California Water Blade?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
California Water Blade?
anyone have one? what are your impressions? i was told about it by a friend of mine who is getting one.
i really like the duster that they make.
i really like the duster that they make.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 95
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From: Boston, MA
2004 E500 4Matic
I have been using one for about 2 years now, I bought one when it first came out. It does dry the car faster than using a chamois and I always keep it in my detailing kit. I would recommend it, but don't pay more than $20.
I have to warn you though, if you are using it on black paint which doesn't have swirl marks, it will cause swirls, although so will a chamois. In other words it's great for normal washing but not good enough for competition.
I have to warn you though, if you are using it on black paint which doesn't have swirl marks, it will cause swirls, although so will a chamois. In other words it's great for normal washing but not good enough for competition.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: bucks county
black on black 2k2-230k auto/c1/c5/c7/k2c/COMAND/TELEAID/Stage II HIDS
Originally posted by eddie
I have to warn you though, if you are using it on black paint which doesn't have swirl marks, it will cause swirls, although so will a chamois. In other words it's great for normal washing but not good enough for competition.
I have to warn you though, if you are using it on black paint which doesn't have swirl marks, it will cause swirls, although so will a chamois. In other words it's great for normal washing but not good enough for competition.
thanks for saving me 20 bucks
greg
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29
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From: SF Bay Area
MB C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
Originally posted by eddie
I have been using one for about 2 years now, I bought one when it first came out. It does dry the car faster than using a chamois and I always keep it in my detailing kit. I would recommend it, but don't pay more than $20.
I have to warn you though, if you are using it on black paint which doesn't have swirl marks, it will cause swirls, although so will a chamois. In other words it's great for normal washing but not good enough for competition.
I have been using one for about 2 years now, I bought one when it first came out. It does dry the car faster than using a chamois and I always keep it in my detailing kit. I would recommend it, but don't pay more than $20.
I have to warn you though, if you are using it on black paint which doesn't have swirl marks, it will cause swirls, although so will a chamois. In other words it's great for normal washing but not good enough for competition.
What do you use not to get swirls? And how do you get the swirls out? Clay AND wax the car?
Touchless car washes no good? Any car washes good?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 1
From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
Originally posted by tomqbui
What do you use not to get swirls? And how do you get the swirls out? Clay AND wax the car?
Touchless car washes no good? Any car washes good?
What do you use not to get swirls? And how do you get the swirls out? Clay AND wax the car?
Touchless car washes no good? Any car washes good?
i also ask, what doesn't cause swirls? claying should be done rarely, imho, when you got water spots that won't come out. i zainoed the car about a month ago and water spots can still be rubbed off.
i have a orion blue coupe which is kind of dark and i will get the water blade and try it out. hopefully, the zaino will be an impervious barrier to the swirls
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
I've been using cotton terry cloth towels for drying my cars for years without any problems, as far as swirls, etc. When I got my new C240 a few months ago, I decided to "upgrade" my drying equipment and try to get more efficiency. First I got a chamois, but it seemed to cause some streaking, and, I believe it will strip wax because of the tanning chemicals which are used. Then, I tried the P21S drying "cloth" which was highly recommended. I used it on both the M-B and my wife's Buick several times. Then I noticed a few new slight scratches, and I went back to the cotton towels.
Here's where I think the problem is. Even though you've just washed the car, small particles can still be present. When you dry the car with a cotton towel, there is some "give" due to the loops of the material. I think this helps avoid scratching. On the other hand, the chamois and other types of "absorbers" have flat smooth surfaces, and actually seem to cause more friction. I think they tend to drag any particles more which can cause a scratch. I'm thinking that the California Water Blade may fall into this category, though I have not tried one myself.
Here's where I think the problem is. Even though you've just washed the car, small particles can still be present. When you dry the car with a cotton towel, there is some "give" due to the loops of the material. I think this helps avoid scratching. On the other hand, the chamois and other types of "absorbers" have flat smooth surfaces, and actually seem to cause more friction. I think they tend to drag any particles more which can cause a scratch. I'm thinking that the California Water Blade may fall into this category, though I have not tried one myself.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 13
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From: Northern VA
2002 SLK32 AMG
I've used a blade for more than a year, and have no evidence of swirls (and my cars are concours winners). Of course, my cars aren't black, but I really can't fathom how you could possibly get swirls from something that you do not move across the surface in a circular motion. I've found the water blade to be very safe to use, but you really must make sure that the blade is perfectly clean prior to using it. Otherwise you'll just be dragging debris over the paint finish and risk scratching the car.
Overall, in drying the car, I typically start with the blade and finish off with a cotton towel. I've also heard very good things (both here and elsewhere) about the P21S drying towel and plan to try one in the near future. Again, I've never heard of this product causing scratches if you start with a properly cleaned car and a clean towel. (One note: I always use a different towel for drying the engine area, wheels, wheel wells, exhaust, etc.)
Overall, in drying the car, I typically start with the blade and finish off with a cotton towel. I've also heard very good things (both here and elsewhere) about the P21S drying towel and plan to try one in the near future. Again, I've never heard of this product causing scratches if you start with a properly cleaned car and a clean towel. (One note: I always use a different towel for drying the engine area, wheels, wheel wells, exhaust, etc.)
