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Best material for applying wax that won't scratch soft black paint

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Old Nov 12, 2004 | 07:28 PM
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Question Best material for applying wax that won't scratch soft black paint

What's the softest material to use when applying wax on a black (non-nano, so if you breath on it, it scratches) MB?

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Old Nov 12, 2004 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by RJC
What's the softest material to use when applying wax on a black (non-nano, so if you breath on it, it scratches) MB?

Thanks
A high quality Microfiber waffle weave towel is the softest material you can use. See this link's posts for details:
https://mbworld.org/forums/detailing-automotive-care/85977-zaino-sonus-awesome.html

Personally, I just use a foam applicator pad for my Zaino and save the spendy microfiber for blot-drying the car.

HTH,

EDJ
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Old Nov 13, 2004 | 05:45 PM
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Thanks for the link. Is your car black?
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Old Nov 13, 2004 | 07:30 PM
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I find applying a paste wax with your hand works well. You can feel any dirt on the surface with your hand before you wax the product in allowing you to remove it. Does take awhile to get used to though.
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Old Nov 14, 2004 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by TCM
I find applying a paste wax with your hand works well. You can feel any dirt on the surface with your hand before you wax the product in allowing you to remove it. Does take awhile to get used to though.

the problem with that tho is if you are rubbing and already felt the dirt.... it's too late. I prefer yellow foam applicators and make sure you have a clean surface and use little to no pressure! This damn non-nano paint will swirl/marr if u sneeze near it!
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Old Nov 14, 2004 | 06:07 PM
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Are those foam applicators softer than say a turkish cotton towel? I would make sure either the applicator was damp (not wet) which I thought reduces friction; good idea?

If you're a true perfectionist (i guess like me ) are the nano cars that much better or do they still show swirls fine scratches etc?

Thanks

Last edited by RJC; Nov 14, 2004 at 06:10 PM.
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Old Nov 26, 2004 | 09:50 PM
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First let me say that the nano painted cars are amazing, my 2004.5 is 100% swirl free after 6 months. You say big deal, but I take it weekly to the dealer for a free car wash. My 2002 would be covered in heavy swirls within 3 washes at the same dealer.

What I like to use to put wax on, and this is new for me but I really like it, is the foam applicator that came with my Meguiars NXT Tech Wax. NXT is perfect for your type of car because it fills in the swirls making them less noticeble and keeps you from buffing it too often and although that's the best way to rid yourself of swirls, it does take it's toll on paint if overdone. You can buy the pads in bulk for pretty cheap, from the Meguiars website, it's part number W-0004-12 for a dozen pads for $5.88. Then when you are done applying the whole car, get some good microfiber towels to remove the wax. I like the microfiber towels from CostCo, they cost about $13 for a large package. The turkish towels are OK but I think they are a little too aggresive for waxing and best left for cleaning.

Before waxing though, clay the car, that will remove the contaminents that make it feel rough and gritty and will make more swirls as you wax.

And before claying, consider Mr Clean Autodry. It's soap has very high lubricity making it safer for your soft black paint. Let it dry most of the way on it's own and then delicately towel dry with the microfiber towels. If you are going to be claying/waxing don't worry about drying by hand, just let it air dry and then clay away.
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