hey everyone - I seldom drive my car and where I park, it is a dust magnet (especially since it is black). So after about 3-4 days, its covered in dust from my garage but the car itself is still pretty clean. what do you guys use to dust off the car? or do you suggest I just wash the car? (although not a fan of washing it every week, nor have the time to).

I was thinking about dusting off the car using some sort of microfiber clothe, but fear that I might scratch the paint by just dusting it off lightly. thoughts? thank you

 

It is getting ready to be pollen season here...I was also wondering about California Dusters and if they scratch...Does anyone use these?

 

what do you guys think of using compressed air to blow it off? like the one you use to clean your keyboard.

 

I've used them on several cars with very good results. The brush is impregnated with a wax that attracts and holds the dust. A new duster will have excessive wax and will leave streaks on the paint (easily removed with a spray-on detailer) so it is recommended that before the initial use the brush be placed on a newspaper for a time to absorb the excess wax. After that, it will do an excellent job of picking up dust on the body and glass. It is not designed for removing a build-up of gritty dirt or for scrubbing a stubborn spot; just lightly move the duster over the surface of the car. The dirtier the duster gets the better it works. Just shake them off before, during, and after use and make sure you keep it in its storage pouch when not in use. I usually follow up with a light detail spray to enhance the shine, but that's not mandatory.

 

THanks for the info! But doesn't the painter's tape create a wax line on the hood in front of the bra line? Even if you make it 1/4" off the bra there still would be a line, no? I'll need to check out the 3" machines! Thing is that I polished mine 9 months ago and it beads water like I did it last month!

 

The California duster is indispensable during pollen season, I use mine all the time. My normal routine is to first remove the dust and/or pollen with the CA Duster and then follow up with detail spray and a microfiber cloth. Do that regularly and you will be able to go a very long time between washes.

 

ryem3,

Yes, you definitely do get a line from the blue painter's tape but it comes off easily. Do this later in your detail routine rather than first so that your micro fiber cloth has some wax residue on it already. That plus the "line" of wax residue left from the tape will ensure an even coating of wax on your car right to the bra "line".

My car is a weekend toy. With my last weekend toy I found that polishing with Machine #3 every two years was enough and waxing with Best of Show every 9-12 months was enough. I only use Machine #2 and #1 for problem spots. Remember when you polish you are removing a few microns of paint each time. Actually, you are removing clear coat. It would take A LOT of polishing before you get yourself in trouble but I figure why remove paint when it's not necessary.

I've followed George Griot's tips in his catalog and handbook pretty closely and here are two that I personally find to really work really well. Whenever you wash your car with his car wash put a small amount of Best of Show wax in there too. I like to use about a tablespoon. It really does extend the time between waxes. Also, whenever you wash let the car dry thoroughly (I like to give it anywhere from 6-12 hours depending on humidity, etc.) and then use Speed Shine. A little goes a long way and it doesn't take much time at all. Again, this will help extend the time between waxes. I really love his blue micro fiber cloths that he recommends to remove Speed Shine. They are about the softest things I think I've ever felt - period! Pick up a pack on your next order you will not be disappointed with these! They clean up really well too. I simply use regular Tide laundry detergent and then put them in the dryer without a dryer sheet and they come out just brand new again.

 

I love the california duster for removing light dust/pollen. As long as it used only for this and not for dirt there should be no scratches/swirls and please just do not put any weight down on the duster while dusting off. I've used both the california duster and Griot's (they carry their own version of the california duster) on dark colored cars without any blemishes on the paint. Our forum sponsor Moe carries an australian lambswool duster that has no wax if you are worried about smearing. Here is the link: http://www.glisteningperfectionstore...ster-gp/Detail. Using a blower or forced air to take the dust off would not be effective and can cause scratches. I would certainly not do that.

For new cars without any noticeable swirling Griot's has their least abrasive Machine polish #4 that I like, especially on my wife's dark colored car.

 

I use a California Duster on my black car. I think if you have a good coat of wax on the car, it's fine to use this in my view.

 

+1 on Zaino

- Z7 car wash.
- Z2 pro car polish - quick and easy. Little to no residue.
- Z6 gloss enhancer between washes. Does an excellent job, and does not scratch or leave swirl marks. Been using it for years with great results.
- Z8 grand finale spray, a nice wet shine. Primarily use it after Z2.
- Z16 perfect tire gloss. Lasts a long time and does not splash black gunk on your fenders.

All that and I don't even work for Zaino

 

Lots of great info here already. Let me know how much time you'd like to spend detailing, your goals, and color of your new 911. We'll get you set up with all the goodies and provide you with the support to use them all.

 

Zaino.

 

Has anyone used the California Blade to help remove the water from the body and if so what were the results?

 

Used one a long time ago. It worked OK on large flat spots but not very efficient on a curved surface and will (obviously) do nothing to get water out of tight spots or in the cracks and crevices where a lot of water hides. You'd do better with a small electric blower for a no touch method. I stopped using one when it was pointed out that there was a good possibility of scratching the paint if you tried it on a car that was not perfectly clean (removing dew or rain, etc).