I couldn't find any discussion on this so here goes....Detailers chime in please. I have used exclusively Zaino cotton towels. Love em, they last, no scratches. Sometimes a trace of lint can be seen on the my black 575. Is a microfiber towel REALLY better than a high quality cotton. Someone settle this one.
YES...and the higher the pile fibre count is, the better the towel.. The crap microfibre that supply stores sell is the least acceptable..for me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDuzSoiJt7o
Cheap microfiber can leave a very static cling type of fibre lint, so use cheap ones for degreasing and such. The better ones have a split fibre and while plusher is good for some purposes like buffing, for applying a shorter nap is preferred. Most of the best micro fibre is made in Korea, but some China suppliers are ok. Microfibre has a bit of "grip" which makes them superior for product removal. Quality cotton for application, and final buffing is fine. Make sure there are no labels attached! And any fabric that gets grit on it is where the problems will come from, moreso than the type of cloth itself. For glass cleaning, microfiber works best.
Try some of these and let me know what you think: https://www.detailersdomain.com/collections/microfiber-towels-applicators/products/special-buy-10-pack-uber-quick-detail-microfiber-towel No matter what you use always care for your microfibers as directed. Don't was with *any* other fabrics and never use fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Zaino cotton is the only towel that I will use that's not microfiber. You need their towel to easily remove the polishes. Microfiber strands seem to clog easily and just smear the zaino products. Other than that, microfiber!!!!!
Functionally, I'd go with microfiber, but some of them just feel weird in my hands. Hard to beat cotton in that respect.
Good to know. I have noticed that Zaino is a bit difficult to remove with microfiber, but haven't tried their cotton towels. They seem to be sold out on both versions of cotton towels at the moment: Zaino Store : Zaino Blonde Borderfree Towel: 3 pack Zaino Store : Zaino Snow White Borderfree Towel: 4 pack
I have used the Zaino for everything....washing the car, drying, take off polish and final sealant removal. They don't do real well for glass so that will be where I will use the microfiber. For the microfiber advocates, where does the microfiber really excel?
For the painted surfaces of my car I only use the waffle weave mf towels from Detailed Image. I use regular mf towels for wheels, door jambs, engine compartment, etc.
edgeless microfiber towels are the ticket! we have and use these on a daily basis. https://www.microfibertech.com/Extra-Fluffy-Korean-Microfiber-Detailing-Towel-16x16.html
I use cotton for applying products and microfibre for removal. MF also really good for removing grime off steering wheels, just add water. Useful Microfibre info: https://www.ammonyc.com/detailing/how-to-wash-microfiber-towels-properly/
If you touch your car with a towel (microfiber or otherwise) you will scratch your car. You may not see it after the first dry with the naked eye but eventually you will. Maybe I am on a bit of the nutty side... So depending on what you want this is what I do on my cars when needing to keep the scratches off. Wash in the shade... Foam cannon the car with a good soap (see Ammo, Chemical brothers, or Adams, etc.) Let sit for 10 minutes Rinse with warm-hot water Foam cannon the car again Let sit for 10 minutes Use super foamy micro-fiber mit and follow the Top-Down and one panel only and two bucket methods Rinse after 1/3 - 1/4 the car Use an electric blower (not gas) or air hose to get the water out of the jams and lines and generally dry the car. If you have to go back to take some drops off with a towel, use a waffle micro-fiber towel (again with the same vendors) and dab, do not wipe, the water off. Done. Now if you want to put a wax, sealant, or detail spray, due so right after the dry and before much dust gets on the car. Use very high quality plush MF towels. Mine are color coordinated and come from Korea (not from some other countries that produce an inferior product). make sure to spray your liquid both on the car and the application towel. There is no reason to do circular motion, straight is fine. Lastly, do not apply any pressure. The towel will do the work. With that method, and washing the car every 1-2k miles (1-2 months for a daily driver) you will still get some micro abrasions that you can see with 2000+ lumens lights and/or specialize equipment. A yearly very light polish should be fine. ok, craziness over.
I always use a spray bottle filled with water to wipe down the car after it has been waxed. Like the old trick a good shoe shine person does. It gives a nice high gloss and takes any of the left over product off. I really started doing it when Istarted to use Zaino wax 15 years ago or more.
As Corny as he might sound...He is spot on with his advice ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78pih89kPs
Interesting. Is this instead of, or in addition to, wiping down with Z6? I don't remember having trouble wiping off Zaino in the old days (still using MF back then), but lately I've noticed it. Even with Z6, which is pretty good at cleaning up very old dried wax stuck in crevices, I've noticed it is still a bit difficult remove an application of Zaino and hour or so later. Note that I always use Zaino with the ZFX catalyst mixed in, so that may be a factor.
