etenn

Posts in the E211 forum are talking about the California Duster scratching black cars.

I had one ..threw it away because I thought it might scratch. I "thought" that I had read enough good things (no scratches) on this detail forum to feel safe in using one. Bought a new one and have been using it.

Was I wrong? Does the damn thing scratch afterall? I may have to throw away the second one also

Ed

oggle

I bought a California water blade, seeing the recommendations on autopia. But after I opened it up felt the material, I promptly returned it without even using it once.

You can always test it on a small spot on your car and then shine a big spot light on it to see if it does scratch.

500AMG

The duster itself may not cause scratches/marring (much like the water blade), HOWEVER, both the duster and blade can drag dirt along with it that could scratch. I personally bought the blade based on some ppls recommendations, saw it, and never used it...I know for a fact I can't keep the blade 100% clean while I use it so it will scratch. It's probably decent for glass though.

henry47

I've been using the California Duster on my car for several months now. The head of it isn't even red anymore, but black from all the dirt and dust. I don't see any new scratches on my car though but then again I have a silver car. Of course I carry meguires scratch x with me when I dust my car just in case I do see any scratches.

oggle

It's hard to see scratches on silver cars, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Also, it depends on how well you are examining your paint to check for scratches. You need to be under direct sunlight or bright flourescent light (parking lot lights) to be able to see them clearly.

henry47

I am always i direct sunlight when I dust off my car. And I DO see scratches but the scratches that I do see are swirl marks from washing/waxing because when I use the duster, I use it in a back and forth motion. If you guys are having problems with the duster, maybe you should go contact California Duster because they do offer a guarantee that it won't scratch, am I correct?

500AMG

The duster itself will not scratch your car...HOWEVER the dirt that is dragged along with the duster CAN scratch your car. That's the rub...if you ensure (or insure LOL ) that the duster is dirt free as you drag it along, you should be ok. Remember though, on a black car, even the slightest thing can marr it. Ever try the plastic baggie test on a black car? Not pretty to say the least.

David N.

500amg is correct. The dirt that is being dragged CAN scratch. The key to using the duster is to dust your car every day so that dust doesn't pile up. Also ensure that you do not dust your car hours, days, etc after it has been rained on. The dust will harden and stick to your paint after the rain dries. Only begin dusting again after you have washed your car and the dust has not been contaminated with rain.

I use my duster in this manner and have not had a problem with it.

As for the blade, it can also scratch. Only use it on panels that have ALOT of water on them. Semi wet panels, like the vertical surfaces of your car after a wash, will cause the blade to "get caught" while dragging it. This can cause scratching. I only use my blade on horizontal surfaces after I wash. I wipe the blade with a clean towel after each swipe to avoid scratching. I learned these lessons the hard way. Doing these things will allow you to enjoy your water blade for years to come.

henry47

ohh....I've been assuming that everyone does this on a daily basis like David N. That's what I've been doing. What's the baggie test?

MTI

From the "swirl removal" sticky . . .

Take a plastic ziplock bag and put your hand inside it. Gently feel the paint by runnng your finger across. If you feel any bumps or unsmoothness, you need to clay.

SergC

I've been using Caliduster for since 1994- never a scratch


Serg Conon

Kar don

Serg!! good to see u here!

SergC

Hi AL !

Good to see You too !

Here are a few others fellow Autopians !