StephenK

Hi, I recently took delivery of a 2005 SL600 with a black exterior that looks fantastic right now, but I know the challenges of a black car. I have been reading about drying towels and have become totally confused as to what to use. Some say just terry cloth towels, ofthers say microfiber towels, which there sees to be many varieties. I would like to hear some specifics of forum members recommendations. Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

If you would like to check out my SL600 feel free to click the link to see some photos. Photos of 2005 SL600

Kar don

stephen... check the detailing forum! The threads at the top of that forum explain a lot! I suggest microfiber towels for most uses... it is much more than just towels which is why i suggest reading that forum. Not all towels are made the same, I have had the best luck with microfibertech.com towels and neatitems.com (only mint green) towels. For drying i like the big blue towel from properautocare.com. Here is a black SL55 that I detailed, but this is a 2003 SL so it doesnt have the new cerami-clear coat which doesn't scratch as easily. Try and find swirls on this finish

StephenK

what do you think of this one, i have been thinking of trying this

http://www.microfiberplus.com/better.htm

TCM

Definately try to go with micro-fibre as far as wax removal and sealent is concerned. It makes an amazing difference in swirls.

TOGWT

~One man’s opinion / observations~

Bear in mind that I’m very biased towards natural micro fibre fabrics (DF Towels) but there are some excellent synthetic Microfiber cloths/towels around

Microfiber (micro fibre):
Micro fibre by definition (very small; involving minute quantities or variations) is not a fabric; it is a yarn, spun into thread, which is then used to weave a fabric. These ultra-fine yarns (2X as fine as silk and 100X finer than a human hair) are made form various sources They can be made from nylon, polyester, nylon by-products or a natural material such as cellulose (a plant carbohydrate) both linen and cotton are natural plant fibres.

Micro fibres are never used alone but spun together with other yarn to form a less dense weave (100% micro fibre would be very dense, non-absorbent and almost satin like)

The smaller the diameter of the yarn, the softer the fabric will feel, however this does not mean that its non-abrasive and will not cause scratches (this softness can also be chemically induced) Most Microfiber that originates from Asia and the far east is fabricated from nylon, polyester or nylon by-products. Because the label says Microfiber is no assurance that the material is safe to use or that it is non-abrasive.

Its scratch resistance has a lot to do with the way the fibres are processed and spun, there are too many factors to be able to say conclusively that natural fibres will not cause scratches and artificial fibres will. In my opinion, however, natural fibres are far less likely to scratch.

The most important criteria for any fabric used on a vehicle surface is its quality and scratch resistance. Natural cellulose can be spun with long staple cotton and then woven into a 100% natural terrycloth type fabric. This is very soft, absorbent, and non-abrasive and will not cause scratching. Once this type of fabric is washed two or three times, to remove any short fibres it will not leave a lint trail.

Quality towels edge bindings are sewn with cotton thread, not polyester. To ensure your towels and buffing clothes provide long-term use, wash them frequently in a liquid soap (Micro Restore) in hot (120oF<) water, add a teaspoon per towel distilled white vinegar, the vinegar doesn't coat the fibres but instead works to eliminate detergent residue and finally a thorough cold rinse. Always wash micro fibre separately and only with other micro fibre fabrics

CD Scratch Test- with a micro fibre cloth, using medium to heavy pressure rub the surface of a CD. If there are no scratches then it probably wont scratch the vehicles paint surface.

Burn Test- to test a material for polyester content, light a thread, if it emits a black wisp of smoke and then shrivels up into a black hard ball, its polyester and can scratch your paint.

~Hope this helps~

Knowledge unshared is experience wasted
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon

BoSoxFan

TOGWT - very informative post, as usual. Thanks for all that you bring to these forums.

BoSoxFan

Very nice work, Al.

Go Red Sox

TOGWT

Thank you.

Something I read on a detailing forum once has stuck with me ever since, ‘Each one teach one”

I have always tried to find out not just “How it works, but also “Why” it works. With that in mind I probably respond with more detail than some think is necessary. But try to write in a way that helps the reader to understand not only "How" to do something, but "Why" they are doing it.


Knowledge unshared is experience wasted
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ Jon

BoSoxFan

With that thinking, you must be a pretty good architect. I have to agree. I've always felt that if you understand the theory (the 'why') then you can figure out everything else that you need to know.

Kar don

Thanks! Can't wait to see Game 7.

[180]

I only use microfiber on the body / interior.

My cotton terry cloths are only used for cleaning door jambs, wheels, wheel wells, engine, etc..