered!!
 
lucky_topher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Age: 46
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
lucky_topher is an unknown quantity at this point
Originally Posted by StealthCivic
I just washed my car at the local car wash where you wash it yourself and
it is just $1.00 for 4 minutes because it was covered in mud, and I have taken off my mud guards (like a fool). I noticed the sudsy brush I have used many times is very course! Maybe this is what has caused the micro scratches! What do ya'll know about the do - it - yourself car wash? My car looks clean now! But, I am wondering about the wash from the spray gun if it okay to use and that sudsy brush looks rough , far from microfiber!! I will be gettin the absorber, and looking for a microfiber wash mitt.......but is the car wash cool?
definitely! that's your issue.. no brush, regardless of the softness of the bristles, is good for you clearcoat/paint...

here's a good link for high quality microfiber.. attention was paid to detail even with stitching around edges, etc...

http://www.tropicarecarproducts.com/...home.php?cat=3

(fyi.. if u wash your microfiber towels, do not use a fabric softener, either liquid in the wash or sheets in the dryer)
Old 06-21-2004
  #11  
Registered!!
 
albs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: California
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
albs is an unknown quantity at this point
I would be careful at these DIY car washes:
http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...harsh+car+soap

At least you have control over what you do with the pressure sprayers and soap brushes.

Some people use the Griot's Boar's Hair Brush with some success, but I wouldn't trust it. I'll stick with what works for me, my microfiber wash mitt. My Civic's small enough to wash with the mitt.
http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...harsh+car+soap

Use low heat for drying your microfiber towels. High heat can damage them permanently.
Here's some info on microfiber that will make your head spin:
http://autopia-carcare.com/inf-microfiber.html
Old 06-22-2004
  #12  
Registered!!
Thread Starter
 
StealthCivic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
StealthCivic is an unknown quantity at this point
After ya'll have helped me out, I can't believe I have used the brush at the DIY car wash places!! I am sure this caused my microscratches! Never again! What about the
pile wash mitts or sheepskin wash mitts at advance auto, they say safe for clearcoat.
I got my absorber to dry, now I just need a very safe mitt. I can keep my pile mitt I got at advance.....Thanks for the help.
Old 06-22-2004
  #13  
Registered!!
 
albs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: California
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
albs is an unknown quantity at this point
People seem to like chenille or the lambswool mitts:

http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...ight=wash+mitt

Note what "eggroll" says about sponges below:
http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...ight=wash+mitt
Old 06-22-2004
  #14  
Premium Member
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
 
EManEX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Clovis, California, US
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 295
EManEX will become famous soon enoughEManEX will become famous soon enough
Mr. Clean Auto Dry, it works.
Old 06-22-2004
  #15  
Registered!!
Thread Starter
 
StealthCivic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
StealthCivic is an unknown quantity at this point
Originally Posted by albs
People seem to like chenille or the lambswool mitts:

http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...ight=wash+mitt

Note what "eggroll" says about sponges below:
http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...ight=wash+mitt
Thanks bro!
Old 06-22-2004
  #16  
Autocross Junky
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
 
Zzyzx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Age: 45
Posts: 7,211
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 356
Zzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond reputeZzyzx has a reputation beyond repute
I worked in an auto body shop for 10 Years, and the only time I've ever seen black paint perfect... Is 5 min after it came out of the paint booth. No matter what you wash the car with it will get scratches, you can use waxes and polishes to hide it, but when ever those products wash off, the scratches will still be there.

as some one said befor, welcom to the wonderfull world of Black car ownership.
Old 06-23-2004
  #17  
Registered!!
iTrader: (2)
 
rckdrmr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: over there
Posts: 2,342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rep Power: 0
rckdrmr is on a distinguished road
[QUOTE=Zzyzx]I worked in an auto body shop for 10 Years, and the only time I've ever seen black paint perfect... Is 5 min after it came out of the paint booth. No matter what you wash the car with it will get scratches, you can use waxes and polishes to hide it, but when ever those products wash off, the scratches will still be there.QUOTE]

agreed.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
jdawgzcivic
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
12
06-30-2015 06:35 PM
rayman7
Mechanical Problems/Vehicle Issues and Fix-it Forum
4
06-20-2015 09:48 PM
cmart1209
Wheels, Tires & Brakes Modifications
1
05-29-2015 04:52 AM
matt95401
Parts and Products
11
12-22-2001 02:48 PM
BLiTz
General Automotive Discussion
7
11-30-2001 10:02 PM



Quick Reply: micro scatches on my black coupe!



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:36 AM.